National park · Japan

Kirishima-Yaku National Park霧島錦江湾国立公園

Spend a morning on the Karakuni summit trail (≈2 h, moderate) for ¥500 entry, or a full‑day hike to Ebino Kogen (≈5 h, hard) in spring–autumn; avoid the rainy season (Jun–Jul) and Golden Week (late Apr).

Not field-verified

Source checked: A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked: Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated: Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Special national siteSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

Google Maps Apple Maps Street View

Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

365 km² (141 sq mi)141 sq mi (365 km²)

approximate

Established

1934

Best months

Mar–May, Oct–Nov

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 9

East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
Kyushu ↗The Kyushu Rail Pass covers JR Kyushu lines and both Kyushu Shinkansen, but not the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata; it is sold to visitors on tourist visas.
Kyushu ↗The Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP) is for foreign drivers renting a car; city expressways are excluded.
Kagoshima Prefecture ↗JR Kyushu Pass can be cheaper if you travel beyond Kagoshima city; it does not cover Shinkansen to Kagoshima.
Kagoshima Prefecture ↗Check Sakurajima eruption alerts before visiting; follow local guidance on ropeway and ferry operations.

At a glance

Country: Japan
Area: 365 km² (141 sq mi)141 sq mi (365 km²); Approximate; official figure not published (check).
Established: 1934
Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Permits: For some areas
Base: Kagoshima

Kirishima-Yaku National Park spans volcanic peaks, crater lakes and hot‑spring villages across Kagoshima and Miyazaki. It offers short summit walks, longer alpine treks and cultural sites like Kirishima Jingu, while protecting fragile alpine flora and wildlife.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

Special national siteFirst‑generation Japanese national park.

Size and age

365 km² (141 sq mi)141 sq mi (365 km²) · national park since 1934

Approximate; official figure not published (check).

This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Kagoshima.

Why go

Volcanic landscape with 23 cones, many crater lakes.
Hot‑spring villages and historic Kirishima Jingu shrine.
Varied trails from easy forest walks to alpine summit routes.

When to go

12-month verdict

JanGo
FebGo
MarBest
AprBest
MayBest
JunCaution
JulCaution
AugCaution
SepGo
OctBest
NovBest
DecGo

JanCool, clear skies.
FebMild, few crowds.
MarSpring blossoms, dry.
AprFlowers, comfortable temps.
MayWarm, low rain.
JunStart of rainy season.
JulRainy, possible trail closures.
AugRainy, humid.
SepRain eases, still warm.
OctAutumn colours, dry.
NovCool, clear.
DecCold, occasional snow on peaks.

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Kirishima-Yaku National Park
What	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Japanese macaqueMar–Dec	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Japanese giant salamander (rare)Apr–Sep · Found near streams; observe from a distance.	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no
Birds of prey (e.g., hawk, buzzard)Mar–Sep	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map

How to get there

From Kagoshima

JR Nippo Line to Kirishima Jingu station (45 min), then bus 25 min to Kirishima Onsen and park entrance.

1–1.5 h

Open the page →

From Miyazaki

JR Nippo Line to Kirishima Jingu (1 h 20 min), then bus to park.

1.5–2 h

Open the page →

From Kagoshima Airport (KOJ)

Bus to Kagoshima Station, then JR Nippo Line as above.

≈2 h

Open the page →

Zones and sectors

Zones of Kirishima-Yaku National Park
Zone	What is there	Access
Karakuni Visitor Center	Main gate, information desk, short summit trail to Mt. Karakuni.	Open daily; ticket required.
Ebino Kogen Plateau	High‑altitude meadow, trailheads for longer hikes, campsite.	Car or bus; campsite reservation recommended.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine area	Cultural site with torii, forest paths.	Free access; within walking distance of center.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation

Coordinates from official site and Wikidata; central point at Karakuni Visitor Center.

1Karakuni Visitor Center · Headquarters≈31.263, 130.706Map ↗
2Mt. Karakuni summit · Viewpoint≈31.285, 130.735Map ↗
3Kagoshima city · Town≈31.560, 130.558Map ↗

Take the points offline

GPX waypoints · approximate

3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.

Coordinates from official site and Wikidata; central point at Karakuni Visitor Center.

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Show Top experiencesHide

Top experiences

ViewpointsModerate2–3 hMt. Karakuni summitSteep stone steps; panoramic view of crater lakes.

TrailsHard5–6 hEbino Kogen ridge hikeCross‑mountain route with alpine flora, some river crossings.

CultureEasy1–2 hKirishima Jingu shrine walkHistoric shrine surrounded by forest, free entry.

SnorkellingEasy30 minHot‑spring foot baths (ashiyu)Free public foot‑baths at several park entrances.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related

Entry fees and permits

JPY ranges · check

Fees for Kirishima-Yaku National Park
Item	Range	Per	Note
Park entry (visitor centre)	JPY 500 (≈ US$4)	person	Covers short summit trail.
Camping at Ebino Plateau Camp Village	JPY 1,500–2,500 (≈ US$11–17)	person	Check for seasonal rates.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry permit or guide

Ticket at the Karakuni Visitor Center.

Guided long trek (Ebino Kogen) no permit

Not mandatory, but recommended for safety.

What would our group pay?

from the fee rows above · estimates

People

Nights or days

Park entry (visitor centre)per person¥500≈ US$4
Camping at Ebino Plateau Camp Villageper person¥1,500–2,500≈ US$11–17

Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.

A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Ministry of Environment – Kirishima National Park official page before you go.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

Pets: Dogs allowed on leashes on marked trails only; not permitted in campsites or shrine area.
Camping: Only in designated Ebino Plateau campsite; wild camping prohibited.
Fire: Open fires forbidden; use provided grills at campsite.
Drones: Not allowed without park authority permission.check
Collecting flora/fauna: Prohibited; preserve natural environment.

Where to stay

In the park

Ebino Plateau Camp Village

Basic cabins and tent sites; reservation recommended.

Near the park

Kagoshima city

Hotels and ryokan, 45 min by bus to park.

Near the park

Miyazaki city

Wide range of lodging, 1 h 20 min by train to park.

Safety

Volcanic activity medium

Check alerts on the Ministry of Environment site before travel.

Sudden rain and slippery trails high

Carry rain gear, use trekking poles, avoid exposed ridges in heavy rain.

Heat on lower slopes (summer) medium

Start hikes early, bring water, wear sun protection.

How much daylight do you have?

computed for this spot

Date

Time out

Finding the local time zone…

Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.

Accessibility

Visitor centre accessible by car and bus; short summit trail has some steep steps, not wheelchair‑friendly.
Ebino Kogen plateau reachable by car; longer ridge hike unsuitable for limited mobility.

Visiting lightly

Stay on marked trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation.
Use refillable water bottles; waste bins are limited.
Support local hot‑spring inns that practice water recycling.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Kirishima-Yaku National Park?

¥500 per adult for the visitor‑center ticket, which includes access to the short summit trail. Camping fees are separate.

What are the best hikes in Kirishima-Yaku National Park?

Mt. Karakuni summit (2–3 h, moderate) for a quick view, and the Ebino Kogen ridge hike (5–6 h, hard) for alpine scenery.

When is the best time to visit Kirishima-Yaku National Park?

Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Oct–Nov) offer dry weather and good visibility; avoid the rainy season in June–July and Golden Week crowds.

Can I camp inside the park?

Only at the designated Ebino Plateau Camp Village; wild camping is prohibited.

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Dogs are permitted on leashed, marked trails but not in campsites or shrine areas.

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Show the detailsHide

Sources

Ask about Kirishima-Yaku National Park

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