Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park

Best trails in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park

3.8(142 reviews)

·

Japan
: 
#16 of 29 national parks

All photos

Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, located in southern Kyushu, is home to active volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and numerous shrines that have been passed down since ancient times. In the northern part of the park, there is Onamiike, a crater lake, and a series of volcanoes, and you can see Mt. Sakurajima and Mt. Shinmoedake, both of which are known to be extremely active volcanoes. For bird watching, head to Oike, which is especially home to a wide variety of bird species.

In addition to its unique hiking trails, the park maintains a diverse ecosystem, and you can enjoy magnificent natural scenery from every point in the park. Because the park is dotted with volcanoes, it is rich in hot springs, and is also famous for its hot springs containing sulfur and bicarbonate. Be sure to try the sand bath at the popular Ibusuki Onsen.

Top sights

Mt. Kaimon
Mt. Kaimon
Peak
Yunohira
Yunohira
Peak
引ノ平川
引ノ平川
River
Sennin Cave
Sennin Cave
Cave
Yunohira lookout
Yunohira lookout
Viewpoint
かいもん山麓ふれあい公園・キャンプ場
かいもん山麓ふれあい公園・キャンプ場
Campsite

Top trails

  1. #1 - Mount Kaimondake

    4.6(51)
    ·Hard
    ·4.7 mi
    This trail is the famous climb to the summit of Mount Kaimondake, the most iconic peak in the region, often referred to as the Fuji of Satsuma due to its perfectly conical shape that rises directly from the coast. The path is a mountain trail that famously spirals up the mountain. You will be hiking on a rugged, rocky path with exposed tree roots. The trail takes you up through the forest of native Japanese cedar and pine trees. The reward for this climb is the panoramic view from the summit....

  2. #2 - Yunohira Observatory - Sakurajima Port Driving Route

    3.8(43)
    ·Moderate
    ·9.1 mi
    ·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    This trail begins at the Sakurajima Ferry Port and winds its way up the side of the volcano. The main reward is reaching the Yunohira Observatory. This is the highest point on Sakurajima that is accessible to the public. From the observatory, you get a spectacular panoramic view. You will be looking directly at the barren, rocky summit of the North Peak and the South Peak. The view also looks out over the stunning Kinko Bay and the city of Kagoshima across the water. The trail takes you...

  3. #3 - Kaimon Station - Mount Kaimondake

    4.9(19)
    ·Hard
    ·6.1 mi
    Kaimon Station - Mount Kaimondake (開聞駅 - 開聞岳) Located at the southernmost tip of the Satsuma Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture, Mount Kaimondake is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. Also known as Satsuma Fuji because of the beautiful form of the mountain, which is a perfect symbol of Ibusuki. A gently spiraling trail leads up to the summit, where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the various sights of Kagoshima. There are also several points along the trail where you...

  4. #4 - Sakurajima Circuit Tour

    3.8(10)
    ·Hard
    ·28.7 mi
    ·Est. 12–13 hr
    Sakurajima Circuit Tour (桜島一周ツアー) A spectacular route around Mount Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The route takes you to various observatories of Mount Sakurajima and lava fields, hot springs, and busy villages, all against the background of powerful volcanic landscapes.

  5. #5 - Nigatsuden Station - Tarahama Viewing Point - Mount Uomi Loop

    4.3(9)
    ·Moderate
    ·8.6 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Nigatsuden Station - Tarahama Viewing Point - Mount Uomi Loop (二月田駅 - 田良浜展望台 - 魚見岳ループ) This route commences from Nigatsuden Station to Tarahama Viewing Point and Mount Uomi. From the mountain, you can have stunning panoramic views of Kinko Bay, Ibusuki City, Chiringashima Island, Sakurajima, and the Osumi Peninsula!

