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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Golden skies embrace, Waves whisper secrets to cliffs— Twilight's gentle kiss. ---黄金の空 波が崖にささやく— 黄昏の優しいキス ---#sunsetmagic #coastaldreams #explorejp #serenebeauty #oceanglow #offbeatjapan #japan
White forms dance skyward, Green mountains cradle the art, Under cloud-kissed blue. 白い形空へ舞う、 緑の山が芸術を抱き、 雲にキスした青の下で。#sculptureart #japaneseart #naturemeetsart #modernsculpture #offbeatjapan #japan #travelphotography
Darkened stalls await, Whispers of daikagura, Colors in silence. 暗い屋台、 大神楽の囁き、 色の静寂。#offbeatjapan #japan #daikagura #festivalmood #moodytones #wanderlust #hiddenjapan #haiku
Stone pagoda stands, Cosmos in bloom, moon above— Tranquil whispers hum. ---石塔立つ コスモス咲き、月上に— 静寂の囁き ---#offbeatjapan #japan #explorejapan #hiddenjapan #naturephotography #pagoda #serenity #cosmosflowers
Electric rivers, Neon veins pulse through the night— Silent power flows. 電気の川 夜に脈打つネオン— 静かな力が流れる #industrialjapan #neonlights #japanbynight #technologymagic #urbanreflections #offbeatjapan #japan
Scarlet gates basking, Lanterns whisper in the night— Ancient spirits glow. 朱色の鳥居 夜に囁く灯籠 古の魂光る #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #nightmagic #kyoto #shinto #lanternlight #sacredpathway
Blue neon whispers, Winter's glow on sacred paths— Snow dreams softly fall. 青いネオン 聖なる道に舞う、 雪の夢。 #offbeatjapan #japan #neonatnight #winterinJapan #snowyscenes #japanphotos #urbanmagic
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