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Kirishima






Kirishima is located in the north of the prefecture. Kirishima mountain range was the first area to be designated as a national park in Japan, and is a natural treasure with more than 20 volcanoes, hot springs and crater lakes. Kirishima is one of the most popular distination for hikers as well as those just out for a drive. Kirishima is said to be the place where the gods "Ninigi-no-mikoto" descended from heaven, was as well the site of the first emperor of Japan's birth.
 




Kirishima Shinto Shrine
Gorgeous red shrine deifies "Ninigi-no-mikoto", the leader in the legend. Chinese infuenced shrine with red lacqar and relief on the decoration. The shrine was originally built on the top of Mt. Takachiho in the 6 century . The gate of the shrine which was built in 1988 is the biggest shrine gate in the Western Japan. Many festivals are held at the shrine throughout the year.

Getting there:
From Kagoshima City to Kirishima Shrine
Take JR Nippou line from Kagoshima Chuo station to Kirishima Jingu station, and take a Hayashida bus to Kirishima Jingu (Kirishima shrine) bus stop. On Saturday and Sunday, there are Kirishima Round Buses between Kirishima Jingu station and Kirishima Shrine. (Single: \240 / 13 min.)

Kirishima Shrine
 

Kirishima Mountain Range
Kirishima is one of the most popular destinations for hike lovers. Many hikers from all over Japan visit Kirishima mountains throughout a year. over 20 trekking routes in Kirishima mountain. The highest peak, Mt. Takachih is believed to be the place where the gods descended from heaven. It has a holy atmosphere within the national park with seasonal plants and flowers. You can enjoy Kirishima in all seasons. Main hiking entrances are located in Ebino highland and Takachiho gawara.

Getting there:
From Kagoshima City to Ebino Highland
1) Take Bus "Yukemuri-go" bound for Ebino Kogen (Ebino highland) from Kagoshima Chuo station. It takes about 1. 50 hours. Only 1 bus runs everyday. Single fare is \1550.
Bus: Hayashida Bus Co.
2) Take a JR Nippou line from Kagoshima Chuo station to Kirishim Jingu sta. From there, take Hayashida bus or Taxi to Ebino highland. Inconvenient. On Satuday and Sunday, there are Kirishima Round Buses between Kirishima JIngu station and Ebino Highland. (Single: \740 / about 1 hour)
3) By car: Get on the Kyushu Highway road and get off at Kagoshima Airport I.C. And drive to Ebino. About 1 hour 30 min from Kagoshima city.


From Kagoshima City to Takachiho gawara

1) Take a JR Nippou line from Kagoshima Chuo station to Kirishima Jingu Station. (single: \910). On Satuday and Sunday, there are Kirishima Round Buses between Kirishima JIngu station and Ebino Highland via Takachiho Gawara. (Single: \430 / about 35min)

Kirishima Town (English & Korean)
Makizono Town (English)
Kirishima Round Bus (Kirishima Renzan Shuuyuu Bus)


Kirishima Mountain range






Kirishima Hot Spring Resort
You can easily find hot springs in Kirishima. There are many hot springs spread across Kirishima. The resorts are busy throughout the year. You can enjoy a variety of hot springs and accommodation from luxurious to public style.

Recommend Hotspring resorts:
Myoken spa., Maruo spa., Shinkawa spa. Kirishima spa. and secret hot spring river (it's fabulous!)



Kirishima Open-air Art Museum
A brand newly opened Art museum. Modern designed museum is located in a very natural and quiet location surrounded by mountains. On the outside, various contemporary art works are placed and are well mixed with nature. About 50pieces from local and foreign artists are displayed inside and outside. After looking around the art, have a cup of coffee at an open cafe. This is the peaceful space where you can feel full of nature and art.

Hours
09:00 ~ 17:00(Entrance until 16:30)
Closed
Monday & New Year's
Fee
\ 300
TEL
0995-74-5945
Getting there
About 1 hour 30 min by car from Kagoshima City.
Get off at Kurino I.C on Kyushu Highway.
 


Kirishima Open-air Museum

Other Places of Interest

Waterfalls

There are over 10 waterfalls spread around Kirishima. Some recommed waterfalls are: Inukainotaki waterfall, Todorokinotaki waterfall, Maruonotaki waterfall and Senrigataki waterfall.


Inukai-no-taki Waterfall
Takachiho Farm

For family traveller, Takachiho farm is the best place to enjoy. At the farm, you can try milking a cow and touching animals. The farm also produce original dairy products like bread, ice cream, yogurt and meat products. There are restaurants, shops. During the weekend, the farm is busy with many people.
Ruin of Uenohara
Uenohara Jomon-no-mori

About 9500 year old ruin was found at developed area for Kokubu Uenohara Techno Park. It's believed that the ruin is one of the oldest and biggest ruin of village. The Uenohara Jomon-no-Mori (Uenohara Jomon Forests) opened on Oct. 2002. You can look and learn about the world of the Jomon.

Uenohara Jomon-no-Mori
Hours: 9:00a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m.
Closed: Monday
1376-1 Kawauchi, Kokubu City Kagoshima
Tel: 0995-48-5701

Kamou Biggest Camphor Tree

The Camphor tree stand in the grounds of Kamou Hachiman Shrine in Kamou town. Over 1500 year old tree with 34m root around and 30 m high was selected as the biggest camphor tree in Japan.




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