Autumn in Kagoshima, Foliage of Kirishima — Brocade Coloring the Mythical Mountains and New Soba

Autumn foliage dyeing the magnificent mountainsides of a chain of volcanoes red and yellow—the Kirishima mountain range, straddling Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, is colored in splendid brocade in autumn. In these mountains, also known as the stage of myths, you can enjoy trees coloring along the shores of the scattered crater lakes (miike) and along the mountain trails, while freshly harvested new soba also colors your palate. Under the clear autumn sky, set out on a journey to savor Kirishima's nature and bounty.

The Mythical Mountains: The Kirishima Range

The Kirishima range is a group of volcanoes lined up along the prefectural border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki. More than 20 volcanoes are linked together, beginning with the highest peak, Karakunidake, and including Takachiho-no-mine, and their magnificent forms have long been passed down in myth as the land where gods descended. The whole area is designated as Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, a mountainous area among the finest in Kyushu, where dynamic scenery created by volcanoes and rich nature spread out.

Foliage Dyeing the Range

From October to November, the Kirishima range is dyed in vivid autumn colors. Around Mount Iwo and the crater lakes such as Byakushiike and Rokkannon-miike, the contrast between the foliage and the clear blue lake surfaces is breathtakingly beautiful. Along the mountain trail to the highest peak, Karakunidake, too, you can enjoy trekking while gazing at the coloring trees. The spectacle woven by mountains, lakes, and foliage is a charm unique to Kirishima in autumn.

Autumn Flavor: New Soba

Another pleasure coloring Kirishima's autumn is new soba. The cool climate and volcanic-ash soil of the Kirishima foothills are suited to cultivating fragrant soba, and in autumn you can taste freshly harvested new soba. Freshly made, freshly boiled new soba has exceptional rich aroma and throat-feel. Enjoy a warm bowl at a local soba shop between foliage-viewing, and you can savor Kirishima's autumn with all five senses.

Best Season and Access

Mid-October to November, when you can enjoy both foliage and new soba, is the best season. For access, it's convenient to head toward Kirishima by car from central Kagoshima City or Kagoshima Airport. Soaking in the baths at the Kirishima Onsen hot-spring village and paying respects at Kirishima Shrine is also a standard course. Savor to your heart's content the foliage coloring the mythical mountains and the bounty of autumn.