Region
Kyushu
Island
Kyushu
Largest City
Kumamoto
Population
1,859,451

Laputa Road (Laputa-no-michi)

Drive your own Castle in the Sky on this spectacular stretch of mountain road.

Flanked by the towering mountains of Aso region, Laputa Road (Japanese: ラピュタの道) sometimes called the Road to Heaven, is one of Kumamoto’s top sightseeing spots – that nobody knows about.

If you’re familiar with the works of Studio Ghibli, you’ll remember Laputa as the name of the floating castle in the sky. This winding mountain road is nicknamed Laputa because of its resemblance to a floating castle when the clouds roll in to the caldera basin and obscure the farmland below from plain view. The twisting road that juts out from the rim of the caldera looks like it’s floating on a sea of cloud.

What was once a fiercely-guarded secret by the locals is now starting to gain popularity among Japanese and tourists alike as photos of the spectacular phenomenon get shared online.

Its appearance changes drastically throughout the seasons; the most popular time is in the summer, when photographers flock to the road to snap panoramas of vibrant grasslands in stark contrast to the charred, mustard yellow fields and the farmland just after the Aso Fire Festival (Dai Himonjiyaki).

Mountain Pass in Kumamoto Prefecture Japan

Rent a car if you can in Kumamoto as its roads are an attraction in themselves.

Taking in the spectacular mountain vista, often shrouded in clouds, it feels like you’re heading to the pearly gates in your rent-a-car. However, because of Aso’s unpredictability the road is often barred from approach. The mountain is particularly known for being hazardous in times of inclement weather; be sure to proceed up the road with caution as it is narrow and winding. It’s a good idea to check local media to ensure that it’s safe to visit the volcano.

One of the world’s largest calderas, formed after the volcano collapsed onto itself following an eruption, the rim surrounding the depression of Mount Aso is graced by endless fields of crops and grazing cows. This road, known as Milk Road because of the sheer number of cows that can be seen here, leads onto Laputa-no-michi and is just as beautiful.

Things To Know

Guided Tours

The only way to access the road is by car. If you don’t have your own, guided tours are available. Check http://www.explore-kumamoto.com/contact-us/.

How To Get There

Address

Unnamed Road, Kario, Aso-shi, Kumamoto-ken 869-2235, Japan

By car

Follow the Milk Road (it’s demarcated as number 339) from the Aso Skyline and turn left when you see a small Buddha-like statue on your left. You’ll need to take a brief walk to reach the viewpoint proper.

Where To Stay

Aso Uchinomaki Onsen Gogaku Hotel
  • 264 Uchinomaki, Aso-shi, Kumamoto, 869-2301 Japan
  • ¥8,800 - ¥10,800
  • 4.39/5 (1,394 reviews)
  • 4.0 km
Aso Plaza Hotel
  • 1287 Uchinomaki, Aso-shi, Kumamoto, 869-2301 Japan
  • ¥14,500 - ¥33,000
  • 3.98/5 (389 reviews)
  • 4.6 km
Franping Village Aso
  • 2052 Otohime, Aso-shi, Kumamoto, 869-2226 Japan
  • ¥16,500 - ¥52,700
  • 4.14/5 (37 reviews)
  • 4.7 km
Komezuka Natural Onsen Aso Resort Grandvrio Hotel
  • Akamizu, Aso-shi, Kumamoto, 869-2232 Japan
  • ¥11,970 - ¥30,590
  • 4.03/5 (940 reviews)
  • 4.8 km
Minshuku Asobe Inn
  • 1952-18 Otohime, Aso-shi, Kumamoto, 869-2226 Japan
  • ¥6,578 - ¥17,446
  • 4.9 km

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