Kirishima-yaku National Park

Introducing Kirishima-yaku National Park

The day walk from Ebino-kōgen (Ebino Plateau, not to be confused with the town of Ebino down on the plains) to the summits of a string of volcanoes is one of the finest volcanic hikes in Japan. Parts of the park are in Miyazaki-ken, but much of it is in Kagoshima-ken. It’s 15km from the summit of Karakuni-dake (1700m) to the summit of Takachiho-no-mine (1574m) and there’s superb scenery – if the peaks aren’t being lashed by thunderstorms or shrouded in fog, which is common during the rainy season (mid-May through June). Shorter walks, such as a lake stroll on the plateau or up and down Karakuni-dake or Takachiho-no-mine, are great too. The area is known for its wild azaleas, hot springs and the impressive 75m waterfall, Senriga-taki.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009