Kirishima Jingu Shrine and Kirishima Onsen Course

Spreading across the foothills of the Kirishima range is a land of myth and hot springs. This soothing day-long course visits Kirishima Jingu, tied to the legend of the descent of the heavenly grandchild, then unwinds in a spring resort where steam rises from the valley. The crisp highland air feels wonderful, and the nature that shifts with the seasons is a draw in itself.

Course Route

10:00 Start at Kirishima-Jingu Station or Kagoshima Airport Head to the shrine by bus or rental car. It is close to Kagoshima Airport and easy to slot into the first or last day of a trip.

10:30 Visit Kirishima Jingu Follow the approach lined with giant cedars, and a solemn vermilion shrine appears. This venerable old shrine is steeped in the myth of the heavenly descent, and worship is free. Walk the grounds at a relaxed pace.

12:00 Lunch with black pork or local chicken Enjoy regional flavors at an eatery near the shrine.

13:30 Head to Takachihogawara A highland that also serves as a trailhead for the Kirishima range. The visitor center, free to enter, lets you learn about the nature and formation of the Kirishima mountains. A short walk opens onto grand mountain ridges.

15:00 A soak in Kirishima Onsen A spring area scented with sulfur, where a day-use bath lets you savor the highland waters. Fees and hours differ by facility, so check before dropping in.

16:30 Relax at a foot bath or cafe Wind down watching the rising steam to finish the day.

Highlights

The vermilion halls of Kirishima Jingu form a beautiful contrast with the deep green cedars and are wrapped in a sacred air. Kirishima Onsen is rich in water quality, and the steam curling up here and there gives it the true feel of a hot-spring town.

Practical Travel Notes

• Kirishima Jingu: Worship is free, with no admission fee. The approach is lined with giant cedars, and walking it in the clear morning air is a pleasant experience.
• Takachihogawara Visitor Center: Free to enter, with displays on hiking, nature, and myth of the Kirishima mountains. It is an easy stop as a base for exploring the range. Parking may carry a charge.
• Access: Close to Kagoshima Airport. The sights are scattered through the hills, so a rental car is handy, though the main points can be reached by local bus. Bus services are limited, so check timetables.
• Hot springs: Facilities in Kirishima Onsen differ in water quality, fees, and hours. Checking day-use reception times in advance is reassuring.
• What to wear: The highland is cooler than the city, so a layer keeps you comfortable.

A Quick Tip

Many of the springs here are high in sulfur, which can discolor accessories. It is best to remove metal items before bathing. Depending on volcanic activity, trails and some areas may be restricted, so check the latest information before you set out.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Kirishima Jingu Shrine (amulet counter and prayer reception): 8:00-17:00 (the precincts themselves are open for worship at any time)
• Kirishima Jingu Shrine (closing days): Open year-round
• Kirishima Jingu Shrine (parking): Free, about 500 spaces. There are 10 spaces for buses (for more than 10 buses, contact the shrine in advance and you will be directed to a separate car park)
• Takachihogawara Visitor Center (opening hours): 9:00-17:00
• Takachihogawara Visitor Center (closing days): Mondays (the following day when Monday is a holiday)
• Takachihogawara (parking fees): For up to 24 hours, 500 yen for passenger cars, 200 yen for motorcycles and 2,000 yen for large buses. It is a coin-parking system, so have 1,000-yen notes and coins ready
• Inquiries: 0995-57-0001 (Kirishima Jingu Shrine) / 0995-57-3224 (Takachihogawara Visitor Center)
• Official information: Kirishima Jingu Shrine official website, Takachihogawara Visitor Center official website, Kirishima City tourism site Visit Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture tourism site Kagoshima no Tabi

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.