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At an altitude of 1,644m, Mt. Okue is the featured mountain of the Sobo Katamuki Quasi-National Park. The area offers extensive cliffs, natural forests, and a variety of trails for climbers. Many rare plant species can be found along the trails and visitors can enjoy the magnificent colors of every season.

Known as “Kyushu’s Last Hidden Spot,” the park’s natural features remain unspoiled. A large range of granite mountains known as “Hoko Peak,” “Mt. Hiei,” “Yahazu Peak,” and “Mt. Mukabaki,” surround Mt. Okue.

① Akebono Azalea.

Akebono Azalea fully bloom in early May.

② Ashibi Tunnel

Japanese Andromeda tree tunnel at Mt.Okue trail entrance.

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Mukabaki Falls

At a height of 77m, Mukabaki Falls was selected as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful waterfalls.

This is a leisure facility situated near the summit of Hayahi Peaks (868m).  Go-carts, a playground, accommodation and restaurants are available.  There is also a solar power generation facility with the solar panels aligned in the shape of a flower.

Admission: Free　Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Closed: Tuesday (Wednesdays in the case of a holiday)

*Open: GW, 7/20 – 8/31, New Year’s Day.

Mt.Tonba (186m) is situated on the island of Shimanoura Island, off the coast of Nobeoka City.  In early May, hundreds of Mitsuba-Azalea bloom, turning the mountain into a beautiful shade of pink.

On a clear day, Shikoku Island is visible from the eastern point of the mountain!

20min by Ferry

10min by Fast Craft

At the Temple, there is a 200 year-old weeping plum tree along with 50 white and 5 red plum trees.  Together they are called “Enichibai.”  The plum blossom viewing season is in early February.

Shiroyama Park features the ruins of Nobeoka Castle, which was built in 1603. About 300 cherry trees bloom in the park every spring. One highlight is the “Killer Stone Wall of a Thousand Invaders.” It is said, that this wall will collapse and kill 1,000 enemies if a stone from the foundation is removed.

Shiroyama North Main Gate

The gate, located on the north side of the Castle, was reconstructed in 1993.

Shiroyama Wild Camellia

Bloom from winter through spring

Over 3,300 wild camellia trees grow naturally.  The park also has unique types of camellias called “Nobeoka” and “Bokusui.”

Shiroyama Bell

The bell chimes six times per day.

 The bell keepers have been ringing the bell and telling the time since 1878.  The Shiroyama Bell Festival is held on June 10th every year.

Millions of canola flowers and 300 Kawazu cherry blossoms align the Gokase River banks, bringing many tourists for viewing.

Cherry Blossom Season:

 Early February – Mid-March

Canola Flower Season:

Early February – Early Ma

In Nobeoka, you can experience spring a little bit early by participating in the Nobeoka Flower Story “Kono Hana Walk” event. In this event, people walk along the Kono Hana Road, which passes the famous plum trees of Honto Temple, the incredible cherry and canola blossoms along the banks of Gokase River, and the wild camellia of Shiroyama Park. You can enjoy performances by local artists, outdoor tea ceremonies, rickshaw rides, and browse local products during the Nobeoka Flower Story event.

The garden offers a spacious grass lawn, athletic facilities and a walking path on which visitors can enjoy a variety of flowers throughout the year.  The Flower Festival in Nobeoka is held in Spring.

Nobeoka Botanical Garden

Admission: Free　Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm