A legendary setting steeped in history

Mount Takachiho-no-Mine (1,574 m) is connected to the legend in Japanese folklore called the Tenson Korin—a telling of the descent of the Sun Goddess' grandson, Ninigi no Mikoto, from the heavens to the Takachiho summit. According to one version of the myth, the young deity descended from above to Takachiho-no-Mine and drove his three-pronged spear into the ground. To this day, a large bronze spear can be found at the peak, and it is said to be his.

This is not the only story that makes this peak famous, however. A renowned samurai named Sakamoto Ryoma (1836–1867) visited the volcano in the mid-19th century with his wife on a trip that is considered to be Japan's first honeymoon.

This hiking course starts at the Takachihogawara Visitor Center and leads to the ancient ruins of Kirishima-jinja Shrine (Furumiya Ato). From there, the trail passes through a forested area. After ascending a steep slope covered in loose rock, you'll reach the summit of Ohachi Crater, also known as "the horse's back." Head left and circle the crater. From Ohachi Crater, head down to the Setao Col—the low point in the ridgeline.

The path from the col to the peak of Mount Takachiho-no-Mine is covered with pumice and lapilli, a type of volcanic debris that looks like small pebbles. When you reach the peak, you can also examine the legendary spear.