GUNUNG · Jepang

Mount Kirishima

霧島山 (Kirishima-yama); puncak tertinggi 韓国岳 (Karakuni-dake)

Information

Elevation: 1.700 m
Country: Jepang (JP)
Location / Range: Pegunungan Kirishima, perbatasan Prefektur Kagoshima–Miyazaki, Kyushu; bagian Taman Nasional Kirishima-Kinkōwan
Mountain type: Gugusan gunung berapi aktif (kompleks Kirishima); puncak tertinggi Karakuni-dake 1.700 m
Volcanic?: Yes — volcano
Coordinates: 31.9167, 130.8667
Difficulty: Menengah — jalur populer dari Dataran Ebino (Ebino Kōgen) ke Karakuni-dake dapat ditempuh naik-turun dalam sehari
Best Season: Musim semi–gugur; akhir Mei–awal Juni terkenal dengan bunga azalea Miyama-kirishima
Permits & Rules: Tanpa izin, tetapi akses ke sejumlah puncak (mis. Shinmoedake) dapat ditutup sewaktu-waktu saat level kewaspadaan vulkanik naik
Hazards: Aktivitas vulkanik yang berlangsung (Shinmoedake meletus antara lain 2011 dan 2018), gas belerang, zona terlarang yang berubah-ubah, dan cuaca cepat berganti di ketinggian

Description

Mount Kirishima (Kirishima-yama) is not a single peak but a cluster of active volcanoes rising to about 1,700 m on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures in Kyushu. Its high point is Karakuni-dake (1,700 m), while other well-known summits include the myth-laden Takachiho-no-mine, the very active Shinmoedake cone, and the crater lake Ōnamiike. Eruptions here have been recorded since 742, with strong events in 788, 1716 and 1717; the dominant rock is andesite. The area lies within Kirishima-Kinkōwan National Park — part of one of Japan's earliest national parks — and is a popular hiking destination, especially from the Ebino Plateau (Ebino Kōgen). In late spring its slopes are covered by the distinctive Miyama-kirishima azalea blooms.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

Karakuni-dake via Ebino Kōgen (Dataran Ebino)

Menengah — jalur berbatu vulkanik, menanjak stabil ke puncak 1.700 m

3–4 jam pulang-pergi

The most popular route to Karakuni-dake, Kirishima's highest peak (1,700 m), starting from the Ebino Plateau (Ebino Kōgen). The trail climbs across volcanic slopes and sulphur craters to the summit rim with sweeping views of Kyushu's volcanic cluster. It is exposed to wind and sulphur gas; check the volcanic alert level before setting out.

Source

Karakuni-dake via Ōnamiike (danau kawah)

Menengah — jalur melingkari danau kawah lalu menanjak ke puncak

4–5 jam pulang-pergi

An alternative that passes Ōnamiike, a scenic crater lake at the foot of Karakuni-dake, before joining the summit trail. It combines crater-lake scenery with the climb to Kirishima's high point; some sections are stepped and well-maintained, making it relatively comfortable, though still exposed to mountain weather.

Source

Climbing Experiences

Hiking around Kirishima most often targets Karakuni-dake (1,700 m), the cluster's highest peak, with a popular start at the Ebino Plateau (Ebino Kōgen). Trails offer volcanic craters, the Ōnamiike crater lake, and sweeping views of Kyushu's volcanic complex; some other peaks may close during heightened volcanic activity.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.