Ebino Highland Crater Lake Hiking Trail

A trail along three of Ebino Highland's crater lakes

This hiking trail follows the edges of three of Ebino Highland's crater lakes.* The entire area offers striking scenery that changes with the seasons. Enjoy views of all three lakes from the summit of Mount Shiratori (1,363 m) and from observatories that you pass on the way to the peak.

This course is on a list of Japan's top "100 forests for nature therapy." The forests named on this list must meet certain minimum standards for ease of access and be healthy enough for their trees to release large quantities of natural oils called phytoncides. Studies show that phytoncides can help boost the immune system. On this hike, listen for the call of the wild deer that inhabit Ebino Highland, which has a distinctive sound.

The majority of this hike is easygoing, although there is one steep slope close to Mount Shiratori's summit. This means you can complete the loop in about two hours and still have enough time left to enjoy the various lake views. When you reach the summit of Mount Shiratori, you will be rewarded with views of the nearby Mount Karakuni (1,700 m) and distant Mount Sakurajima (1,117 m).

*Note that the Ebino Plateau–Fudoike Pond–Mount Koshiki route is currently closed due to an eruption.

Highlights

Niko Panorama Observatory

Rokkannon Miike Crater Lake and Byakushiike Crater Lake

From Niko Panorama Observatory, you can see both Rokkannon Miike Crater Lake and Byakushiike Crater Lake. The observatory takes its name from this—niko means "two lakes" in Japanese. You'll also have a fine view of smoking Mount Io (1,310 m) and Mount Karakuni, the highest peak in the Kirishima mountain range. ByakushIike Crater Lake is 250 meters wide, and it used to freeze to a depth of 1 meter during winter. This earned it a reputation as the southernmost natural skating rink on Japan's main island. Climate change has caused the ice to thin, however, and skating on the lake is no longer possible. If you visit during winter, you can instead visit a man-made skating rink set up on Ebino Highland.

Looking out over the Rokkannon Miike Crater Lake

Rokkannon Miike Crater Lake

The cobalt blue waters of Rokkannon Miike Crater Lake are 14 meters deep and 500 meters wide. The crater rim is lined with oak, maple, and fir trees. There is an observation deck on the lakeshore from which you can gaze across the water, with towering Mount Karakuni visible in the distance. During fall, the variety of trees ensures a varied display of fiery fall colors when the leaves turn. Those bright colors are mirrored in the calm waters of the lake.

Fudoike Crater Lake

The ever-changing hues of Fudoiike Crater Lake

The waters of Fudoiike Crater Lake contain volcanic particles so tiny that they stay suspended in the water. This phenomenon causes sunlight to diffuse in a way that makes the waters often appear cobalt blue. The lake's name means "unwavering," but some would say that name is misleading—it reportedly changes colors many times in the space of a day. In summer, the white flowers of panicle hydrangeas bloom along the shore. In winter, the lake freezes over, creating unusual patterns in the ice.

Trail Map

Ebino Highland Crater Lake Hiking Trail

Click to Expand Map