Kirishima: 7 Things to Do, Hot Springs, Hiking, and Breweries

Kirishima, located in Kagoshima Prefecture, is a region with virgin forests and rests between the mountains and the sea. Famous for hot spring resorts like Ebino Kogen and Kirishima Onsen, this beautiful destination is loved for its grand shrines and natural scenery that stays beautiful all year round.

From the blue waters of the crater lake atop Mount Karakuni (1,700 m) to the towering cedar forests of Kirishima Shrine, there are many things to see and do in Kirishima.

Things to Do in Kirishima

1. Kirishima-Kinokowan National Park
2. Kirishima Shrine
3. Kirishima Hotel
4. Maruo Falls
5. Black Vinegar Breweries
6. Uenohana Jomon Forest
7. Hinatayama Sego-don Village
How to Get to Kirishima
The Most Popular Time to Visit Kirishima

1. Kirishima-Kinokowan National Park

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If you want to spend time in nature, the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park is a must-see when visiting Kagoshima prefecture.

This incredible park stretches into neighboring Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures and is popular with hikers and volcano enthusiasts. The main attractions in this park are the three famous Kirishima Mountains: Mt. Ebino, Mt. Shinmoe, and Mt. Karakuni.

Photo by Pixta

Onami Pond is a crater lake 1,241 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by a large forest filled with Japanese maple, red pines, and hemlock trees. It is also famous for being one of the largest volcano summit crater lakes in Japan.

Onami Pond is stunning during late autumn when the vibrant blue water of the lake contrasts against the fall foliage and during winter if you are lucky to visit after a recent snowfall.

The hike around the crater lake takes around 40 minutes and is considered challenging but still beginner-friendly. Don’t miss out on the chance to see this beautiful lake on your trip to Kirishima!

Onami Pond
Location: Kagoshima, Takachiho, Kirishima Makizonocho Map

2. Kirishima Shrine

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Established in 1715 by a lord of the Satsuma Domain after volcanic eruptions destroyed the original structure, Kirishima Shrine is perhaps the most famous feature of the Kirishima region. This 300-year-old shrine sits at the base of the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park and is a must-visit when exploring the Kirishima region.

Kirishima Shrine, surrounded by a cedar forest, is easily accessible by train, bus, and car. In 2022, the worship halls of the ancient shrine were designated National Treasures of Japan. On a clear day, you can see the distinct outline of Sakurajima from the approach to Kirishima Shrine.

Fun fact! Kirishima Shrine is only 30 minutes by car from Miyazaki’s famous Totoro’s Bus Stop.

Kirishima Shrine
Location: Kagoshima, Kirishima, Kirishimataguchi 2608-5 Map

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3. Kirishima Hotel

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

Only 12 minutes by car from the Onami Pond Trailhead and Kirishima Shrine, the Kirishima Hotel is a popular hot spring destination that is the perfect addition to any itinerary.

This hotel and resort has many attractions - the most famous being the Sulfur Valley Garden Public Bath (Japanese). The public bath consists of fourteen hot springs under the same roof, each with its own unique healing qualities and design.

In addition to the hot springs, a major draw for the property includes the Kirishima Hotel Cedar Garden (Japanese). This is a spectacular place to see an authentic Japanese garden surrounded by 150-year-old cedar trees.

Kirishima Hotel
Location: Kagoshima, Kirishima, Takachiho 3948 Makizonocho Map

4. Maruo Falls

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Maruo Falls is 4 minutes by car from the Kirishima Hotel and is a hidden gem we’ve added to our Kirishima guide. This scenic spot is home to a 23-meter-tall waterfall that doubles as a natural hot spring.

The small observation deck beside the falls is the perfect place to pose for a photo. Maruo Falls is beautiful year-round but the most popular season is fall, when visitors stop by the falls to see the autumn foliage and explore nearby hiking trails.

Maruo Falls
Location: Kagoshima Takachiho, Kirishima Makizonocho Map

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5. Black Vinegar Breweries

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Southeast of Kirishima Town you can find a winding seaside road and several black vinegar breweries dedicated to producing Kirishima Kurozu. While it ferments, the vinegar sits in rows of large ceramic jars that contrast the sea's scenic views and the distant outline of Sakurajima on a sunny day.

Black vinegar is used in many Japanese dishes and is considered to have many health benefits. In Kirishima, some black vinegar breweries, such as Sakamoto Kurozu Tsubobatake, offer tours of their facilities and even have souvenir shops where you can purchase authentic Kirishima black vinegar.

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Locals know that Kurozu Farm (Japanese) is the place to go for premium Kagoshima cuisine.

This popular restaurant has a terrace that overlooks the rows of black vinegar and the panoramic view of Sakurajima beyond (we recommend making a reservation in advance). If you want to try a unique experience, Kurozu Farm has delicious black vinegar soft-serve ice cream, and flavored drinks.

Sakamoto Kurozu Tsubobatake
Location: Kagoshima, Fukuyama, Kirishima Fukuyamacho 3075 Map

6. Uenohana Jomon Forest

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The archeological site known as the Uenohana Jomon Forest is where visitors can find pottery and stone tools that date back to the Jomon period, between 14,000 and 300 B.C. These Important Cultural Properties are on display in the museum’s three main halls: the Uenohana Jomon Forest Exhibit Hall, the Site Preservation Hall, and the Strata Observation Hall.

At Uenohana Jomon Forest, there is a reconstructed village with outdoor housing structures that are described as pit dwellings. For those traveling with small children, the nearby Kokubuuenohara Techno Park has a large playground called the Kirishima City Children's Hall.

Uenohana Jomon Forest
Location: Kagoshima, Jomonnomori, Kirishima Kokubuuenohara 1-1 Map

7. Hinatayama Sego-don Village

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Hinatayama Sego-don Village is a historical residence that is a fun addition to any day trip to Kirishima. Modeled after the Ryuho Residence Saigo, a favorite of the famous samurai Saigo Takamori that was destroyed in the 1964 Great Fire of Yunomoto, Hinatayama Sego-don Village is a historic property that now boasts a public foot bath, a souvenir shop, a restaurant, and a pristine Japanese garden.

Guests are welcome to try on samurai-inspired kimonos and admire paintings on display in the main building’s beautifully preserved tatami room. The restaurant is an excellent place to try local Kagoshima cuisine and bike rentals are also available if you would like to bike to the nearby Hiruko Shrine.

Hinatayama Sego-don Village
Location: Kagoshima Hayatochouchi, Kirishima 1487-1 Map

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How to Get to Kirishima

Kirishima is easily accessible by car, bus, or train depending on the destination. You may take a bus directly from Kagoshima Airport and reach Kokubu Station in about 23 minutes or you can drive 11 minutes by car.

If you are traveling from Kagoshima City, a train via JR Kirishima 14 Limited Express from Kagoshima Station to Kokubu Station takes around 30 minutes. A slightly slower train via JR Nippon Line will take around 50 minutes.

The Most Popular Season to Visit Kirishima

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Kirishima and its surrounding mountains are beautiful in all seasons, with many species of flora, cascading waterfalls, and virgin forests that change color throughout the year.

However, the most popular season to visit Kirishima might be autumn, when trees such as the 1,000-year-old Coupled Ginkgo Trees display their magnificent foliage.

From late October to late November, visitors can observe Japanese maple trees, ginkgo trees, and spider lilies as they transform the Kirishima region with their beautiful colors.

Coupled Ginkgo Trees
Location: Kagoshima, Fukuyama, Kirishima Fukuyamacho 2437 Map