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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Scarlet lantern lights, Leading through nature's embrace— A temple's whisper.赤き灯火 緑に包まれて 寺の囁き#offbeatjapan #japan #mysticalpath #sacredsteps #traditionallanterns #spiritualretreat #templejourney
Rust whispers secrets, in shadows of steel and dust, time's ghostly embrace. 錆が秘密をささやく、 鋼と埃の影に、 時の幽霊の抱擁。 #urbanexploration #haikupoetry #industrialdecay #forgottenworlds #offbeatjapan #japan #postapocalyptic
Warm light through paper, In night’s cool blue, whispers old Tales of welcome glow. 温かな光が紙越しに、夜の涼しい青の中で、古い歓迎の物語を囁く。#omotenashi #traditionallight #serenenight #oldjapan #offbeatjapan #japan #japanesearchitecture #historiccharm
Starry night whispers, Light-soaked sakura in bloom — Ethereal glow. 星空ささやく 光浴びる桜 幻想的な輝き #offbeatjapan #夜桜 #hanami #cherryblossom #etherealglo #ruraljapan #夜の美しさ #japan
Rainbow balconies, Colors dance on gray canvas— Urban art alive.---レインボー・バルコニー、 灰色のキャンバスに踊る色— 都市のアート生きる。---#rainbowfacade #urbanart #colorfularchitecture #japanesearchitecture #modernjapan #offbeatjapan #japan
Sunlight whispers through, blue hues dance on wooden beams— echoes of old hands.光がしのび寄り、 青い色が木の梁に踊る— 古き手の響き。#offbeatjapan #hiddenhistory #vintagejapan #explorethepast #japan #ancientcrafts #forgottenplaces #quietmoments
Lush cliffs guard the sea, Deep blues kiss rocky outcrops, Isle whispers secrets.豊かな崖 青海と岩を抱く 島が囁く#offbeatjapan #hiddenjapan #coastallandscape #naturephotography #japan #serenebeauty #wanderlust
Emerald river, Concrete whispers through green trees— Harmony awakes.エメラルド川、 緑木々を抜ける音— 調和が目を覚ます。#hydropower #natureandtech #emeraldgreen #sustainableenergy #offbeatjapan #hiddenjapan #japan