The Kyushu Nature Trail
The Kyushu Nature Trail traverses all seven prefectures in Kyushu and is almost 3,000 kilometers long, making it the fifth longest national nature trail in Japan. It stretches from Mt. Sarakura in Fukuoka Prefecture in the north to Cape Sata in southern Kagoshima Prefecture. Established in 1980, the Kyushu Nature Trail has won the hearts of hikers thanks to the wide variety of beautiful scenery, cultural attractions, and historic spots along the route.
Regardless of where a hiker begins or ends their journey, trekking the Kyushu Nature Trail is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Winding through four national parks (Saikai National Park, Aso-Kuju National Park, Unzen-Amakusa National Park, and Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park) and four quasi-natural parks, hikers traverse remote mountains, coastal fishing regions, rich agricultural land, and quaint villages. Trekking near active volcanoes, such as Sakurajima in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, is considered one of the highlights of the trail.
About 560 kilometers of the Kyushu Nature Trail run through Kagoshima Prefecture, starting in Kirishima City, near the border with Miyazaki Prefecture. The trail stretches all the way to Minamiosumi, on the southern tip of the Osumi Peninsula. On the neighboring Satsuma Peninsula, the trail extends from Makurazaki to Satsumasendai and Isa, then continues into Kumamoto Prefecture.