Kyuragi Valley — Ancient Camphor Forests

The Kyuragi River valley, between Takeo and Saga City, is one of western Kyushu's most intact examples of the mixed broadleaf forest that historically covered the entire island. The valley floor is particularly notable for its camphor trees (kusunoki) — several estimated at over 1,000 years old, with trunks wider than three adults can encircle. The largest, Okunchi-no-Okusu, stands 27 meters with a circumference of 20 meters and is registered as a National Natural Monument.