On Mount Hijidake in the Hidden Flower Sea of Kyushu, I stepped into a summer straight out of a Studio Ghibli film

At the end of May, I made a trip to Oita Prefecture in Kyushu and was truly amazed by the Kuju Mountain Range! 😭 The entire hillside looked as if it had been splashed with pink paint, with the "Miyama Kirishima" azaleas blooming wildly all over the mountains. The lush green meadows served as the perfect canvas, and the clash of colors was something no camera could capture even a fraction of. ✅ Why visit in May to June? 👉 Perfect bloom period: The "Miyama Kirishima" azaleas bloom from mid-May to early June, so visiting then means catching them in full bloom. Miss it, and you’ll have to wait a whole year. 👉 Comfortable climate: The summit is about 1700 meters above sea level, with daytime hiking temperatures around 15-20°C, very pleasant. But it can be windy in the early morning, evening, and at the summit, so bring a windbreaker! 👉 Fewer crowds, secret scenery: This spot is very off the beaten path even within Japan, with no noisy tour groups, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful flower sea all to yourself. 🚶 My hiking route & viewing tips 1️⃣ Route options: · Beginner-friendly: Start from the Iida Plateau Visitor Center, follow the well-maintained trail, and reach the flower sea near Mount Hijidake in about 1.5 hours. The slope is gentle. · Challenging panoramic route: Start from the Chojahara trailhead, pass Sulfur Mountain, and reach Mount Hijidake in about 3-4 hours. This route offers richer scenery and close-up views of volcanic landscapes but requires good stamina. 2️⃣ Best viewing spot: Without a doubt, the summit of Mount Hijidake! A 360-degree unobstructed view of the pink flower sea, green meadows, and the distant Aso Volcano... absolutely breathtaking. 3️⃣ Sunrise tip: If you’re fit and the weather permits, watching the sunrise is highly recommended. Check the sunrise time in advance, start from the trailhead at dawn, and bring a headlamp. The light shining over the flower sea at dawn is unforgettable. But please prioritize safety and hike with companions. 📸 Photography gear suggestions · Lenses: Wide-angle lens (essential for capturing the vast flower sea and portraits) + telephoto lens (to compress space and show the endless stretch of flowers). · Drone: Definitely bring one if you can! The bird’s-eye view captures the stunning contrast between the flower sea and terrain. · Filters: A CPL polarizing filter effectively reduces glare from the grass and makes the flower colors more saturated. · Outfit: Light or solid-colored clothes are recommended to stand out in the flower sea. 🍜 Don’t miss the local specialties! · Jigoku Mushi (Hell Steamed): Seafood and vegetables steamed using Beppu Onsen’s geothermal steam, fresh and naturally sweet—an absolute must-try. · Bungo Beef: Oita’s top-grade wagyu, tender and delicate, available in great restaurants in Yufuin or Beppu. · Yuzu Kosho: A Kyushu specialty seasoning, refreshing with a mild spicy kick, perfect as a souvenir. ✨ Nearby attractions to combine · Beppu Jigoku Onsen (Hell Hot Springs): About 1.5 hours by car, see the eight hells’ wonders and experience unique hot spring culture. · Yufuin (Yufuin Onsen): About 1 hour by car, a super healing hot spring town with fairy-tale streets and Kinrin Lake. · Aso Volcano: About 2 hours by car, witness the grandeur of a world-class caldera, even more stunning from a helicopter. 🏡 Accommodation experience This time I stayed at a hot spring inn near Iida Plateau. The window opened to mountains, soaking in a hot spring at night relieved hiking fatigue, and waking up to birdsong in the morning truly immersed me in nature. Booking in advance is recommended as the flower season is quite popular. This pink secret tucked away in central Kyushu feels like a gentle corner deliberately left by the world. If you’re tired of crowds and want a place to breathe deeply and fill your eyes with beauty, May and June at the Kuju Mountain Range are waiting for you.