Mt Yufu

Thrilling rock scramble to the west peak 

Mt Yufu (Japanese: 由布岳) rises above the Yufuin Basin as one of Kyushu’s most graceful volcanic mountains, a twin‑peaked stratovolcano whose east peak and slightly higher west peak give it the distinctive silhouette often called Bungo Fuji. Its topography includes steep grassy slopes, a broken crater wall and rocky ridges that form a horseshoe around the old blast crater. The mountain’s upper reaches are rugged, with exposed rock, narrow ridgelines and sections of chain‑assisted climbing, while the lower slopes open into meadows.

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The main hiking course climbs steadily through forest and grassland, passing small valleys before reaching Matae, the saddle between the two summits. The east peak is the easier and safer of the two with no chain sections and only steep rocky steps near the top. The summit offers wide views toward Beppu Bay and the Kuju range (久住連峰). The west peak is more technical. The approach includes the well‑known Shōjido chain section, a steep, exposed climb suitable for hikers with experience on chains and scrambles. The summit is slightly higher and more rugged, with dramatic views into the old crater. I enjoyed climbing both of the peaks.

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Many hikers complete a full circuit, climbing one peak, traversing the crater rim, and descending from the other. This loop is rewarding but requires care because the rim includes jagged rock, narrow ledges, and sections where footing is unstable. 

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(All information here is based on personal observations and experiences. Check official sources before planning or starting any hikes.)