How difficult is the trek to Pakkun Rock?

The trail from Shishigawa Campground to Pakkun Rock takes approximately 1 hour each way. The full Mt. Hokodake summit circuit takes 3 to 4 hours. Terrain is uneven with elevation gain — trekking shoes, long trousers, and rain gear are required.

What is the best season to visit?

Spring for Akebono azaleas and early summer for Tsukubinoki plants. Autumn offers clear summit views. Summer visits require long sleeves and insect repellent due to heat and insects.

Are there facilities at the trailhead?

Shishigawa Campground, the starting point for the trek, has parking, restrooms, a small shop, and a vending machine. The campground also functions as an overnight camping facility for those planning a multi-day stay in the area.

What other attractions can be combined with a visit to Pakkun Rock?

The nearby Kamisan Ruins at the foot of Mt. Kamisan date back approximately 3,000 years to the Jomon period and feature a sacred cavern formed by two rocks — one 24 metres tall and the other 15 metres tall. After trekking, Horigawa Hot Spring (Hourikawa Onsen) is the closest place to relax, reachable by car from the trailhead area.

Pakkun Rock, Nobeoka

4.6 (58)Scenic SpotPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Pakkun Rock (Pakkun-iwa) is a large natural rock formation located on the mid-slope of Mt. Hokodake (1,277 m) in the Kamishikagawa area of northwestern Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Its striking open-jawed shape closely resembles the iconic video game character Pac-Man, and the rock's mouth is wide enough to comfortably fit ten people inside at once. The formation sits within the Sobo-Katamuki-Okue UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a protected mountain zone on the border of Miyazaki and Oita prefectures known for its geophysical landscapes, sheer granite cliffs, and biodiversity comparable in character to parts of Yosemite.

The broader Mt. Hokodake trail is ecologically significant and home to rare endemic species including the Japanese serow, the purple emperor butterfly (Japan's national butterfly), and plants such as Akebono azaleas (spring) and Tsukubinoki (early summer). Behind Pakkun Rock stands Menboko, a granite monolith measuring 350 metres and recognized as the largest bare rock slab in Japan, also a prominent destination for sport rock climbers. The surrounding forest and river valleys support populations of Genji fireflies, a species increasingly rare across Japan.

The primary visitor experience is the guided trek to Pakkun Rock, which begins at Shishigawa Camping Ground and takes approximately one hour on foot each way. The full circuit of Mt. Hokodake's summit can be completed in three to four hours. Guided trekking tours are operated by the local NPO Himuka Kando Taiken World, with tours meeting at Kagawa Campground.

The highlight of the experience is standing inside the rock's open "mouth" for photographs. Beyond the rock, the trail also passes Hokodake Falls and offers panoramic summit views. Hotel pick-up from Nobeoka City and Nobeoka Station is available through the tour operator for an additional on-site fee.

By car, the Shishigawa Camping Ground trailhead is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from downtown Nobeoka via National Route 218 and Prefectural Route 214, or 40 minutes from the Kurata Exit of the Northern Nobeoka Road (Route 218). A free car park accommodating up to 15 vehicles is available near the trailhead. There is no nearby public transport to the trailhead, making a car or arranged tour pickup the practical options for most visitors.

What other travelers are saying about Pakkun Rock, Nobeoka

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Frequently Asked Questions

First, it took about an hour of driving on a narrow, winding road along the river to get to the parking lot. I was traveling alone, and I was constantly nervous about coming across an oncoming car. From the parking lot, I just kept climbing up the mountain trail... After climbing almost nonstop for about an hour, I finally arrived at Pakkun Rock. There's a place to cross the river just before Pakkun Rock, which may be slippery if you're using regular sneakers, so even though there's a rope, if you can't support yourself with just your arms, you might lose your grip and be cut off, so be very careful when crossing. After an hour of climbing, 20 minutes of taking photos, and about two hours of descending back to the parking lot, it took about four hours in total, including driving and climbing, to get from the main road to Pakkun and back. I used the toilet a little before the parking lot, after crossing the bridge and turning right. When I stopped again on my way back, there was no toilet paper left, so it's best to bring your own.

楠見容子

May 22, 2025

Instagram-worthy! We started the climb from the campsite. There were some steep slopes, but there were tape marking the trees (thank goodness 🙇) so we didn't get lost! We took many breaks along the way and arrived in just under an hour! When I spotted the rock I'd seen so many times in photos...I wanted to shout, "Yay! I'm finally here!" Maybe because it was November, the wind was strong, and a strong wind was blowing off the waterfall. I finally managed to cling to Pakkun Rock! I wonder if the wind blows over it in the cold season? Take lots of photos of your favorite poses and then take your time descending. On the way back (where the trail leads to Tulip Village), there's an unmanned vegetable stand...it's great to buy some to take home! They have so many cheap vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, and more!

s,ワンちゃん

Feb 23, 2025