Climbing to Mount Aburayama, Fukuoka

On Tuesday, we climbed up to the Mount Aburayama (油山), a 597 meter mountain located in the place from the center of Fukuoka city, about 10km to the southwest. This mountain is easily accessible from the downtown by car and is loved by local people as a relaxation spot.

We stopped our car in the parking lot in front of tourist information office. We really want to go three tourist spots in the mountain, the Central (Katae) Observation deck, Meoto-iwa twin rocks and Yamakasa Waterfalls. How did we take the course? We went to the waterfalls first, and cross the suspension bridge across the valley, then come back while watching the stunning views of Fukuoka city at the Central Observation deck. We didn't go to the rocks this time because we don't have enough time to visit.

Walking the paved mountain road towards the momoland ranch at about 20 minutes, we'll reach the citizens forest camping site. From here, we climbed up the steep path for a while, we'll see the Yamakasa Waterfalls. There are beautifully sharped rocks which is about 20 meters high. The name Yamakasa (山笠) suggests that is taken from the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival take place for 15 days from the beginning of July.

About 500m further down the road from the waterfalls entrance, you can find a suspension footbridge across the valley. This bridge is the fastest way to go the Central Observation deck.

It like this.

Going to the top of the hill and finally we arrived to the observatory.

I made a panorama on my panorama maker 5. Although it was sunny in the morning, but the entire city was covered in haze due to the influence of the yellow sand from China. Because of such weather condition, the image is much darker, but please enjoy this photo.