Kirishima and the Ebino Plateau: volcanoes, crater lakes and hot springs

On the border between Miyazaki and Kagoshima, the Kirishima mountains are a cluster of more than 20 volcanoes, with crater lakes, steaming vents, forests and hot springs. They were part of one of Japan’s first national parks, created in 1934, and today they make a dramatic change from the sunny coast. On the Miyazaki side, the gateway is the Ebino Plateau.

Check the volcano alerts first

Kirishima is very much alive. Shinmoedake erupted in 2011, 2018 and again in 2025, and Iō-yama, right next to the Ebino Plateau, erupted in 2018. The Japan Meteorological Agency sets an alert level for each volcano, and trails within a set distance of an active crater are closed. As of November 2026, Shinmoedake is at Level 2, with no entry within about 2 km of the crater. Levels change, so check the agency’s website and the local visitor centre before you go, and never enter a closed area.

The Ebino Plateau

The Miyazaki side of Kirishima is a high plateau at about 1,200 metres, surrounded by volcanic peaks. It is noticeably cooler than the coast, which makes it a pleasant escape in summer.

• The crater lakes walk: a loop trail through pine forest past three crater lakes, including Rokkannon Miike, a deep lake of startling blue-green. Allow about two hours. Parts of the route may be closed depending on volcanic activity.
• Ebino Eco Museum Centre: the visitor centre, with displays about the volcanoes and wildlife and up-to-date trail information.
• Mount Karakuni: the highest peak in the range, at 1,700 metres. When the trails are open, the climb from the plateau gives views over the craters and, on clear days, to Sakurajima. Check whether the route is open before you plan it.
• Seasons: wild Kirishima azaleas bloom in late May and June, and the autumn leaves turn in late October and November.

Hot springs

The mountains are full of hot springs. There are baths near the Ebino Plateau, and the hot spring towns of the Kirishima Onsen area, on the Kagoshima side, have inns with outdoor baths and views over the forest.

Kirishima Jingu

On the Kagoshima side of the mountains, Kirishima Jingu is a magnificent vermilion shrine in a cedar forest, dedicated to Ninigi, the grandson of the sun goddess, who according to legend came down from heaven onto the peak of Takachiho-no-mine, in the Kirishima range. The town of Takachiho in northern Miyazaki claims the same story. See our guide to the Takachiho night kagura.

Getting there

• By car: about 1½–2 hours from Miyazaki city, via the Miyazaki Expressway to Ebino and a winding mountain road up to the plateau.
• Public transport: buses to the plateau are very limited. A car or a tour is far easier.
• On a tour: tours from Kagoshima often combine Kirishima Jingu with a hot spring.

Tips

• The weather in the mountains changes quickly. Bring layers and rain gear, even in summer.
• Stay on marked paths: volcanic gas can collect in hollows near vents.
• The road up can be icy in winter. Check conditions and carry chains or use winter tyres.
• Read our travel guide for more on volcanoes and safety, and see getting around Miyazaki for car hire.