Higotai Park: A Floral Escape in Ubuyama

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.