Local Guide
[2024 Edition] Recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves in the Kirishima area

The Kirishima area, which spreads across the northern part of Kagoshima Prefecture, is also famous as the place where Ryoma Sakamoto and his wife Oryo went on their honeymoon. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the area is filled with untouched nature, including mountains that continue to be volcanically active, crater lakes that have been created as a result of these activities, and plateaus. In this article, we will introduce five must-see spots for viewing autumn leaves in the nature-rich Kirishima area.

The vermilion-painted shrine building and the bright red autumn leaves are a sight to behold in autumn in Kirishima.

The largest shrine in southern Kyushu, it is known that Ryoma Sakamoto also visited on his honeymoon. Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the protagonist of the myth of the descent of the grandson of the heavens, is enshrined here, and even the interior of the main hall is lavishly decorated. In 2022, the main hall, offering hall, and worship hall were designated as national treasures.
In autumn, the approach to the shrine and the temple grounds are filled with a mystical landscape of autumn leaves. In particular, the harmony between the vermilion-painted shrine building and the bright red autumn leaves is something you won't see very often. Don't miss the autumn leaves along the national road in front of the large torii gate, or the maple trees along the approach beyond the second torii gate.
About 15 minutes by car, there is a tourist Property called "Kirishima hot spring Market" with souvenir shops selling local specialties, Dining Area, and foot baths, so it is recommended as a stopover spot before or after visiting the shrine. On National Route 223 leading to the market, you will be captivated by the maple tunnel.

[Start of coloring] Usually around early November
[Best time to see] Mid-November to late November
[Types of autumn leaves] Maple, Japanese maple, sumac, etc.

Kirishima Shrine
  • URLhttps://kirishimajingu.or.jp/
  • 住所2608-5 Kirishima Taguchi, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 12 minutes by car from JR Nippo Main Line "Kirishima-Jingu" Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Nippo Main Line "Kirishima-Jingu" station, and get off at "Kirishima-Jingu"
  • 営業時間Feel free to visit the grounds (※Prayers and other requests, and reception at the shrine office are open from 8:00 to 17:00)
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料free
  • TEL0995-57-0001
  • 駐車場Yes (free)

Admire the contrast between the mysterious lake and the autumn leaves while hiking

A lake at the summit of Mount Kirishima, in the northeast of Kirishima City. It is said to have been formed about 40,000 to 50,000 years ago by volcanic activity on Mount Kirishima, and is known as a mysterious crater lake where the "Onami Legend" remains. There are many crater lakes on Mount Kirishima, but the highest of them all is Onamiike.
It takes about 40 minutes one way from the Onamiike trailhead on Kagoshima Prefectural Route 1 (Kobayashi Ebino Kogen Mokuzono Line) to the lake. It is popular as a relatively easy mountain to climb among the Kirishima mountain range. There is also a promenade around the lake that can be completed in about 2 hours. Every year from late October to early November, the maples and red pines change color, allowing you to enjoy the splendid beauty of the colors. Take a stroll on a sunny day and enjoy the beautiful contrast between the cobalt blue lake and the autumn leaves.

[Start of coloring] Usually around late October
[Best time to see] Early November
[Types of autumn leaves] Maple, red pine, Enkianthus campanulatus, etc.

Oonaminoike Pond
  • URLhttps://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/10094
  • 住所Takachiho, Makizono-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 30 minutes by car from JR Nippo Main Line "Kirishima-Jingu" Station (Onamiike trailhead)
  • TEL0995-45-5111（霧島市観光PR課）
  • 駐車場none
  • メモPlease check the Kirishima City Official Website for information on hiking trails, including mountain entry restrictions.

A scenic road worth visiting during the autumn foliage season

National Route 223, which runs from Kobayashi City, Miyazaki Prefecture to Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan," a selection of Japan's most distinctive roads. It also crosses the approach to Kirishima Shrine, which runs through the temple town, and prefectural route 480, which leads to Takachihogawara, the starting point for hiking to Takachiho-no-mine and Naka-dake in the Kirishima mountain range, making it an important gateway to tourism in Kirishima.
Every autumn, the trees along the road turn red and yellow, allowing you to enjoy a drive among the vivid gradations of color. The "autumn foliage tunnel" near Kirishima Shrine is particularly spectacular.

[Start of coloring] Usually around late October
[Best time to see] Late November
[Types of autumn leaves] Maple, Japanese maple, silver grass, etc.

National Route 223
  • 住所Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • TEL0995-45-5111（霧島市観光PR課）

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

This plateau spreads out at the foot of Mount Karakuni, the highest peak of the Kirishima mountain range that stretches from Miyazaki to Kagoshima. Located at an altitude of 1,200m, it is covered with silver grass grasslands that can grow in harsh environments due to the volcanic activity of Mount Iou, which continues to erupt today. It is said that the name "Ebino Plateau" comes from the fact that the tips of the silver grass are dyed shrimp-colored by the influence of volcanic gases.
Starting from the Ebino Eco Museum Center, which introduces Mount Kirishima's nature, history and mountain climbing information, there is a two-hour trekking course called the Pond Tour Course, which takes you around the three crater lakes (Byakushiike, Rokukannon-miike and Fudoike). The beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface in autumn is a privilege only available to visitors. For those who are not confident in their physical strength, we recommend the Ebino Observatory, which is about a five-minute walk from the museum center. From here, you can see the mountains around Ebino Plateau, centering on Karakunidake.

[Start of coloring] Usually around early November
[Best time to see] Early November
[Types of autumn leaves] Enkianthus campanulatus, Japanese silver grass, maple, oak, ivy, etc.

Ebino Plateau (Ebino Eco Museum Center)
  • URLhttps://ebino-ecomuseum.go.jp/
  • 住所1495-5 Suenaga, Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 35 minutes by car from JR Nippo Main Line "Kirishima-Jingu" Station
  • 営業時間9:00〜17:00
  • 定休日Open daily
  • TEL0984-33-3002
  • 駐車場Yes

The golden shining figure is breathtakingly beautiful. Two pairs of ginkgo trees that are over 1,000 years old.

Two ginkgo trees stand side by side in the grounds of Miyauragu Shrine in Fukuyama-cho, Kirishima City, known as the home of black vinegar. Miyauragu Shrine is a historic shrine that is listed in the Engishiki Shinmei-cho, a list of all official shrines in Japan, compiled in 927. The ginkgo trees are said to have been planted to commemorate the temporary palace of Emperor Jimmu, Japan's first emperor, before his eastern expedition. Both trees are estimated to be over 1,000 years old and are designated as prefectural cultural properties. The tree on the right has burnt remains from a great fire in 1791 (Kansei 3), while the tree on the left has bullet holes from the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877 (Meiji 10).
In autumn, there is a constant stream of visitors who come to see the golden ginkgo trees. When the leaves fall in early winter, a yellow carpet spreads all over the place, making it a photogenic sight. From under the ginkgo trees, you can see Sakurajima across Kinko Bay.

[Start of coloring] Usually around early November
[Best time to see] Late November
[Type of autumn leaves] Ginkgo

Fukuyama Couple Ginkgo Trees (Miyanouramiya)
  • URLhttps://www.kagoshima-kankou.com/guide/10138
  • 住所2437 Fukuyama, Fukuyama-cho, Kirishima-shi, Kagoshima Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 37 minutes by car from JR Nippo Main Line "Kirishima-Jingu" Station
  • TEL0995-45-5111（霧島市福山総合支所 地域振興課）
  • 駐車場Yes

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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