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Miyama Kirishima flowers (rhododendron kiusianum)of Mt. Kyozuka
- Address
Oita-ken, Hayami-gun, Hiji-machi
- Parking lot
- Parking available at Entrance of Mt. Kyozuka Parking and Yamada Yusui Spring Parking (for several vehicles).
- Access
- Take National route 10 and go North for 15 minutes at Syooku-temple Iriguchi junction.
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The 610m high mountain above Hokke-ji Temple is named Kyozuka Mountain, which translates to 'Sutra Mound' mountain. It is named so because there was supposedly a sutra mound in the inner sanctuary of the temple. The act of burying sutras underground was seen as a good deed and an act of prayer in Japanese Buddhism.
It is said that miyama kirishima (rhododendron kiusianum) flower best in areas 800m above sea level, but here on Kyozuka Mountain they flower in lower areas. Also known for flowering earlier than those in other areas of the prefecture, the miyama kirishima here are best seen from the beginning to the middle of May.
In 1974, this area was recognised as a Natural Monument.
The trail that runs from the foot to the summit is famous for being the path walked by the missionary Francisco Xavier in the Sengoku period, around 1550.