At Kuju Flower Park (くじゅう花公園), a flower destination inside Aso-Kuju National Park in Kuju-cho, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, about 5,000 kochia plants (Japanese name: hokigi), a seasonal sight of autumn, have started to change color. The park has entered the "gradient period," when a beautiful mix of green, pink, and red can be seen only shortly before the plants reach their peak.
Because of their round, fluffy shape, the park affectionately counts its kochia as "1 mofu, 2 mofu." Around 5,000 mofu fill a field of about 3,000 m². At an elevation of about 850 m, the cool highland climate and sharp swings between day and night temperatures are making each plant change color at its own pace. The mosaic of colors, which never looks quite the same twice, has already drawn crowds to the park as a photo spot where the plants look good enough to hug.
A Landscape Like Melted Paint: The Autumn Gradient Seen Only Now
Even before the peak, when the whole field turns deep crimson, the park shows fresh green, lime yellow, soft pink, and vivid red mixed together like a patchwork. This "gradient period" lasts only about one to two weeks a year. Sunlight and airflow differ from spot to spot, so each plant colors at a different speed, and the scenery changes with where and when (in what light) visitors walk through the field.
Why the Colors Are So Vivid: Temperature Swings on the 850 m Kuju Highland
Autumn color in plants generally begins when the overnight low drops below roughly 8°C to 10°C. The Kuju Highland, about 5°C cooler than the lowlands, reaches that temperature earlier. Cold nights (radiative cooling) combined with sunny autumn days create a daily temperature swing of 15°C or more, which lets the leaves store plenty of sugar. This brings out a deep, vivid red (anthocyanin) that is hard to achieve on the plains.
Finding Your Favorite "Oshi-Mofu"
With their rounded, bushy shapes, the plants look like small creatures huddled together and playing on the highland. Park staff are already talking about it, with comments such as "This year's mofu are round and big!" and "The mofu over there are strongly red." Visitors can wander through the kochia field swaying in the autumn breeze and look for their own favorite "oshi-mofu."
Kuju Mountain Panorama and Autumn Flowers in Bloom
The park's main attraction is the sweeping ridgeline of the Kuju mountain range and the Aso Gogaku (five peaks of Aso) in the background. Besides the kochia field set against blue sky and mountains, colorful autumn flower beds, including salvia and African marigolds, are also at their best. The park is a good stop for a highland drive or a stroll to feel autumn deepen.
Kochia Color Schedule and Peak Viewing Forecast
- Current status: Beginning to change color (gradient from green to pink and red)
- Expected viewing periods:
- Autumn gradient period: mid-October to late October
- Deep crimson peak: late October to early November
- Golden (yellowing and withered color) period: early November to mid-November
- Planting scale: About 5,000 plants (about 5,000 mofu) over an area of about 3,000 m²
Timing may shift depending on weather conditions. Check the park's official social media for the latest information.
Kuju Flower Park is now in its autumn full-bloom season.
Visitor Information
- Facility: Kuju Flower Park (the autumn "Autumn Flower Festa" is currently under way)
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
- Admission: Adults (high school age and up) ¥1,300; children (age 5 and up) ¥500
- Website: https://kuju-flower-park.com/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuju_flower_park
