Kirishima trip to experience the great nature firsthand through such popular approaches as e-bikes and mountain stamp books

Kirishima National Park was established in 1934 as one of the first national parks in Japan. Later, in 1964, the Kinko Bay area and Yakushima area were additionally designated and became Kirishima-Yaku National Park. In 2012, it was divided into Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park and Yakushima National Park.

The Kirishima area is located in the northern part of Kirishima Kinko Bay National Park. There are more than 20 large and small volcanoes, including Mt. Karakuni, the highest peak of the Kirishima Mountain Range, and Mt. Shinmoe, which erupted in 2011 for the first time in about 300 years. are left behind.

Takachiho Peak is also a sacred mountain where the nine deities who received the divine decree from Amaterasu are said to have taken the first step toward the descent of the grandchildren of Amaterasu. It is said that the name "Kirishima" comes from the fact that the gods viewed this place from the heavenly realm and saw it as "an island in the misty sea.

The Kirishima Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Ninigi No Mikoto, the hero of the myth of the founding of Japan, and the Kagoshima Jingu Shrine, associated with the myth of Umiyukihiko and Yamayukihiko, are located in this area. The main shrine, the hall of offerings, and the hall of worship at Kirishima Jingu Shrine were designated as National Treasures in February 2022.

Kirishima has a beautiful and magnificent landscape of the Kirishima mountain range, rich and diverse nature brought about by hundreds of thousands of years of volcanic activity, people's lives have continued under the blessings and threats of volcanoes, and a historical culture of faith and mythology based on awe of the volcanoes.

Although it is easy to imagine Kirishima as an unexplored region far from the city, in reality, it is not so. With Kagoshima Airport, the air gateway to Kagoshima, Kirishima can be reached in as little as 100 minutes from Tokyo or 70 minutes from Osaka. The area is also conveniently accessible via the Kyushu Longitudinal Expressway and other national highways. The proximity of the town to nature has attracted not only tourists but also many newcomers to the area.

Mr. Koichi Shinbata, the director of the Kirishima City Tourism Association, is one of the people we interviewed this time who lives in Kirishima as a newcomer to the area. Born and raised in Osaka, where his mother was working, he worked in design and architecture after graduation. Later, while visiting Miyakonojo, where his retired parents had moved from Osaka, he was attracted by the charm of the Kirishima mountain range seen from the Miyakonojo basin.

“When I saw the view of the Kirishima mountain range from the Otorii gate of the Kirishima Jingu Shrine, I was indescribably moved and shocked. I am not a person with a deep knowledge of nature, history, or culture, but it was as if my whole body was electrified. After that, I visited the Kirishima mountain range many times, and my excitement reached its peak when I climbed Takachiho peak. I was completely captivated by Kirishima and moved here with my family. Right around that time, there was a job opening at the Kirishima City Tourism Association, so I selflessly applied for the position and was hired as deputy director.”

Mr. Shinbata was moved and shocked, and became captivated by Kirishima. Among the many charms of Kirishima, he feels that the rich diversity of nature and the exquisite blend of people's lives are the most wonderful.

“I think he means that the people and nature are in harmony. I am sorry to say this in such a poor way, but I feel that nature and people have always been together since time immemorial.“

Mr. Shinbata's phrase, "Always the same since time immemorial. I think I can understand this feeling when I actually experience the land of Kirishima. Even though it was my first visit to Kirishima, I felt nostalgic and relaxed. I believe that traveling to Kirishima means becoming one with the deep nostalgia of the island.

Mr. Shinbata was fascinated by Kirishima and moved to the island. One initiative that has been attracting a lot of attention in recent years is "BIKE & TRIP KIRISHIMA," an e-bike tour of Kirishima.

“The "Bicycle Heaven Kirishima" project, which started in 2015 as the brainchild of a local professional road racer, was the catalyst for our bicycle travel efforts. Initially, we targeted serious cyclists, but now we have shifted our focus to the general public at large. We have been gradually increasing the number of rental "e-bikes," which are sports bikes with electric power-assist functions, for several years, and currently have 16 e-bikes in operation.”

The bicycle rental business is being developed at various sightseeing spots throughout Japan as a means of transportation and excursions that do not place a burden on the natural environment. The characteristics of bicycles, such as ease of use not found in cars and motorcycles, proximity to nature, and a wider range of activities not found on foot, make them ideal for travel in Kirishima. Especially in Kirishima, where there are many ups and downs, e-bikes are very useful. There are two rental locations: the Kirishima City Tourist Information Center next to the Otorii Gate of Kirishima Jingu Shrine and the Hinatayama Saigodon Village Tourist Information Center, both of which have resident staff who will give you a detailed lecture on how to use them. The e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular as a new form of sightseeing, allowing even beginners to enjoy a casual trip to Kirishima on an e-bike.

