Mount Kirikabu

Mount Kirikabu is a mountain summit in Kusu, Japan, rising to 685.5 meters above sea level with a distinctive flat top that offers clear views of the surrounding area. The summit remains accessible year-round by car and sits just 15 minutes from the Oita Expressway Kusu Interchange.

Local folklore tells of a giant who created this mountain by felling an enormous camphor tree, leaving behind the distinctive flat summit visible today. This ancient tale remains a key part of how the place is understood locally.

The Observatory Rest Building designed by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka uses glass walls to frame regional views and passing trains. The structure creates a space where visitors can sit and observe the surrounding landscape as an intentional part of the experience.

The summit is accessible year-round by car, making it a convenient visit in any season. Since the drive to the top is short, comfortable shoes are all you need for exploring the summit area and enjoying the views.

A 4.5-meter-high swing installation at the summit lets visitors experience the sensation of swinging above the landscape below. This unexpected feature combines playfulness with the mountain setting in a way that surprises most visitors.

Location: Kusu

Elevation above the sea: 685.5 m

GPS coordinates: 33.26159,131.13949

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:47