Route Kagoshima - Kirishima - Beppu
02.01.2010 - 02.01.2010 4 °C
There is no quick route from Kagoshima to Beppu because there are too many volcanoes in the way! The quickest route is to go all the way back up to Fukuoka and then east all the way across. Much much better would be to go east first and visit Miyazaki. We didn't go this time because of time restrictions and a previous visit, but it's a cool place with a lot of good food, people and scenery.
North-east of Kagoshima is Kirishima. There's no doubt that this place is special - a huge national park with volcanic lakes and large-scale hiking everywhere I'm sure you could spend a week there. えびの高原 (Ebino kougen - I'm not sure about the kanji here) is well-known throughout Japan. We were hit by bad weather so there was limited stuff we could see. You should get a good guide to the area if you plan to spend serious time there.
The following things are definitely worth stopping at - easy to get to by car, no idea about public transport.
On the approach to Kirishima from Kagoshima there is a collection of things all close together, the focal point being the 6th Century Kirishima Jingu. Not so much to set it apart from other Japanese shrines, but there are some nice walks around the grounds, and some interesting colourings and designs on the buildings, not to mention surrounding views.
Carry on driving up past the beautiful Maruo (丸尾) waterfall (although be prepared to stop on a horribly sharp turn in order to park)...
...and head up the Kirishima Skyline - Route 1 for the largest of the volcanic lakes - Onami Ike (大浪池). If you park up here there is a great 30 minute walk up to the top of the mountain through beautiful woods. Spectacular views of the lake and a long walk all around the circumference are in store.
Right at the very top of the plateau is the Ebino-kogen park and lodge area, from which all the walks and treks begin. I hope you get better weather. It promises to be spectacular.
Posted by olibeddall 08.01.2010 06:04 Archived in Japan Tagged backpacking
