Local Guide
Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots in Kirishima Area in Kagoshima, Japan

The Kirishima area, which stretches across northern Kagoshima Prefecture, is famous as the place where Ryoma Sakamoto and his wife Oryo visited on their honeymoon. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the area offers unspoiled nature, including mountains that are still volcanically active, crater lakes that were created as a result of volcanic activity, and highlands. In this article, we will introduce five autumn foliage spots in the Kirishima area, which is rich in nature and cannot be missed.

The harmony of the vermilion-lacquered shrine pavilion and the bright red autumn leaves is a typical autumnal scene in Kirishima.

The largest Shinto shrine in southern Kyushu, known that Ryoma Sakamoto visited here on his honeymoon. The shrine is dedicated to Niniginomikoto, the hero of the myth of descent from heaven, and even the interior of the main shrine is lavishly decorated. 2022 saw the designation of the main shrine, the hall of offerings, and the hall of worship as national treasures.
In autumn, the approach to the shrine and its precincts are covered with a fantastic view of autumn leaves. In particular, the harmony of the vermilion-lacquered shrine pavilions and the bright red autumn leaves is a sight rarely seen elsewhere. The autumn leaves along the national highway in front of the Otorii gate and the maple trees along the approach to the shrine behind the second torii gate are also not to be missed.
The Kirishima Hot Spring Market, a sightseeing Property with a souvenir shop selling local products, a Dining Area, and a footbath, is about a 15-minute drive away and is recommended as a stopover spot before or after visiting the shrine. The maple tree tunnel on Route 223 leading to the market is a sight to behold.

Beginning of the changing of colors: Usually in early November.
Usually from mid-November to late November.
Kind of autumn leaves】Maple leaves, maple leaves, poison oak, etc.

Kirishima Jingu Shrine
  • Address 2608-5 Taguchi, Kirishima, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction About 12 minutes by car from "Kirishima Jingu" station on the JR Nippo Main Line
  • Direction Take a bus from "Kirishima Jingu" station on the JR Nippo Line, and get off at "Kirishima Jingu" bus stop.
  • Business hours Free to visit the precincts of the shrine (*Prayers, etc. and the awarding office are available from 8:00 to 17:00)
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0995-57-0001
  • Parking Yes (free of charge)

The contrast between the mystical lake and the autumn leaves is a sight to behold while hiking.

The lake is located at the summit of Mount Kirishima in the northeastern part of Kirishima City. Kirishima, and is known as a mysterious crater lake with the "Onami Legend. Kirishima, but Onami Pond is the highest of the many crater lakes.
It takes about 40 minutes one way from the Onami Pond trailhead on Kagoshima Prefectural Road No. 1 (Kobayashi Ebino Kogen Makizono Line) to the lake. It is popular as a relatively easy-to-climb mountain in the Kirishima mountain range. There is a walking trail around the lake that can be completed in about two hours. Every year from late October to early November, maple trees and red pines turn color, creating a beautiful colorful scene. On a clear day, take a walk and enjoy the beautiful contrast between the cobalt blue lake and the autumn leaves.

Beginning of the changing of the colors] Usually in late October.
Usually, the best time to see the leaves is in early November.
Kinds of autumn foliage: Japanese maples, red pine, azaleas, etc.

Onami Pond
  • Address Takachiho, Makizono-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 30 minutes by car from Kirishima Jingu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line (Onami Pond trailhead)
  • TEL 0995-45-5111 (Kirishima City Tourism PR Division)
  • Parking None
  • Memo For information on mountain entry restrictions and other trail information, please check the official Kirishima City website.

A scenic road to take during the autumn foliage season

National Route 223, which runs from Kobayashi City, Miyazaki Prefecture to Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, has been selected as one of the 100 most distinctive roads in Japan. It intersects with the approach to Kirishima Jingu Shrine, and also intersects with Prefectural Route 480 leading to Takachiho Kawahara, which is the entrance to climbing Mount Takachiho and Mount Nakadake in the Kirishima mountain range.
Every year in autumn, the trees along the road turn red and yellow, creating a vivid gradation of colors that makes driving along the road enjoyable. The "Tunnel of Autumn Leaves" near Kirishima Shrine is especially worth seeing.

Start of changing of colors: Usually in late October.
Usually in late November.
Types of autumn foliage: Japanese maples, maples, silver grass, etc.

National Road 223
  • Address Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • TEL 0995-45-5111 (Kirishima City Tourism PR Division)

Enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the lake

The plateau stretches at the foot of Mount Karakuni, the highest peak in the Kirishima mountain range, which stretches from Miyazaki to Kagoshima prefectures. Io-zan, which continues to erupt even now, and the grasslands of silver grass that can grow even in such a harsh environment are spread out. The tips of the silver grass are said to have been dyed shrimp-colored by volcanic gases, hence the name "Ebino Kogen" (Ebino Plateau).
Kirishima, the "Ebino Eco Museum Center" provides information on the nature, history, and mountain climbing, and the "Pond Tour Course" is a 2-hour trekking course that takes visitors around the three crater lakes (Shiromuri-ike, Rokkannon-oike, and Fudo-ike). The beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the lakes in fall is a privilege that only visitors can enjoy. For those who are not confident in their physical strength, the Ebino Observation Deck, located about 5 minutes from the Museum Center, is recommended. You can see Mt. Korea and other mountains around Ebino Plateau.

The beginning of the changing of colors: Usually in early November.
Usually, the best time to see the leaves is in early November.
Kinds of autumn foliage: azalea, silver grass, maple, oak, ivy, etc.

Ebino Highlands (Ebino Eco Museum Center)
  • Address 1495-5 Suenaga, Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 35 min. by car from Kirishima Jingu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line.
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 0984-33-3002
  • Parking Yes

The golden glow of the leaves is breathtaking. Two pairs of ginkgo trees over 1,000 years old

Two ginkgo trees stand side by side in the precincts of Miyauragu Shrine in Fukuyama Town, Kirishima City, known as the home of black vinegar. Miyauragūmiya is a shrine with a long history and is mentioned in the Engishiki Shinmeicho, a list of Shinto shrines compiled by the national government in 927. The ginkgo trees were planted to commemorate the temporary palace residence of Emperor Jinmu, said to be the first emperor of Japan, before his expedition to the east. Both trees are estimated to be over 1,000 years old and are designated as prefectural cultural assets. The tree on the right side of the tree shows the scars from the Great Fire of 1791, and the tree on the left side shows the bullet holes from the Seinan War of 1877.
In the fall, the golden ginkgo tree attracts many worshippers. When the leaves fall in early winter, a yellow carpet spreads over the area, making it a photogenic sight. From under the ginkgo trees, you can see Sakurajima across Kinko Bay.

Start of color change] Usually in early November.
Usually in late November.
Kind of foliage】Ginkgo

Fukuyama couple ginkgo (Miyaura Shrine)
  • Address 2437 Fukuyama, Fukuyama-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 37 min. by car from Kirishima Jingu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line.
  • TEL 0995-45-5111 (Regional Development Division, Fukuyama General Branch Office, Kirishima City)
  • Parking Yes

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.