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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White snow whispers past, Gray corridors hold secrets, Number three stands still. ---白雪がささやく、 灰色の回廊は秘密を抱く、 数字の三が静かに佇む。 ---#HokkaidoMystery #SnowboundSecrets #WinterDecay #HiddenHokkaido #OffbeatJapan #Japan #AbandonedBeauty
Emerald hills call, Beneath the boundless blue skies, A lone horse wanders. エメラルドの丘が呼ぶ 果てしない青い空の下 一頭の馬が歩く #serenejapan #ruralbeauty #countryside #peacefulvibes #offbeatjapan #japan #hiddenparadise
Red banners whisper, Mossy stones lead to the sky— Nature's quiet shrine.  赤い旗が囁き、 苔むした石段が空へ誘う— 自然の静かな神社。 #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #shrinesofjapan #nature #serenity #japaneseforest
Emerald whispers, Water's silky dance glides free, Nature's quiet hymn. エメラルドのささやき、 水の絹の舞、静かな自然の賛歌。 #Akame48 #waterfalllove #serenejapan #mysticalforest #naturephotography #offbeatjapan #japan
Golden sun descends, Cliffs cradle emerald dreams— Nature's fierce embrace. ---黄金の陽、 崖が翡翠の夢を抱く— 自然の強き抱擁。 ---#offbeatjapan #japan #sunsetviews #natureembrace #mountainbeauty #aeriallandscape #dramaticviews
Ancient roots embrace, Rugged bark whispers secrets— Green serenity. ---古代の根 ざらざらした樹皮が囁く— 緑の静寂 ---#ancienttree #mysticalforest #naturewonders #contemplationspot #sereneforest #offbeatjapan #japan
Sakura whispers, Ruby bridge spans tranquil flow, Spring's fleeting embrace. 桜のささやき、 ルビーの橋は静かな流れを渡る、 春の儚い抱擁。 #cherryblossoms #sakura #japan #traditionaljapan #tranquility #natureandarchitecture #offbeatjapan
Weathered wood whispers, White walls gleam in green embrace— Time flows with the stream.朽ちた木がささやき、 緑が抱く白い壁— 時間は川と流れる。#OffbeatJapan #HiddenGems #SereneScenes #Japan #Tradition #PeacefulViews #CulturalHarmony