Mt. Sarakura

Name of route: The Eight Sights of Sarakura Course

A loop tour of the "Eight Sights of Sarakura" taking in all the best things to see, based on a 2017 city referendum (approximately 3,500 votes were cast).

Location data

Mt. Sarakura Visitor Center

Five minutes' walk from Sanjo Station at the top of the Hobashira Cable Car. Drop in here first to check the map of the sights to see, up-to-date event information, blossom forecasts and more. It is always busy here in all seasons as a meeting place for climbers, hikers and birdwatchers.

■Amenities
Parking: No / Toilets: Yes / Water station: Yes / Camping: No
■Address
2664-1 Oazaokura, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu City

Sanroku Station, Sarakurayama Cable Car

Climb aboard Kyushu's longest cable car and enjoy the evolving panoramic scenery through the ceiling to floor glass windows. The total distance from Sanroku Station to Sanjo Station is 1,100m and takes about 5 minutes to lift you 440m up the verdant mountainside. Operates during the evening at Golden Week and summer holidays.

■Amenities
Parking: Yes / Toilets: Yes / Water station: No / Camping: No

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Sightseeing information

Kogo-Kunimi Rock

Kunimi Rock is found on the eastern slopes of the Mt. Sakakura summit. Legend has it that the 14th emperor of Japan stood on this rock and looked out over the current Onga, Kokura and Shimonoseki area. The rock is some 7m high and is used as a training location for rock-climbing.
Fusen Gorge

A highlight here is the contrast of beautifully aged maples and cedars, which looks best in the autumn foliage season. The masonry arch bridge is a spot of outstanding beauty on Mt. Sarakura.
The giant, old cedar Kogosugi, Emmpress's sugi

At an altitude of 450-500m on the northern slopes of Mt. Gongen is about a 4-hectare forest of cedars. One particularly old giant tree, which has survived over 400 years, has an air of mysterious dignity. It is called Kogosugi or "Imperial cedar" based on the legend of the empress of the 14th emperor.
Silk Tree Lookout

About 10m off the botanical garden trail is a lookout flanked by silk (mimosa) trees. The view takes in Kawachi Reservoir and Mt. Fukuchi. This is also a good place for forest bathing.
Gongen Peak

The view from the mountaintop is splendid, but the view in the autumn foliage season is a must, spreading out like a beautiful carpet of bright red. Mt. Gongen stands at 617 meters, second-highest after Mt. Sarakura in the Hobashira ranges and builds a deep base of snow in winter. There are white enkianthus shrubs, Japanese maple trees, and pine trees with handsome foliage, delighting hikers all throughout the year.