Kunimigaoka
国見ヶ丘
A 513 m viewpoint hill where autumn dawns bring a sea of clouds over the basin, with views of the Aso Five Peaks and Mount Sobo
Kunimigaoka lies on the west side of the Takachiho basin at an elevation of 513 m. Legend says it is named after Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, who gazed over the land from here. On clear, windless autumn and winter nights with large temperature swings, the basin fills with cloud at dawn. The Aso Five Peaks float above the clouds like a reclining Buddha, and to the east rise the peaks of Mount Sobo. The best time is around sunrise. In peak season the car park fills up early in the morning, and the summit is windy and cold, so bring a jacket. It's free and about a 10-minute drive from the town center, with no public transport.
Opening hours
All day (free)
Nearby sights
- Takachiho Gorge & Manai Falls
- Tunnel no Eki
- Takachiho Shrine & Yokagura
- Takachiho Amaterasu Railway
- Kushifuru Shrine
- Aratate Shrine
- Akimoto Shrine
- Amano Iwato Shrine