Mount Kora

Stretching from southern Fukuoka Prefecture to the Oita border, the Mino Mountain Range is home to Mount Kora, a 312-meter peak situated at its westernmost end. The mountain is best known as the site of Kora Taisha, the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of the former Chikugo Province.

For those looking to explore the area, the Kyushu Olle Kurume-Kora Mountain Course offers a 3 to 4-hour trekking route. Starting from JR Kurume-Daigakumae Station and winding through the mountain trails before ending at JR Mii Station, this course is a popular way to experience both history and nature.
One of the must-visit sites is Kora Taisha, which boasts a 1600-year history and holds the highest religious status in the region. The shrine’s majestic Edo-period structure is one of the largest in Kyushu and has been designated a National Important Cultural Property. Many visitors also choose to extend their pilgrimage to Okumiya (the shrine’s inner sanctuary), located deeper within the mountain.

The mountain also has literary significance, as renowned author Natsume Soseki frequently visited Kurume and incorporated his experiences at Mount Kora into his novel "Grass Pillow". Along the trails, visitors can discover stone monuments inscribed with Sōseki’s poetry, adding to the area’s cultural charm.
At the summit, breathtaking views of the Chikugo Plain and Chikugo River unfold below. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy a variety of seasonal landscapes, including the Kurume Forest Azalea Park, which features approximately 100 species and 61,000 azalea plants, as well as the Moso Kinmeichikurin, one of only four golden bamboo forests in Japan, designated as a Natural Monument. With cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn, Mount Kora offers beauty in every season.