Hokamaki and the History of Nango-Kōdō

The name Hokamaki opens onto a history of travel: the historic Nango-Kōdō connected what is now Hokamaki in Ōzu with the Nango Valley in Aso. This connection is especially clear at the Kitamukiyama section, whose western entrance is at Hokamaki-Aso Shrine. If you also consider culture and historic routes when choosing a vacation rental, Hokamaki offers a specific point of interest to explore.

A Connection with History

The Nango-Kōdō was an important route between what is now Hokamaki in Ōzu and the Nango Valley in Aso. A section at Kitamukiyama was newly laid out around 1827. This gives the route’s history a specific time reference and places the named section within the regional connection. A magistrate’s office was also located in Hokamaki. Thus, in addition to the route, the town’s former administration is another part of its historical context.

Finding Your Way at Kitamukiyama

The western entrance to the Kitamukiyama section is at Hokamaki-Aso Shrine, at an elevation of about 160 m. From there, the section leads to the forest road above Iwato Shrine. The route is 3.5 km long; it takes about 50 minutes uphill and about 60 minutes downhill. The times therefore vary by direction and are approximate guides. As actual trail conditions may vary, check the current condition of the trail before setting out. This helps you plan the route section realistically during your stay.

The Former Route for Tributary Rice

After the section opened, residents of Nango could carry tributary rice on horseback through the area near the summit of Kitamukiyama. Above the cliff at Iwato Shrine, the route continued to Hokamaki Shrine and the storehouses of Kami-Ozu. The route therefore links named places with a specific purpose of historic travel: transporting tributary rice. For travelers, the history of the route is made tangible not only by the regional connection between Hokamaki and Nango, but also by the former use of the Kitamukiyama section.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

For road directions from JR Higo-Ōzu Station to the western entrance at Hokamaki-Aso Shrine, the route includes several prefectural roads, including 207, 208, and 145. Check the current road route before driving.

When looking for a vacation rental, you can choose Hokamaki based on the historical focus that suits your travel plans. The Nango-Kōdō draws attention to the connection between Hokamaki and the Nango Valley, as well as to a specific route section with estimated times for each direction. The former magistrate’s office offers another perspective on Hokamaki’s history. If you are particularly interested in historic routes, the route itself takes center stage; if you would like a broader historical view of the town, its administrative history is also worth considering. These different connections can help you choose Hokamaki as a vacation destination based on a specific interest.

Discover more destinations: Ashikita, Arao, Kamimashiki-Gun, Mizukami, Kikuyo, Tanouramachi, Yatsushiro, Minamiaso

Return to the regional travel overview: Kumamoto Prefecture.