Kuju Highland - Kyushu's Most Spectacular Starry Sky Grasslands at the Foot of Kuju Mountains

Overview

Kuju Highland is an approximately 800-meter-elevation highland spread across Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, located at the south foot of the Kuju Mountain Range. Protected as part of Aso-Kuju National Park, this vast grassland is beloved by astronomy enthusiasts as one of Kyushu's most beautiful stargazing locations.

Observation Environment

Kuju Highland is positioned in central Kyushu on the south side of the Kuju Mountains. It maintains sufficient distance from major metropolitan areas like Oita City and Kumamoto City, preserving an environment with minimal artificial light influence.

The vast 800-meter-elevation grassland has little to obstruct views, offering more than 180-degree panoramic vistas centered on the southern sky. With Bortle scale class 2 darkness, the Milky Way appears powerfully visible.

The sight of the Milky Way rising against the silhouette of the Kuju Mountain Range is spectacular and is known as one of Kyushu's premier starscape spots.

Recommended Observation Points

Several scenic overlook parking areas line Kuju Highland's main road, each offering views of different sky directions. The Kuju Highland Observation Platform particularly opens the southern sky, ideal for summer Milky Way photography.

Staying at Kuju Highland Cottage allows full enjoyment of the starry sky in a low-light environment from its grounds. The luxury experience of viewing the starry sky from an open-air bath is also available.

Access

About 50-60 minutes by car from Kuju IC on the Oita Expressway. Access from the Kumamoto direction via Aso is also possible.

Observation Tips

The grassland experiences strong radiative cooling, with rapid temperature drops on clear nights. Even in summer, nighttime temperatures can fall below 15°C, so bring light fleece or a windbreaker. As the area comprises pastureland, be careful not to enter ranch fences or private property.