Late Spring in Oita: Hiking and Glamping at Kuju Flower Park

Hello everyone,
We’ve had a brief intermission since our last newsletter, but we’re back and delighted to share more of Oita with you in 2021! As the weather turns balmy in the late Spring, the warming temperatures have beckoned us out
into the great outdoor bounty that is Oita.

A little over an hour’s drive from Oita city is the Kuju Mountain Range, with an invigorating mix of hiking trails,
luxurious glamping options, and a favorite of flower-lovers: Kuju Flower Park. Located at the southern base
of the Kuju Mountains, the Kuju Flower Park flower season starts from early spring and continues to late
autumn, with over 500 different flower varieties blooming throughout the year, including tulips, fuchsia
pink moss, poppies, lavender, and sunflower fields.

Though an obvious choice for a day trip, the park’s recently-added glamping options tempt visitors to turn a day trip into an overnight flower and star gazing extravaganza! The “Flower and Star” Kuju Camping Resort has
traditional camping grounds outside the park, as well as semi-permanent tents located within the park itself.
These yurt-style tents are the ultimate luxury glamping experience, equipped with comfy beds, electric heaters,
charcoal grills, and outdoor sofas.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be captivated by the celestial views once darkness falls. Kuju’s flat terrain
and low mountain range mean that you’ll have unobstructed views of the starry skies that take center stage at
nightfall.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs during the day, the surrounding Kuju mountain range has hiking options for both seasoned hikers and leisurely walkers. About a 30-minute drive north of Kuju Flower Park is Tadewara
Marsh, known for its wooden boardwalks leading through the marshy grassland with distant views of steaming
hot springs. At the end of your day, return to Kuju Flower Park and grill dinner on the BBQ under the stars to
complete your outdoor experience in Kuju.

As always, we hope you are staying safe wherever you are in the world and hope to welcome you again soon to Oita!