Mount Kurino and Hachiman Jigoku Trail

A hike that takes in a beautiful old-growth forest and a smoldering volcano

This course starts with an easy ascent up Japan's longest railroad tie staircase. The path starts close to the Kirishima Open-Air Museum on the west side of the Kirishima mountain range and goes up Mount Kurino (1,094 m). The path runs through a forest of maple, Japanese oak and other broadleaf trees. These old-growth woods boast spectacular colors when the leaves turn during fall.

After you have climbed up the rocky stretch of the path to Mount Kurino's summit, you'll be rewarded with a great view of Mount Karakuni (1,700 m) and Mount Shiratori (1,363 m). The trip back down the mountain follows a gentle, forested ridge. At the end of your journey, consider exploring the Kirishima Open-Air Museum and the Kurinodake Recreation Village to enjoy contemporary art, outdoor adventures and camping. You can even join a horseback trek at the Horse Trust Institute—a ranch for retired racehorses.

Highlights

The view from the peak's observation platform

Hiking up Mount Kurino

Mount Kurino was formed over 200,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest volcanoes in the Kirishima mountain range. From the observation platform at the peak, you can see Ebino Highland and Mount Karakuni. To the south are Mount Sakurajima (1,117 m), Kinkowan Bay and the Takakuma mountain range. Various broadleaf trees grow on the north and south sides of the mountain, as well as a large number of evergreen laurels. After you finish your hike, enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs of Kurinodake Onsen.

Kyushu's largest steaming fumarole

The volcanic vents of Hachiman Jigoku

Steam and volcanic gases billow out of the ground in profusion at Hachiman Jigoku, whose name roughly translates as "Hachiman Hell." This spot is believed to be Kyushu's largest fumarole. A fumarole is a place where cracks in the Earth's crust vent volcanic steam and gases. Both the sights and the smells of this place leave a strong impression on visitors. Hachiman Jigoku is the source of the hot spring water used at the Kurinodake Onsen Nanshukan hot spring complex. The steam from Hachiman Jigoku is also used to prepare a special dish known as "chicken steamed in hell."

The railroad tie stairway

Japan's longest railroad tie path

Kirishima has the longest railroad tie stairway in Japan, boasting 561 steps. The stairs are made from materials salvaged from Japan Rail's Yamano Line, which went out of service in 1988. Climb to the top of this straight stairway and you'll come to a wooden observation deck. From there, you can look out over houses spread out through the foothills and a ranch for retired racehorses. The Isa Plain, Kinkowan Bay and Mount Sakurajima are also visible in the distance. Behind the observation deck you'll find the trail that goes on to Mount Kurino.

Trail Map

Mount Kurino and Hachiman Jigoku Trail

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