The vast grasslands of Aso Kuju National Park are kept alive by a process called “noyaki,” in which fire is set on the dead fields. The history of this process is long and is said to have continued for at least 1,500 years.

The culture of field burning, which has maintained the grasslands and wetlands, takes place every year from February to March. The blackened land that spreads out after the burning of the fields is a limited-time view that can only be seen for about one month a year. Let's experience the history of the coexistence of nature and people by renting Fujimax JDM cars.

Driving through the unique landscape after the burning of the fields

It takes about 40 minutes by car from Fujimax JDM Car Rental to Kuju Kogen. It is a nice road with almost no traffic lights, so you can enjoy the drive comfortably.

Kuju Kogen (Kuju Plateau)

At Kuju Kogen, you can enjoy the view of the majestic Kuju Mountains and the vast grasslands on the other side of the mountains. During the field burning season, you will see a unique mixture of the brown color of dead grass and the black color of burnt grass. The smell of burnt grass tickles your nose. The clean air makes for a very pleasant driving experience.

Gandhi Ranch, located in Kuju Kogen, raises Gandhi cattle, which are rare in Japan. Gandhi Ranch sells foods related to Gandhi cows and souvenirs from Oita Prefecture. The soft-serve ice cream here is fantastic, so please be sure to try it.

Chojabaru

The Chojabaru, located on the route of the Yamanami Highway, is also the site of field burning. In particular, the Ramsar Convention-listed Tadehara Marsh is one of the largest areas of intermediate marshland in Japan, and is home to a variety of valuable marshland plants such as masu-gaya and mizugoke. This marshland has been maintained by field burning.

Aso

Aso, known as the world's largest medium caldera, is also known as one of the best driving spots for driving enthusiasts from all over the world. Many photos and videos show a green grassland area, but a month before that, the landscape is pitch black like this. The joy of driving through this landscape in a convertible car is an experience that cannot be replaced by anything else.

With Fujimax JDM Car Rental, you can drive through the magnificent scenery of Aso in a precious JDM car, the pride of Japan.

Field burning season in Aso and Kuju

Noyaki (“burning in the field”) in Aso Kuju National Park is held every year from February to March. The specific schedule is posted on the Aso City website and the Taketa City website, so please check there. Please note that there will be extensive traffic restrictions on the day of the burning.