Know the climate and clothing of Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, where myths and legends come to life.
Kirishima City in Kagoshima Prefecture is known as the place where the myth of the descent of the grandchildren from heaven, which appears in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihonshoki (the Chronicles of Japan), is handed down, and as the honeymoon spot of Ryoma Sakamoto. The Kirishima mountain range of volcanoes is located in the northern part of the city, and Kinko Bay spreads out in the southern part, with Sakurajima emitting a volcanic plume. Both are located within the Kirishima-Kinko Bay National Park, and the city is dotted with spots steeped in history, including Takachiho Peak, where the gods are said to have descended from the heavens to earth, and Kirishima Shrine, which is said to have been built in the 6th century.
Kagoshima is also famous for its four major hot spring resorts, including "Hinatayama Hot Spring," which was frequented by Takamori Saigo. The climate is mild throughout the year, but the area is known for having one of the highest rainfalls in Japan, so if you visit during the rainy season or the long autumn rains, it is important to be prepared for rain on your feet. Summer humidity is also one of the highest in the country, and while it is hot and humid in the urban areas, the average temperature is a comfortable 25°C in Kirishima Highlands, which is located 500 meters above sea level. Around the Kirishima mountain range, the difference in temperature between morning and evening can be significant, so be sure to bring an extra layer of warm clothing for each season.
▼ Annual temperatures and clothing in Kirishima City
<Climate and recommended clothing for Kirishima City>.
Climate and clothing for spring (March-May) in Kirishima City
The lowest temperature is 2℃ and the highest temperature is 20℃ on some days in early March, when the three cold and four warm days continue. Cherry blossoms bloom in late March when the average maximum temperature exceeds 15°C. In early April, cherry blossoms at Kirishima Jingu Shrine and other ancient temples and parks are in full bloom. A knit or cardigan will suffice for daytime cherry blossom viewing, but be sure to pack a coat as the temperature drops dramatically at night.
The Kirishima mountain range is decorated with flowers after mid-April, when the summer mountain opening takes place. The "Nokaido" of the apple genus of the rose family, which grows wild only in the Ebino Plateau, is at its best from mid-April to mid-May, "Hikage-tsutsuji" blooms in late April on Mt. At the foot of the mountains, you can also see the dainty "Haru gentian" and other pretty flowers. The temperature at this time of year, when many cherry blossom-viewing climbers visit, is about 19°C. In the highlands, the temperature is 0°C every 100m. Keep in mind that the temperature drops 0.6℃ per 100m at high altitude, so choose the right clothes.
Summer (June-August) Climate and Clothing in Kirishima
The rainy season usually begins in late May or early June. It is not unusual for precipitation to be heavy, with rain lasting up to a week. The average temperature during the rainy season is about 23℃. Even so, the rainy season is chilly, so you may want to bring a light jacket. If you are going for a walk or mountain climbing in the highlands, choose clothes that are warm and windproof.
The average temperature in July and August is about 26℃. The average temperature in July and August is about 26°C (79°F), about 1 to 2°C (1 to 2°F) lower than in Tokyo in summer, but the humidity is about 5% higher. At the end of the rainy season in late July, Kagoshima's characteristic sizzling heat begins, so the best clothes are those that are well ventilated. A must-see during the hot summer months is the "Forest Therapy Road" created around Kirishima Shinsui Gorge and Kirishima Highland, located at an altitude of 500 to 700 meters above sea level. Visitors can enjoy forest bathing while feeling the refreshing breeze. The "Kokubu Camp Beach" on the north shore of Kinko Bay, which commands a panoramic view of Sakurajima, is also very crowded. It is also recommended to cool down from the inside with "Shirokuma," a famous ice snack.
Autumn (September-November) Climate and Clothing in Kirishima
Autumn in Kirishima is filled with many events, starting with the Kirishima Fireworks Festival in late September, followed by the Kirishima Hayato Hamakko, a warrior parade at Kagoshima Shrine in mid-October, the "Sun Descent Fire Festival" at Kirishima Shrine on November 10, and the Niinamesai Festival on November 23. Many Shinto rituals are held at historic shrines, and a visit in conjunction with a tour of power spots is also recommended.
Although it is still hot in early September, the average temperature from mid-September to October is around 20°C, so you can comfortably spend the day with a shirt and cardigan. There are also many sunny days, making it a great time to go out. The fall foliage begins in late October. There are many places of interest in the area, such as Onami Ike, a crater lake of Mt. Kirishima, where the surrounding mountains are dyed in brocade, and Ebino Highlands, where fields of sooty soot spread out. In November, when the autumn foliage is at its best, the lowest average temperature drops to about 8℃, so dress warmly with a coat or stole when going out to view the autumn leaves.
Winter (December-February) Climate and Clothing in Kirishima
Kagoshima Prefecture has an image of being mild even in winter, but in Kirishima City, where the Kirishima Mountain Range rises above the city, there are many days when the minimum temperature is below freezing. The Kirishima mountain range is usually completely covered with snow in December, when the average minimum temperature is about 3°C. You can even see rime on the mountains. A heavy coat will keep out the cold when walking in town, but at higher elevations, snow boots and down coats are recommended to protect against the cold. The coldest months are January and February, when the New Year is ushered in with the "Kirishima Nine-Face Drum Festival" dedicated at Kirishima Jingu Shrine. The average temperature drops to around 6°C.
Kirishima is famous as a hot spring resort, and many people visit the four major hot spring villages at the foot of the Kirishima mountain range to enjoy visiting hot springs with different qualities and benefits. The temperatures in Kirishima still vary widely, with highs still above 10°C and lows below freezing, so be sure to dress warmly and stay warm.
