Sakurajima, the Icon of Kagoshima Prefecture

INTERNATIONAL   |    NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC   -  History and culture Japan cannot be separated from the story of the amazing gods. It is said that Tenson K?rin, namely the event of the descent of the gods (Ninigi no Mikoto) from heaven to earth became the beginning of the myth of the founder of Japan

The story of Tenson K?rin can be traced by travelers visiting Kirishima which is located on the southernmost island of Japan, Kyushu.

Since 1934, Mountains Kirishima It is part of the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, which was one of the first national parks in Japan.

Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park spans the Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures. 

The national park is not only home to many Mountain volcanoes, but also sparkling crater lakes, abundant hot springs, and mesmerizing views of the four seasons.

In spring and summer, flowers bloom and green leaves grow, creating a beautiful and colorful landscape.

The natural scenery clad in stunning red and orange colors can be witnessed in autumn. Meanwhile, when winter comes, the ground to the trees are covered by white snow and creates a magical sight.

The charm of each season in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park seems to never disappoint the visitors who come.

Visiting Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park is not difficult either. When starting the journey from the International Airport Haneda, pedestrians can continue the journey of approximately two hours by plane to the airport Kagoshima.

From there, hikers have two route options. The first route, pedestrians can pass through Kagoshima Chuo Station, Kagoshima Port, and end at Port Sakurajima. Travel can be reached by local trains, buses and ferries.

The second route, from Kagoshima Airport pedestrians can continue their journey to Maruo and end at the Ebino Plateau.

From Kagoshima Airport to Maruo, you can take the Kagoshima Bus. Meanwhile, the journey from Maruo to the Ebino Plateau can be reached by the Kirishima tourist bus.

The panoramic beauty of the Kirishima Mountains can also be enjoyed through a private tour by small plane. 

The plane will take passengers to Mount Takachihonomine, Mount Karakuni, the crater of Mount Shinmoe, to the stunning Ebino Plateau when seen from the sky.

Immerse yourself in the culture and people of Kirishima

The natural beauty of the National Park Kirishima-Kinkowan can also be enjoyed slowly by walking around the foot of Mount Takachihonomine.

Passing through the streets and areas surrounded by views of old cedar trees, walkers can see Kirishima-Jingu Shrine, one of the oldest Shinto shrines established in honor of Ninigi-No-Mikoto. This beautiful red shrine is also known as Nikko Toshogu of the West.

This shrine also exudes energy from nature and a mysterious atmosphere due to its proximity to the seven mystery legends Kirishima, such as the 800 year old sacred tree and the Sazare stone.

However, this temple offers natural beauty in every season. Autumn leaves, azaleas blooming, to the scenery of the seasons cold Amazing make Kirishima-Jingu Shrine one spo t popular photo Kirishima.

In Kirishima, tourists can also visit Kirishima Onsen Village. As the name implies, the village is famous for its  onsen —hot springs — which are natural and spread out over many areas.

Winter is the perfect time to relax and soak in the  onsen . However, hikers can still enjoy the warmth of the  onsen  all year round.

There are many hotels and ryokan —traditional Japanese inns—spread in the Onsen Village, making this place one of the most popular destinations tour in Kirishima that is not to be missed.

Be one with nature at Sakurajima

Tracing to the southern part of the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park area, tourists can find Kinkowan Bay. In the middle, there is an island Sakurajima which is also an active volcano in Japan.

Until now, Sakurajima crater still emits ash. The view of the ash fog has become one of the symbols of the island of Sakurajima.

Sakurajima can be visited on a guided walking tour. This tour will also take hikers through the Nagisa Lava area on a 300-meter walk.

The route can also take travelers to the Sakurajima Visiting Center for information about Sakurajima.

Although the tour is currently postponed due to the pandemic situation, visitors can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and natural vegetation from around the Mount Sakurajima area.

To see Sakurajima Island in a wider and beautiful panorama, there is also a private tour using a small plane that will take tourists to the beauty of Sakurajima Island.

The charm of Lake Ikeda to the magic of Ibusuki's sand

Turning to a lower land, tourists can enjoy a water tour by exploring Lake Ikeda using a kayak. This lake will provide a beautiful view of Mount Kaimon or what is often called Mount Fuji from Satsuma.

The sound of the cool wind, the calm lapping of the waves, and the chirping of birds make it the largest lake in Kyushu this is the perfect destination to enjoy the outdoors.

When the weather is sunny the sea water recedes, tourists can also visit Beach from Ibusuki to “soak” in the sand for 10 minutes. Pedestrians who want to soak can try out the yukata for rent.

Soaking in the sand is one of the activities targeted by tourists when visiting Ibusuki. Because, the beach sand is known to improve blood circulation.

An enclosed sand bath area is also available so that the experience of soaking in the sand can be enjoyed in any weather conditions.

After soaking in the sand and cleaning up in the bathroom provided, hikers can indulge themselves by soaking in the   nearby onsen .

Exploring the beauty of nature that blends with Japanese history and culture in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park can be an unforgettable StoriesToExperience.

StoriesToExperience is part of the brand slogan of the Japanese National Park, which is “There is a story in nature, Stories to Experience: National Parks of Japan”. In Japan's National Parks, tourists can see people living in the midst of nature and their lifestyle.

The life of the local people in Japan's National Parks can't be found anywhere in the world other than Japan.

You can get the best StoriesToExperience when visiting Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park via TripAdvisor.