Kirishima
Kirishima is a volcanic town located in Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Kyushu, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. According to Japanese mythology, Kirishima is known as the “cradle of creation,” where the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu was sent to rule the earth and bring peace by creating an imperial lineage. The town’s main shrine, located deep within a primordial forest, is dedicated to this deity and is one of the most spiritually-powerful spots in Japan. One of Kirishima’s most popular attractions is its hot springs which are plentiful due to the area’s volcanic activity. It is believed the slightly acidic thermal waters are therapeutic and may relieve rheumatic pain and muscular tension, and thus is ideal to end a day of hiking with a dip in the hot springs. Also due to the volcanic landscape, the mineral-rich soil produces high quality black vinegar, green tea, shochu liquor (made from sweet potatoes), and mineral water.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Kirishima Jingu
Surrounded by an ancient forest, this serene Shinto shrine features ornate architectural details and deep vermilion columns. Kirishima shrine also accommodates a unique natural feature, a cedar tree that is said to be 800 years old and an ancestor of all the great cedar forests across the island of Kyushu.
Kirishima Open Air Museum
Visit Kirishima Open Air Museum, located in the foothills of Mount Kirishima. As you stroll through the surrounding meadow lands, enjoy works by world class artists including Isamu Noguchi, James Turrell, Yoko Ono, Anish Kapoor, Takashi Murakami, Richard Long, Nam-June Paik and Marisol.
Kirishima National Park
This beautiful area was once volcanic lands. Now covered by foliage, visitors can hike around and view the crater lakes and a wide array of flora. Kirishima has ten crater lakes.
Maruo Falls
The 75-foot Maruo Falls are located in Kirishima City and are fed from two different hot springs, the Hayashida and the Iodani onsens. The sulfur-rich water can appear to be a milky blue color.
Japan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Hokkaido
Kyushu
Honshu
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Shikoku
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- Iya Valley
- Izu Peninsula
- Kagoshima
- Kamakura
- Kanazawa
- Karuizawa
- Kirishima
- Kobe
- Kotohira & Takamatsu
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- Lake Shikotsu
- Lake Toya
- Matsuyama & Imabari
- Mie
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- Naoshima & Seto Inland Sea Islands
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- Nikko
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- Yakushima Island
- Yamagata
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
New Japan Adventures – Discovering Southern Kyushu and Sacred Yakushima Island
- Author
- Catherine Heald
In my perpetual quest to find ever more fantastic remote destinations, I went to Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island of her four main islands, in February 2016.
Take Every Room: Asia’s 5 Best Buyout Hotels for Birthdays
- Author
- Travelogues
Some like adventure on their birthday, some luxury or travel, and others like to spend time with those they love – why not have it all?
Be Well: Relaxing Journeys Through Asia to Soothe The Soul
- Author
- Travelogues
The finest spas, the most relaxing yoga retreats, the most intense workouts, the most soothing natural surroundings – travelers will find their ideal well-being holiday in Asia.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A Couple from San Francisco
The guides and drivers were very knowledgable about the areas and took care of us well
A couple from Guangzhou, China - Aman Jet Expedition 2017
We will still remember every beautiful and remarkable moment you created for us during the trip for years to come.
Couple from Melbourne Australia, clients of ETM Group.
Even though we had to change our plans at the last minute, the revised itinerary you put together was more than perfect.
