basic information

The volcanic mountains of Kirishima are an important site in the creation mythology of Japan. It was in this area that the god Ninigi no Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended to Earth to establish the lineage of Japanese Emperors and rule over the land.

His spear, the same one said to have created the islands of Japan when dipped into the sea, was thrown down into the summit of Mt. Takachiho-no-mine, marking the spot where he descended from heaven. It remains stuck in the mountain to this day and is a popular destination for visitor's to Kirishima.

Mt. Takachiho-no-mine sits 1574 meters tall on the southern end of a series of mountains that make up the Kirishima Mountains. At its base is the Takachiho-gawara Visitor Center and from there it is about 2.5 kilometers (90 minutes) to the peak and the spear.

The climb up Takachiho-no-mine is very steep with loose, rocky terrain, and sturdy shoes are recommended. It can be done as a separate hike or combined with a longer hike along the ridge to Ebino Kogen.

The ridge trail follows the mountain chain from the visitor center to Ebino Kogen, is approximately 12 kilometers long and takes about 6 hours to complete. It is possible to start from either end, however, due to a lack of good public transportation in the area, it is important to plan your return transport ahead of time.

Starting from the Takachiho-gawara Visitor Center it is about 2.5 kilometers (one hour) to Nakadake (1332 m). Continuing on another 2 kilometers (30 minutes) takes you to the peak of Shinmoedake (1421 m), where there is a crater lake. Shinmoedake can be seen in the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice as the underground volcano base of Ernst Blofeld.

From Shinmoedake it is another 4.5 kilometers (2.5 hours) to Mt. Karakuni, Kirishima's tallest peak at 1700 meters, and so named because you are said to be able to see Korea from it on a fine day (Karakuni is an alternate reading of the kanji for Korea). From the peak it is a final 3 kilometers (2 hours) to Ebino Kogen. Mt. Karakuni can also be climbed by itself as a dayhike from Ebino Kogen.

Hiking in Kirishima is best from spring to autumn, and some trails may be inaccessible or not recommended to travel on during the winter months.

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how to get there

Public transportation to and from the various trailheads is infrequent and inconvenient. Considering this, it is recommended to get a rental car for traveling around Kirishima. Rental outlets are located in Kagoshima, Miyazaki and at Kagoshima Airport.

Access by bus:

There is a bus operating only on weekends (daily in May), which runs between Kirishima Jingu Station to Ebino Kogen with a stop at the Takachiho-gawara Visitor Center; however, it only travels to Ebino Kogen in the morning and returns to Kirishima Jingu Station in the afternoon. It can be used to access the trailheads but only if you are departing from and/or returning to Kirishima Onsen.

Access by taxi:

A taxi is the only other means of transportation to the Takachiho-gawara Visitor Center trailhead from Ebino Kogen and costs about 3000 yen one way. Taxi service is available at both ends of the trail, and you may have to call to arrange to be picked up. Phones are available at Ebino Kogen and the Takachiho-gawara Visitor Center.

How to get to and around Kirishima

4th of 4 most visited sights in Kirishima.
437th of 557 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Hiking in Kirishima:

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User Rating (by 7 users):	94/100	highly recommended

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