ITINERARY
Participate in a variety of activities to experience an abundant natural environment and powerful volcanic landscape
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The Kirishima Mountains have spectacular sights like Takachiho Peak, the site of the Tenson Korin Shinto legend, and Mount Karakuni, the highest summit in the range. The range consists of over 20 volcanoes both old and new; at times people were in awe of them, even as they brought many blessings. As such, Mount Kirishima is a sacred peak and center of mountain asceticism; it’s also the mythic site of Tenson Korin, the descent of the sun deity's grandson, as recounted in the ancient texts of the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. Through activities such as hiking, e-bike cycling, and a scenic flight, this tour lets you experience the diverse culture and natural environment created by the Mount Kirishima’s volcanic activity.
Itinerary Highlights
- Tour the Kirishima mountain range by e-bike
- Visit Kirishima-jingu Shrine dressed in traditional Japanese clothing
- Take a scenic flight over the Kirishima mountain range
Enjoy the scenery of the Ebino Highland
After arriving at Kagoshima Airport in the morning, you travel by car to the Ebino Highlands. There you can learn about Mount Kirishima’s history and natural environment through various exhibits at Ebino Eco-museum Center. In the afternoon, you go hiking in the Ebino Highland. There are three crater lakes along this two hour hike, and the view from the observation deck offers a nice contrast of colors—the green of the mountains and the blue of the lakes. You spend the night at the Ebino Highlands.
Tour the Kirishima mountain range by e-bike and get in touch with history and Shinto myth
After checking out in the morning, you head to Kirishima-jingu Shrine. Joining an e-bike tour and cycling the Kirishima area, you ride to the Takachihogawara Visitor Center located at the foot of Mount Takachiho. There you learn about the myths and history of the Kirishima mountain range through various exhibits. After visiting the nearby site of Furumiya-ato, the former location of Kirishima-jingu Shrine, you get back on your e-bike and ride to Kirishima Shinwa-no-sato Park. From there you can view Mount Takachiho, a sacred peak and land of Shinto myth. In the evening, you head to Kirishima Onsen where you spend the night.
Visit Kirishima-jingu Shrine and take a scenic flight
After checking out, you drive to Kirishima Shinsuikyo Gorge for a walk. You then continue on by car, change into traditional Japanese clothing, and visit Kirishima-jingu Shrine, the site of the Japanese myth of Tenson Korin, the descent of the sun deity’s grandson. There you’ll experience the unique culture of the Kirishima region which evolved with nature. In your traditional Japanese clothing, you'll probably feel like a traveler from long ago. Reflecting on your experiences from the first and second days of the tour, you might consider why such mythology and faith emerged from this place.
In the afternoon, you head to Kagoshima Airport, where you conclude the tour with a scenic flight on a Cessna. It will give you a bird’s-eye view of the area’s topography and the dynamism of the Kirishima mountain range. Using an audio guide app for your smartphone, you can listen to "The Stories of Nature and People in Japan’s National Parks." This is great for those who want a deeper understanding of the area. Once you return to Kagoshima Airport, you can head on to your next destination.