Breathtaking drive through lush mountains on Scenic Laputa Road.
Experience the breathtaking drive along Scenic Laputa Road through lush mountains.

Laputa Road

Did you enjoy the Studio Ghibli animation Castle in the Sky? Then you’ll fall under the spell of this part of Kyushu: the Laputa Road.

Did you enjoy the Studio Ghibli animation Castle in the Sky? Then you’ll fall under the spell of this part of Kyushu: the Laputa Road (ラピュタの道)!

The site has obviously changed greatly since the Kumamoto earthquake, and that’s also why I decided to talk about it. You’ll find a link for donations at the foot of the page.

japan, japanese, kumamoto, kyushu, road

This is officially called the Road to Heaven. Used mainly by locals, it connects the Milk Road to the town of Aso. Here we’re just 40 km from the city of Kumamoto.

japan, japanese, kumamoto, kyushu, road

The Milk Road is a popular destination for bikers and, mmm, cows, which graze the high green slopes around Mount Aso, an active volcano. That’s it above, belching steam in the distance. I’ll take you a lot closer in a future article 🙂

japan, japanese, kumamoto, kyushu, road

But why is this road said to be in heaven? Simply because if you get there early enough there’s a stunning view of the Aso plain enveloped in mist and clouds.

japan, japanese, kumamoto, kyushu, road

No, it didn’t work out that way for me 😉 I tried my luck again but the same thing happened. Too bad, it’s beautiful anyway. And I’d already experienced a similar spectacle at Takeda Castle.

japan, japanese, kumamoto, kyushu, road

The best time to visit is in late September, with a clear sky and no wind. Try your luck! OK then, I’ll leave you to walk on in peace.

japan, japanese, kumamoto, kyushu, road
japan, japanese, kumamoto, kyushu, road
japan, japanese, kumamoto, kyushu, road
japan, japanese, kumamoto, kyushu, road
japan, japanese, kumamoto, kyushu, road

Sad to say the Laputa Road was badly damaged, partially destroyed by the earthquake that struck Kumamoto on 14 April 2016. No doubt the road will be repaired but at the time of writing (May 2016), it doesn’t seem to be a high priority.

You can easily make a donation for Kumamoto on Global Giving. With a Paypal account it took me only 10 seconds! Don’t hesitate.

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

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Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

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From the weathered castle roof, witness the timeless beauty of Japan as a quaint town rests peacefully amid rolling hills and a golden sky. 🌄🏯---古びた城の屋根から、静かに横たわる谷の町と黄金の空を背景に見渡す日本の時を超えた美しさ。🌄🏯---#offbeatjapan #japan #castleviews #historicjapan #sunsetmagic #explorehistory #tranquility
A pop of color brightens the roadside with this charming fruit-shaped bus stop, showcasing Naoshima's unique blend of art and practicality, where every corner holds a piece of its creative spirit.カラフルなフルーツ型のバス停が道端を彩ります。直島では、アートと実用性が見事に融合し、創造的なスピリットがあちこちに漂っています。#Naoshima #offbeatjapan #artisland #creativebusstop #uniquearchitecture #tangerinedream #japan
Lost in time on this charming street, where history, traditional architecture, and stunning nature merge beautifully. Discover the heart of Japan’s ceramic artistry and its serene beauty.---歴史、伝統的な建築、そして美しい自然が見事に調和するこの魅力的な通りで、時を忘れる。日本の陶芸とその静かな美しさを発見してみてください。---#ceramics #history #traditionaljapan #architecture #nature #offbeatjapan #japan
Step through the iconic red torii gate into a serene, sacred space where nature and spirituality meet in harmony, a beautiful embodiment of Japan's Shinto traditions. 🌿🇯🇵 #NatureLovers --- 赤い鳥居をくぐり、自然と精神性が調和する静かな聖域へ。日本の神道の伝統を美しく体現しています。🌿🇯🇵 #自然愛好家--- #offbeatjapan #japan #shinto #torii #sacredspace #nature #spirituality #forestpath
Witness Tokyo's dazzling evening skyline with Mount Fuji's silhouette gracing the horizon—a perfect blend of urban energy and natural beauty. 🌆🌸---富士山のシルエットが地平線を飾る、東京の華やかな夜景の眺め。都市のエネルギーと自然の美しさが見事に調和しています。🌆🌸---#TokyoNights #MountFuji #CityscapeLove #JapanViews #UrbanBeauty #OffbeatJapan #Japan
Discover the beauty of Japan's countryside where ancient traditions meet modern life. The vibrant fields and serene landscapes remind us of nature's harmony and human artistry.日本の田舎の美しさを発見しましょう。伝統と現代が出会う場所です。鮮やかな田んぼと静かな景色が、自然の調和と人の技を思い出させてくれます。#RuralEscape #NatureAndCulture #ScenicJapan #JapaneseCountryside #offbeatjapan #japan #HiddenGemsJapan
Lost in the misty embrace of Japan's mountains, this hidden village showcases the stunning connection between human life and nature. 🌿🏡日本の山々の霧に包まれたこの隠れ里は、人間と自然の美しい共存を見せてくれます。🌿🏡#MistyMountains #HiddenVillage #RuralJapan #NatureAndCulture #MountainLife #OffbeatJapan #Japan
Nature's magic in Japan 🇯🇵: A dreamy, moss-covered waterfall flows like silk, creating a peaceful, mystical scene. 🌿✨ Capturing the harmony of Japanese landscapes.---日本の自然の魔法 🇯🇵: 夢のような苔むした滝が絹のように流れ、平和で神秘的な光景を作り出します。🌿✨ 日本の風景の調和を捉えました。---#MossyWaterfall #NatureLovers #SereneEscape #JapaneseAesthetics #offbeatjapan #japan #JapanLandscape