Guida
Bungo Kaido (Niju Pass) is a historic section of a mountain pass located in Kuragari, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture. This site is renowned as a vital point of the Bungo Kaido, which once served as a crucial transportation route connecting Higo and Bungo provinces. The most striking feature is the approximately 1.6km stretch of stone paving, roughly 3 meters wide, which remains preserved today. These stones were laid to prevent road erosion caused by wind and rain on the slopes, leaving behind a vivid atmosphere of the Edo period. The area offers a harmonious blend of historical ruins and the breathtaking natural scenery of the Aso region.
This historic route is said to have been developed by the famous daimyo Kato Kiyomasa. During the Edo period, it was utilized for the 'Sankin Kotai' (alternate attendance) processions of the Hosokawa clan. The stone paving was a deliberate engineering feat designed to stabilize the terrain and prevent landslides during heavy rain and wind. Walking this path allows you to trace the footsteps of the countless people and goods that once traversed this pass. Furthermore, the area holds significant historical value, with records noting that Katsu Kaishu, a prominent figure from the end of the Edo period, once wrote about the beautiful scenery of this region.
The main attraction is the 1.6km stone-paved path stretching before you. As one of the longer surviving stone-paved sections in Japan, it is a precious spot to observe the ancient construction techniques and ingenuity of the era. The path winds through undulating terrain, offering a historical hike set against the backdrop of the Aso caldera's natural environment. A particularly beautiful feature is the view during twilight, when the sky transitions through a stunning gradient of orange to deep blue, casting a silhouette over the distant mountains.
As an outdoor historical site, it is accessible throughout the year, and you can enjoy the changing seasons of nature. Daytime is best for observing the texture of the stones and the surrounding vegetation in detail. Visiting during the late afternoon or sunset is highly recommended to witness the atmospheric change in the sky's colors, which lends a serene and nostalgic mood to the historic path. Since it is often used as a hiking course, visiting during bright daylight hours is advised for safety and visibility.
You can enjoy a peaceful hike along this historic mountain pass. A round trip to the bottom of the pass takes approximately 2 hours. By walking the stone-paved path, you can physically experience the sensation of how travelers of old navigated the landscape. Rather than a strenuous mountain climb, this is a relatively easy and accessible hike that allows you to connect deeply with Japanese history.
Various spots to enjoy the nature of Aso are scattered around the Niju Pass area. For instance, the 'Kabuto-iwa Observatory' and 'Nishitaura Park' along the Milk Road offer spectacular views of the Aso Outer Rim. Additionally, natural spots like the 'Ochaya Sensui' spring, where clear water flows, allow you to fully experience the natural beauty of the Aso region alongside your historical walk.