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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Access and Tips

Close to Kagoshima Airport, this area is easy to slot into the first or last day of a trip. The sights are scattered through the hills, so a rental car is handy, though the main points can be reached by local bus. The highland is cooler than the city, so bring a layer to be safe.

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.