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Aso-Kuju NP, Oita
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At Makinoto, many pink miyamakirishima azaleas were hiding beneath sasa grass. In 2012, more than 50 people cleared two trial plots; after 5 years, forest staff reported stronger plants and better flowering.
The blueberry juice at the pass’s rest house has a local backstory: Kokonoe began promoting blueberries as a new specialty in 2001. Today, the town lists the fruit among its specialties and has many blueberry farms.
A stone memorial in Makinoto’s parking area honors Michizo Kishi, the first president of Japan Highway Public Corporation. The Yamanami Highway was among Japan’s first parkways, designed with the surrounding scenery in mind.
On the ridge trail from Makinoto Pass, Kyushu azaleas bloom between lava rocks in June. Their bright pink flowers against the dark stone make a striking little display on this nearby mountain route.
The longer ridge walk from Makinoto toward Chojabaru crosses grassland kept short by noyaki, or controlled burning. Hikers also follow a firebreak—a cleared strip made to help stop flames spreading.
In 2017, about 70 volunteers got Makinoto’s trail ready for the June azalea season. They replaced ropes, collected litter, reset stakes and cut drainage channels, with the nearby Hachobaru power station leading the work.
The Yamanami Highway was once the toll Beppu–Aso Road. Its 30-year toll-collection period ended at midnight on June 25, 1994, when the road became free to use.
