Mount Karakuni
韓国岳
The highest peak of the Kirishima range (1,700 meters). A round trip from Ebino Plateau takes about 3 to 4 hours, and from the summit you can look down on Ōnamiike and the Shinmoedake crater, with Sakurajima visible on clear days.
Mount Karakuni rises 1,700 meters and is the highest peak of the Kirishima range. Legend says its name comes from the fact that on clear days, one can gaze toward Korea. The most common trailhead is near the visitor center on Ebino Plateau. The one-way hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The first half passes volcanic gravel and wooden steps, and the second half is steeper. The summit is a huge crater about 900 meters in diameter. Looking south, you can see Lake Onami, Shinmoedake, and Takachiho-no-mine, and on clear days, Sakurajima and Kaimondake are also visible. It is also possible to descend by a traverse via Lake Onami. Caution: Iozan and Shinmoedake are very active, and whether the trails are open depends on the Japan Meteorological Agency's volcanic alert level. Check the announcements from Ebino City and Kirishima City in Miyazaki Prefecture before you set out. There are no supplies on the mountain, so bring plenty of water and a windproof jacket.
Opening hours
Daytime hiking only (subject to volcano restrictions)
Nearby sights
- Ebino Plateau
- Lake Onami
- Kirishima Onsen Village & Maruo Falls
- Takachiho-gawara & Mount Takachiho-no-mine
- Ikoma Plateau
- Kirishima Shinwa-no-Sato Park
- Kirishima-jingu Shrine
- Kirishima Open-Air Museum