Kirishima Massif, Kinkowan Bay, Sakurajima Volcano—Hot Springs Created by Giant Calderas and Bountiful Seas
Day 1
Imagine living across the water from a volcano that erupts 150-200 times a year! Coming from Australia, I literally cannot imagine this lol but for the people living in Kirishima Kinkowan National Park, they get this stunning view everyday!
@kihara_chris and I spent time together in Kagoshima checking out Kirishima Kinkowan National Park. The whole area of Kirishima Kinkowan National Park somehow feels… tropical? It’s all mountains right by the ocean, the trees are lush and the breeze is fresh! It’s definitely my favorite kind of vibe. Sakurajima itself is a stunning active volcano that adds so much variety and landscape to its surrounding areas and towns. It also provides heat and energy to all the onsens in the area which you can see in the 2nd photo at Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park. It’s a beautiful volcano to view from up close (like in the 3rd photo) or if you’d prefer to keep your distance, Sendanen (1st photo) might be better for you.
Day 2
Autumn makes everything come alive.
I visited Kirishima Jingu Shrine years ago in summer and it was beautiful… but autumn brings out a much more special side.
On the last day of our trip, Chris and I got to do a couple of hikes in the area, first to Lake Onami-ike (2nd and 3rd photo) and then Kirishima Shinsuikyo Gorge (14th photo). With good lighting, a hike in autumn is next level. If you’re not really into hiking that much, I highly recommend going somewhere in autumn. You can take your mind off how tired you are by marvelling at the beautiful leaves and looking for the perfect leaf to take home as a momento. There’s a lot of different hikes that are possible in Kirishima Kinkowan National Park and they all look vastly different in each season. I’m keen to come back someday to hike some of the others because National Parks in Japan always deliver the goods.
Day 3
Not Fuji but still makes for a wonderful backdrop! Actually this mountain, Kaimondake, is also known as Sastuma Fuji, so I guess I wasn’t the only one thinking it. Everywhere we went in this area, Kaimondake finds its way into your view making it perfect for photography! Kirishima Kinkowan National Park is the kind of place I could see myself going to again and again to see at different times of the day/year.