Thanks to the service, we have received many inquiries about the use of e-bikes. We also have a large number of rental e-bikes in our fleet, and we are receiving an increasing number of requests for reference and consultation from local governments and tourist associations in the area. If we can create a positive synergistic effect by working together to expand the circle from Kirishima to Kagoshima as a whole, and even to other parts of Kyushu, we are sure that even more travelers will enjoy our services.

Another initiative that is attracting a lot of attention is the "Mountain Seal Book," a mountain stamp rally. Visitors who climb a target mountain and show proof of ascent at the Kirishima City Tourist Information Center can have their mountain stamp, or "mountain seal," stamped on the mountain. The compact, palm-sized book is sold at the Kirishima City Tourist Information Center for 300 yen per book.

“The first edition, launched in November 2021, covers 15 sites in the Kirishima mountain range.”

This device, inspired by the popularity of red seal booklets, invites visitors to Kirishima to visit the mountains. It seems that behind this is a love of Kirishima.

“In the course of my involvement in tourism in Kirishima, which I love, I have felt that there is a lack of awareness of Kirishima's attractions. The purpose of tourists visiting Kirishima is 70% hot springs, and the remaining 30% mountains and nature. Generally speaking, Kirishima equals hot springs, so the overwhelming majority of visitors soak in the hot springs and return home after visiting major sightseeing spots and visiting shrines. Of course, hot springs are a major attraction of Kirishima. However, it would be a waste to only use the hot springs, as they are so close to the wonderful nature that it would not be an exaggeration to say that they are the only ones in the world... I hope that the mountain seal book will be an opportunity for visitors to go into the mountains and experience firsthand the natural environment and landscape unique to volcanoes, and experience the charms of Kirishima that are not limited to hot springs.”

This desire seems to be steadily spreading, and more than 1,000 copies of the mountain seal book have been sold so far; the number of people who have conquered the 15 summits is said to be close to 400. In July 2022, the target was expanded to 10 mountain peaks in Kagoshima Prefecture, and a second edition of the mountain seal book2 titled "Kirishima Mountain Range and Satsuma-Osumi Mountain Tour" was launched. In the future, they are planning a third volume that will include mountains in Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures.

Mr. Shinbata says, "In the future, we hope to connect this to a long trail that travels around the mountains of Kyushu". The day may not be far off when the movement to familiarize oneself with mountains and nature that began in Kirishima will spread throughout Kyushu.

After hearing the story of Mr. Shinbata, who is full of love for Kirishima, we would like to introduce you to some of the famous places in Kirishima that you definitely want to visit.

First, we will visit Kirishima Shinsui Gorge, a mysterious valley near Kirishima Jingu Shrine. If you go behind the Kirishima Tourist Information Center near the Otorii Gate, you will find a 1.8-kilometer promenade along the Kirishima River. With the walking map you received at the information center in hand, take a leisurely stroll along the path.

Sometimes through the forest, sometimes along the river, the trail is impressive for its mystical air and varied scenery. Walking in the clean air full of negative ions, your body and mind will be refreshed.

There are several waterfalls in the canyon, and the sound of the water splashing down and the beautiful sight is soothing. On the other hand, in places where the stream is quiet and surrounded by trees, the beautiful color of the cobalt blue water can be seen due to the balance of light and shadow. This phenomenon is said to be due to the composition of the hot spring water that flows into the Kirishima River.

The most impressive feature of the site is the columnar jointed rock wall, which was formed when lava flowed from the eruption of Mt. Kirishima's Ohachi volcano in 788 and cooled and hardened. Visitors are reminded that Kirishima is a volcanic area, and are overwhelmed by the mysterious natural formations created by the volcano.

Next, we will visit Kirishima Hot Spring Village, which consists of nine hot springs of various sizes located between 600m and 850m above sea level at the foot of Mt Kirishima.
Kagoshima Prefecture, with its active volcanoes, is one of the most popular hot spring destinations in Japan. There are about 100 hot spring resorts in the prefecture, and with more than 2,700 sources, it boasts the second largest number of hot springs in Japan. The number of public bathhouses using hot springs is the second largest in Japan, and the amount of hot spring water gushing out is the third largest in Japan.

Kirishima has 394 hot springs in the city, and the number of public bathhouses using hot springs is the highest in the prefecture at 116. Kirishima also boasts the nation's top level in the number of spring qualities.

The excellent quality and abundance of hot spring water is truly a blessing from the volcano. Kirishima Onsen-kyo offers a variety of lodging facilities, such as large hotels, elegant inns, and self-catering inns where you can cook with hot spring water, as well as a casual footbath and drinking fountain, so that you can fully enjoy the blessings of the volcano.

Kirishima Onsen-kyo is a boon from the volcanic activity of the Kirishima mountain range, and if you soak in the hot springs after experiencing the mountains and wilderness of Kirishima through e-bikes, mountain seal books, and other approaches recommended by Mr. Shinbata, the hot water will sink into your mind and body even further. At the same time, you will feel embraced by the bosom of Kirishima's great nature and your love for nature will deepen.