In hunt of Miyama Kirishima at Hiijidake in Kuju 平治岳 2021/6/5

 In hunt of Miyama Kirishima at Hiijidake in Kuju 平治岳 2021/6/5

Today we got up early (2am) and set off to Oita to hike Hiijidake and see the Miyama Kirishima. Miyama Kirishima is a special species of Alpine Rhododendron that grow at around 1000m altitude and are smaller than typical Rhododendron Azaleas Tsutsuji. The names from Mt. Kirishima where they grow in abundance but the also are a popular sight in the Kuju Mountains and Mt. Unzen as well. 

We got to the Oike pond car park at 4:30am and rested a little until sunrise before setting off to hike Hiijidake. The trail is not too difficult but does involve climbing higher than most trailheads at Kuju. A Utongoshi mountain pass we found Hiijidake covered in bright pink flowers. It is a wonderful thing to see and is very beautiful. 

After coming down we went to visit Oike pond a small pool with beautiful blueish water. From there we went to Meisui waterfall which involved climbing over many fallen trees and ignoring lots of keep out signs. The water was raging and had the same blueish tint.

Please click on the title to see the Yamap link and route map