7 courses of Kyushu Olle in Fukuoka Prefecture

"Olle” is very popular in Korea. There are seven attractive courses in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Why not enjoy the mountainous terrain suitable for trekking with all your senses?

What is Kyushu Olle?

"Olle” originated in Jeju Island, Korea, and originally meant ‘a narrow alley leading from street to house’ in the Jeju language. ‘Jeju Olle’ was created as a trekking course to enjoy the natural beauty of Jeju Island.
Kyushu has its sister version, “Kyushu Olle,” which currently offers 18 unique courses, seven of which are located in Fukuoka Prefecture.
While enjoying the beautiful nature of the four seasons in the mountains suitable for trekking, walk at your own pace, marked by “Ganse” horse-shaped signs and blue and red ribbons.
Why not refresh your body and mind as you slowly make your way along the rustic nature trails?

What kind of clothes should I wear? What should I bring?

Wear clothes that are easy to move in, sportswear is OK even if not for mountain climbing, and comfortable shoes that you can walk in for long periods of time.
Pack a backpack with enough space for tea and souvenirs. The weather can change, so be prepared with simple rainwear, an umbrella, or a kappa. In summer, it is a good idea to bring more drinks! Don't forget a map of the course.
It is also a good idea to carry snacks and refreshments in your backpack so that you can take a break if the stores in the area are closed or if you get tired during the course.

Olle's landmarks

At key points along the course, there are signs with “Ganse” (Jeju Island horse motifs), blue and red ribbons, wooden and painted arrows, and other markers. Follow these signs.

Ribbon

Blue and red ribbons mark the course.
Ganse

The horse's head is in the direction of travel.
Arrows painted on stone
Wooden Arrows

Blue arrows point in the forward direction and red arrows point in the reverse direction.

courses in Fukuoka Prefecture

01 [beginner] Yame Course

This course is designed for beginners, and is a 3-4 hour walk of approximately 11 km along the gentle ridges of the hills, enveloped by the rich aroma of the vast tea plantations. Yame City, located in the southeastern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, is famous for its gyokuro tea, which is renowned as one of the finest green teas in Japan.

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02 [Intermediate to Advanced] Munakata-Oshima Course

The Munakata-Oshima Course, located on Fukuoka Prefecture's largest island, is an 11.4-km course for intermediate to advanced hikers that takes 4 to 5 hours. On Oshima Island, where you can experience natural scenery and deep history, there is Okitsumiya Shrine and Nakatsumiya Shrine, which are designated as World Heritage Sites in the “Island of Gods: Munakata/ Okinoshima Island and Related Properties”.

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03 [Intermediate to Advanced] Kurume-Mr.Kora Course

The 8.6-km course, which takes 3 to 4 hours, is designed for intermediate to advanced hikers. The course on Mt. Kora features Kora-taisha Shrine and other nationally designated important cultural properties and natural monuments. You can also enjoy the magnificent views of the Chikugo River and the Chikugo Plain stretching out below.

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04 [Intermediate to Advanced] Miyama-Mt.Kiyomizu Course

This is a course for intermediate to advanced hikers that takes 4 to 5 hours to walk approximately 11.5 km from Zoyama Historic Forest Park to Roadside Station Miyama via Kiyomizu Temple. After passing through a mysterious bamboo forest, the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are vibrant, and from the observatory at the top, you can look down on the Chikugo Plain.

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05 [Intermediate] Chikuho-Kawara Course

Kawara town used to be a strategic point of transportation in ancient times and prospered as an inn town in the Edo period (1603-1867). This 11.5-km course is suitable for intermediate-level walkers and takes 4 to 5 hours. You can also visit power spots while experiencing history and culture.

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06 [Beginner to Intermediate] Shingu–Tachibana Course

Located next to Fukuoka City and just 30 minutes from Hakata and Tenjin, Shingū offers an ideal balance of convenience and rich natural beauty and history. This beginner- to intermediate-level walking course covers about 8.8 km and takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. It leads you from the sea to the mountains, passing along the breezy Shingu Coast where you can feel the ocean air and enjoy the area’s natural and historical charm.

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(7) Shingu & Ainoshima Course

Ainoshima Island, located in Shingu Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a picturesque island floating in Hakata Bay. It’s easily accessible—just a 20-minute ferry ride from Shingū Fishing Port. The island is home to ancient stone walls and burial mounds, allowing visitors to experience its deep history while exploring at a leisurely pace.

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