Mount Ebino and Mount Koshiki Hiking Trail

Panoramic views from Mount Ebino and an unusual marsh in Mount Koshiki's crater

This hike starts and finishes at the Ebino Eco-museum Center. The route takes you up two peaks, Mount Koshiki (1,301 m) in the northeast of Ebino Highland, and up Mount Ebino (1,293 m), in the southwestern area of the highland* It's a good idea to stop in at this museum and ask the staff there to update you on the day's hiking conditions.

After climbing up a steep slope for around 2 hours and 10 minutes, you will reach the summit of Mount Koshiki and the Koshiki Crater. In the interior of the crater, you'll find a small marsh, which is striking emerald green in summer. During fall and winter, the crater takes on a beautiful golden color when Japanese pampas grass springs up.

Mount Ebino is a smaller peak in the southwest of Ebino Highland. A trip to the summit and back takes about an hour. From the observatory at Mount Ebino's summit, you can enjoy views of Mount Sakurajima (1,117 m) and Kinkowan Bay. During fall, look out for colorful scenery on the southwest side of the peak. The beech trees that grow here are vibrant green when their new leaves appear in spring and display fiery autumnal colors during fall. In winter, the beech trees are often covered in frost, which makes for an impressive sight.

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

Highlights

The marsh at the summit

The marsh in Mount Koshiki's shallow crater

Mount Koshiki got its name because its crater is said to resemble a koshiki—a traditional Japanese steaming pot. The crater is about 500 meters in diameter and contains a low marsh. It is home to rare plants and animals such as the carnivorous sundew plant, which produces white flowers in summer. Large, azure-colored dragonflies known as Siberian hawkers also thrive here. The climbing trail circles the summit's crater, giving you plenty of chances to admire the wildlife. From the peak, you also get a view of Mount Karakuni (1,700 m) and Mount Io (1,310 m) to the south. To the northeast and northwest, you can see Kobayashi City, Ebino City and Kakuto Caldera.

Mount Karakuni

View of Mount Karakuni from Mount Ebino

Compared to the surrounding peaks of Ebino Highland, Mount Ebino is a relatively small peak. The gentle slopes make this peak easy enough for children to climb. At the summit, a small observatory offers impressive 360-degree views of Mount Karakuni, the smoking peaks of Mount Io and Mount Sakurajima, and Kinkowan Bay and Mount Kaimon in the distance.

Nokaidou shrubs in full bloom

Attractive blooms of the Ebino Highland

Nokaidou (Malus spontanea Makino) is a shrub that belongs to the rose family. These shrubs grow in abundance along the mountain stream near Mount Ebino's trailhead. Ebino Highland is reportedly the only place in the world where nokaidou grows naturally, and the shrub has been designated a National Natural Monument. Nokaidou buds are pink before they flower but soon open into striking white blossoms. They are usually in full bloom from late April to early May, but their flowering period only lasts 10 days.

Trail Map

Mount Ebino and Mount Koshiki Hiking Trail

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