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Family-friendly hotels near Kuju Mountains
Information checked on 2026-10-27. Hours, admission and facilities can change; please confirm on the official site before you go.
About Kuju Mountains
The Kuju Mountains are a group of peaks spanning Kokonoe Town and Taketa City in Oita Prefecture, within Aso Kuju National Park. The highest peak, Mt. Nakadake, stands at 1,791 m and is the tallest mountain on mainland Kyushu. Peaks of around 1,700 m cluster across an area 13 km east to west and 10 km north to south, and the range is counted among Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Tucked between the peaks are the Bogatsuru and Tadahara wetlands, both registered as Ramsar Convention wetlands. The Iida Highland to the north and the Kuju Highland to the south are wide grasslands where dairy farming and visitor-friendly ranches thrive. The whole area sits on geothermal ground, and hot springs are scattered throughout.
Visiting Kuju Mountains with kids
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Trails to suit every walker
According to the official tourist information, the trails range widely, from gentle paths for beginners to steep routes for experienced hikers.
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Parking at the trailhead
Chojabaru Public Parking Lot has 500 spaces, including 10 for large vehicles and 2 for people with disabilities. You can drive in and set off on foot toward the trailhead.
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A hot spring after your hike
Relaxing in a hot spring after a day on the trails is introduced as one of the pleasures of this area. There are also many inns nearby.
Hokkein Onsen is a single inn at 1,303 m in the Kuju mountains, and the only way to reach it is on foot. There are also areas in the mountains closed to entry because of steam and gas vents.
Family-friendly features near Kuju Mountains
Hotels within 15 km of Kuju Mountains (16, nearest first)
Of the family-friendly hotels listed on Kids Stay, 16 are within 15 km of Kuju Mountains. They are sorted from nearest to farthest, with the distance to each.
Sujiyu Onsen Kokonoe Iyashi no Sato Hotel Daikogen
Sujiyu Onsen Ryokan Shirataki
Kashi Bessou Iida Log House T
Kurokawa Onsen Yamamizuki
Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Nonohana
Rakuten STAY VILLA Aso Kurokawa
Kurokawa Mori no Cottage
Kurokawa Onsen Yumerindo Hanadomari
Kurokawa Onsen Yukyo no Hibiki Yusai
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Wakaba
Other attractions near Kuju Mountains
Areas near Kuju Mountains
Seasonal picks for Sujiyu Onsen and Kokonoe
New Year Holidays With Kids
Skip the crowds and the cold. Choose from three ways to relax as a family: a big resort with meals included, a warm southern island, or a snowy hot spring town
New Year Hidden Gems With Kids
Avoid December 29 to January 1, stay one stop past the famous resort, and spend the day inside your hotel. Here are the hotels and areas that put Japan's domestic travel tricks to work for families over New Year.
Winter Onsen With Kids
Winter onsen towns from north to south, where an in-room bath, a reservable private bath and meals in your room mean you never have to go out
Travel tips
There are two trailheads. From Chojabaru on the north side, trails lead via Bogatsuru to Mt. Taisen and Mt. Kuju. From Makinoto Pass on the west side, trails lead to Mt. Kuju and other peaks. You can choose a trailhead to match your destination and schedule, then rest your legs in a nearby hot spring after the descent.
Best season
In spring, the grassland is burned in the traditional controlled burn called noyaki, which transforms the look of the highlands. From late May to mid-June, the Miyama kirishima azaleas, a nationally designated Natural Monument, turn the summits pink, and in autumn the fall colors blanket the mountains. In winter, the peaks are covered in snow.
Getting there
By car, Chojabaru Public Parking Lot is about 30 minutes from Kokonoe IC on the Oita Expressway. The trailheads are Chojabaru (bus stop: Kuju Tozanguchi, meaning Kuju Trailhead) and Makinoto Pass, both along the Yamanami Highway.
Access and basic information
| location_onAddress | Kokonoe-machi, Kusu-gun, Oita Prefecture |
|---|---|
| local_parkingParking | Chojabaru Public Parking Lot: 500 spaces (10 for large vehicles, 2 for people with disabilities) |
| callPhone | 0973-79-2381(九重・飯田高原観光協会) |
Map
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FAQ
Is there parking?
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Yes. Chojabaru, one of the trailheads, has a public parking lot with 500 spaces, including 10 for large vehicles and 2 for people with disabilities. It is about 30 minutes by car from Kokonoe IC on the Oita Expressway.
Can beginners hike here?
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The official tourist information says there are a variety of courses, from gentle paths suited to beginners to routes for experienced hikers. You can choose a destination that matches the ability of the people walking.
When can we see the flowers and fall colors?
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The Miyama kirishima azaleas turn the summits pink from late May to mid-June. In autumn, the fall colors blanket the mountains, and in spring the grassland is burned in the traditional noyaki.
Are there family-friendly inns nearby?
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Within 15 km there are 16 lodgings for families with kids. The closest is the Sujiyu Onsen Kokonoe Iyashi no Sato Hotel Daikogen, about 5.9 km away. Eight of the lodgings offer a menu for toddlers.
Are there hot spring inns suitable for babies?
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Within 15 km, 8 inns have simple hot spring water, which is regarded as suitable for babies. Rakuten STAY VILLA Aso Kurokawa in Kurokawa Onsen is about 9.3 km away and also has baths in its guest rooms.