The Kirishima Mountain Range
The Kirishima mountain range is a dense cluster of over 20 volcanoes, including Mt. Ioyama, Mt. Karakunidake, Mt. Shinmoedake, Mt. Ohachi, and Mt. Takachihonomine. The range stretches across Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures in the northern section of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park.
Located on the southern edge of the Kakuto caldera, this region boasts a varied terrain of rugged peaks, plateaus, and steep gorges. The differences in elevation and in post-volcanic activity have created an area of great botanical diversity.
Mt. Hinamoridake
Mt. Hinamoridake is a stratovolcano situated in the northeast of the Kirishima mountains. The volcano reaches 1,344 meters in elevation and is also known as Ikoma-Fuji due to its resemblance to Mt. Fuji and location on the Ikoma Plateau.
Although the mountain experienced a massive collapse approximately 40,000 years ago, volcanic activity soon resumed, and within a short time the volcano took on its current form.
Ohataike Pond
Located 1,234 meters above sea level, Ohataike Pond is a crater lake situated in the northeast of the Kirishima mountain range. The pond is 460 meters in diameter and was formed by steam explosions related to volcanic activity that took place between 6,300 to 11,000 years ago.
Around the pond you can spot wildlife including Japanese green pigeons, Japanese green woodpeckers, and dragonflies such as common hawkers and nekitonbo meadowhawks. The pond’s water is used for irrigation by the city of Kobayashi.
Mt. Ohatayama
Mt. Ohatayama is a 1,352-meter stratovolcano located in the northeast of the Kirishima mountain range.
In early summer the mountainside is enlivened by banks of Miyama Kirishima azaleas. The trees along Ohataike Pond’s shore reflect in the clear indigo water. From the summit of Mt. Ohatayama visitors can take in sweeping views of the Kirishima mountains.
Mt. Shishikodake
Reaching an elevation of 1,429 meters above sea level, this volcano is in the central Kirishima range. It was formed during volcanic activity tens of thousands of years ago, and there are still traces of a shallow crater on the western side of the summit. From Mt. Shishikodake, it is possible to see the crater of nearby Mt. Shinmoedake.