Tsurumidake and Garandake, Volcanic mountains in Oita Prefecture, Japan
Tsurumidake and Garandake form a volcanic mountain group in Oita Prefecture with several peaks, the highest reaching 1,584 meters. The mountains sit within Aso Kuju National Park and offer hiking routes along with viewpoints across the surrounding landscape.
The volcanic group showed its last significant activity in 867, when eruptions occurred from March through May. Since then the mountains have remained quiet, but their volcanic nature shaped the landscape and regional history.
Local communities view these peaks as sacred places connected to their spiritual traditions and daily connection to nature. The mountains remain central to how people in the region understand their relationship with the land.
The mountains are accessible through several entry points, and a cable car provides quick access to higher elevations for views. Planning ahead helps you choose the best route based on your fitness level and available time.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency maintains monitoring stations on both peaks equipped with advanced sensors and live cameras tracking volcanic activity. This constant observation makes the mountains an important research location for understanding volcanic systems across Japan.
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