  6. #6 - Nigatsuden Station - Mount Uomi

    4.0(2)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.9 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Nigatsuden Station - Mount Uomi (二月田駅 - 魚見岳) Heads to Mount Uomi from Nigatsuden Station. It is said the name of Mount Uomi came from the fact that fishermen used to watch the movements of the fish from the top of the mountain and went fishing. (Uo (魚) means fish and Mi (見) means to watch in Japanese) You can access the top of the mountain by car and have 360-degree panoramic views of Kinko Bay, Ibusuki City, Chiringashima Island, Sakurajima, and the Osumi Peninsula! It t is also famous as...

  7. #7 - Ibusuki - Mount Kaimondake - Kaimon Station

    3.0(1)
    ·Hard
    ·19.6 mi
    ·Est. 11–12 hr
    Ibusuki - Mount Kaimondake - Kaimon Station (指宿 - 開聞岳 - 開聞駅) This trek heads to Mount Kaimondake, known as Satsuma Fuji from Ibusuki Station, and ends at Kaimon Station. The area is part of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, which offers you the opportunity to see the lush nature and wildlife. Ibusuki City is one of the most famous onsen cities in Japan. The hot springs located in the eastern part of Ibusuki City, are collectively called Ibusuki Onsen. Ibusuki Onsen has an abundant source...

  8. #8 - Sakurajima Scenic Driving: Arimura Lava Observatory - Shirahama Onsen

    Moderate
    ·10.1 mi
    Sakurajima Scenic Driving: Arimura Lava Observatory - Shirahama Onsen (桜島観光ドライブ: 有村溶岩展望所 - 白浜温泉) A driving route commences from Shirahama Onsen hot spring heads to Arimura Lava Observatory. From any point along the route, you can enjoy the dynamic volcanic landscape of Mount Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

  9. #9 - Nigatsuden Station - Cape Tara - Miyagahama Station

    3.0(1)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.5 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Nigatsuden Station - Cape Tara - Miyagahama Station (二月田駅 - 田良岬 - 宮ヶ浜駅) Thie walk travels from Nigatsuden Station to Cape Tara and along Kagoshima Bay (Kinko Bay) and ends at Miyagahama Station. At Cape Tara, there is the Tarahama Viewing Point, where you can see Chiringashima Island and the crystal-clear sea.

  10. #10 - Lake Ikeda Loop

    2.6(2)
    ·Hard
    ·11.2 mi
    ·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    Lake Ikeda Loop (池田湖ループ) Lake Ikeda, the largest caldera lake in Kyushu, was formed by volcanic activity long ago. The lake is home to giant eels, which are a natural monument of Ibusuki City. A variety of seasonal flowers are planted along the lakeside, and in January, during the canola flower season, the Nanohana Marathon is held. Many people visit the lake for various purposes such as jogging and cycling.
Showing results 1–10 of 16
Explore more trails
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park is Mount Kaimondake, which has a 4.6 star rating from 51 reviews. This trail is 4.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,637 ft.

What is the longest trail in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park is Sakurajima Circuit Tour. This trail is estimated to be 28.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

There are 16 trails in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park.These trails have an average 3.8-star ratingfrom 142 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

Ibusuki - Mount Kaimondake - Kaimon Station has the most elevation gain with 4,829 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Kaimondake - Satsuma Nagasakibana Lighthouse, which has 3,858 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 8 camping trails in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park and the most popular is Mount Kaimondake with an average 4.6 star rating from 51 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 running trails in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park and the most popular is Sakurajima Circuit Tour with an average 3.8 star rating from 10 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 biking trails in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park and the most popular is Yunohira Observatory - Sakurajima Port Driving Route with an average 3.8 star rating from 43 community reviews.

Are there any trails with rivers in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with scenic viewpoints in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, including Yunohira Observatory - Sakurajima Port Driving Route and Sakurajima Circuit Tour.

Are there any trails with caves in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with weather shelters in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, including Sakurajima Circuit Tour and Sakurajima Scenic Driving: Arimura Lava Observatory - Shirahama Onsen.