Mount Kaimon
開聞岳
A cone-shaped volcano 924 meters high, resembling Mount Fuji and nicknamed 'Satsuma Fuji.' A spiral trail wraps around the mountain to the summit.
Mount Kaimon is a cone-shaped volcano rising out of the sea at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula. Known as 'Satsuma Fuji,' it is listed among Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. The hiking trail begins at the second station and spirals around the mountain nearly once on the way up, taking about 4.5 to 5 hours round-trip. The upper section is covered in volcanic gravel. From the summit, you can look down on Lake Ikeda, Cape Nagasakibana and the East China Sea. At the foot of the mountain, Kaimon Foothills Natural Park has free-roaming Tokara horses. Those who don't hike can enjoy the mountain's graceful shape from Lake Ikeda, Nishi-Oyama Station and Cape Nagasakibana. It is about 30 minutes by car from Ibusuki Station. Note that rocky sections near the summit are slippery, and the risk of heatstroke is high in summer.
Opening hours
Open all day (hiking after sunrise recommended)
Nearby sights
- Hirakiki Shrine
- Tosenkyo Somen Nagashi
- Nishi-Oyama Station
- Flower Park Kagoshima
- Cape Nagasakibana
- Lake Ikeda
- Lake Unagi
- Tamatebako Onsen