Higotai Park: A Floral Escape in Ubuyama

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Discover rare globe thistles, stunning views, and tranquil nature trails at Higotai Park in the heart of Kumamoto's Aso region.

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Higotai Park

Higotai Park, nestled in the Aso District of Kumamoto, offers a tranquil escape into nature. Renowned for its seasonal floral displays, particularly the rare Higotai globe thistles, the park provides stunning panoramic views of the Kuju Mountains and Mount Aso, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.

A brief summary to Higotai Park

771 Tajiri, Ubuyama, Tajiri, Aso District, Kumamoto, 869-2704, JP
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit in late August or early September to see the Higotai flowers in full bloom.
Bring insect repellent, especially during the summer months, to protect against mosquitoes and other bugs.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails and exploring the park.
Check the weather forecast before you go, as the park is at a high altitude and conditions can change quickly.
Consider visiting the nearby Ubuyama Quest Walk to explore other attractions in the village.

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Getting There

Driving

From Kumamoto Airport, take Route 57 towards Aso. Continue onto Route 442 towards Ubuyama. Follow signs for Higotai Park. The drive is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. There is a large free car park available at the park. Note that mountain roads may be closed during winter.
Public Transport

From Kumamoto Station, take the JR Hohi Line to Miyaji Station. From Miyaji Station, take a bus or taxi to Higotai Park. The bus ride is approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, take a Kyushu Sanko bus from Kumamoto to Ubuyama. From Ubuyama, take a taxi to Higotai Park. Bus fares from Kumamoto to Ubuyama are around ¥2,000 - ¥3,000.

Discover more about Higotai Park

Higotai Park, located in Ubuyama Village, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a natural landscape park offering stunning views and diverse floral displays. Situated on a grassy plateau at the foot of the Kuju Mountains, the park is approximately 900m above sea level, providing a cool escape from the summer heat. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Kuju Mountains to the east, Senomoto Heights to the south and west, and the outer rim of Mount Aso.The park is famous for its Higotai (Echinops setiferus), a rare species of globe thistle that blooms in August and September. These unique blue flowers are a remnant from a period before Kyushu separated from the Asian continent. In addition to the Higotai, the park features a variety of wildflowers throughout the year, including lilies, pink Nadeshiko (Dianthus), and yellow Ominaeshi (Patrinia) in the summer. Cosmos flowers create a spectacular display from September to early October, and Susuki grass adds to the autumn scenery. Lucky visitors may even spot the Rurimon Hanabachi, a rare blue bee said to bring happiness.The park also includes a campground with cabins and tents, a trail, and a natural river pool. The Camp Village has a library and a hydrophyte botanical garden. Drum Tao, a world-famous drumming group, is based nearby and can sometimes be heard practicing.