Mt. Takachiho-no-mine (高千穂峰, 1,574 m) is a volcano on the border of Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures and one of the 200 Famous Japanese Mountains.
This beautiful cone at the eastern end of the Kirishima range is crowned by the Ame-no-Sakahoko (a legendary inverted spear) and is famed as the setting of the Tenson-kōrin descent myth. It is also listed among the New 100 Famous Japanese Mountains and the 100 Famous Mountains of Kyūshū.
From JR Kirishima-Jingū Station, take a Kagoshima Kotsu bus and the Kirishima Renzan loop bus to reach Takachihogawara.
The trailhead is Takachihogawara (approx. 970 m elevation, with a visitor center, car park and toilets). From the Furumiya site the path climbs to the crater rim known as Ohachi (the “Uma-no-se” ridge), rounds it, crosses the Seto-o saddle and reaches the summit. The ascent takes about 1 hour 30 minutes (about 3 hours round trip), beginner level, but take care on the loose volcanic gravel of Ohachi and in strong winds.
The hiking season runs from April to November. Ohachi is at volcanic alert Level 1 (active volcano) and climbing from Takachihogawara is permitted, but the neighbouring Shinmoedake is at Level 2 (crater-area restriction) with no-entry zones (lowered from Level 3 in October 2025). Always check the latest volcanic information from the JMA and trail restrictions from Kirishima City before setting out.
How to access the trailheads
- [Outbound] Kirishima-Jingū Station → Takachihogawara
- [Return] Takachihogawara → Kirishima-Jingū Station
1. [Outbound] Kirishima-Jingū Station → Takachihogawara
From JR Nippō Main Line Kirishima-Jingū Station, take a Kagoshima Kotsu bus to the Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel, then change to the Kirishima Renzan loop bus to Takachihogawara.
Time: approx. 1 hr 40 min / Fare: approx. ¥1,560 (the “Nottari Oritori My Plan” 1-day pass at ¥1,100 is better value)
※The loop bus to Takachihogawara runs only in the morning, and the only afternoon return is at 15:30. The early-afternoon arrival is too late for a same-day round trip, so it is not listed here.
Connection TableKirishima-Jingū Sta. → Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel (change) → Takachihogawara
| Kirishima-Jingū Sta. dep. | Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel arr./dep. | Takachihogawara arr. |
|---|---|---|
| 7:51 | 8:27 / 8:38 | 9:29 |
| 9:51 | 10:27 / 10:38 | 11:29 |
Source: [Kagoshima Kotsu (Nottari Oritori My Plan, Kirishima)]
2. [Return] Takachihogawara → Kirishima-Jingū Station
From Takachihogawara, take the Kirishima Renzan loop bus back to the Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel, then change to a Kagoshima Kotsu bus to JR Kirishima-Jingū Station.
Time: approx. 2 hr / Fare: approx. ¥1,560
※The loop bus from Takachihogawara departs only once, at 15:30. Miss it and there is no public transport down, so plan your start time and pace carefully.
Connection TableTakachihogawara → Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel (change) → Kirishima-Jingū Sta.
| Takachihogawara dep. | Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel arr./dep. | Kirishima-Jingū Sta. arr. |
|---|---|---|
| 15:30 | 16:18 / 16:55 | 17:31 |
Source: [Kagoshima Kotsu (Nottari Oritori My Plan, Kirishima)]
After the hike & notes
Volcanic information: Takachiho-no-mine and Ohachi are active volcanoes (Ohachi at alert Level 1). The neighbouring Shinmoedake is at Level 2 with no-entry zones around the crater. Before setting out, always check the JMA’s volcanic warnings and Kirishima City’s trail restrictions.
On the trail: The crater rim of Ohachi (the “Uma-no-se”) is loose gravel and slippery, and dangerous in strong winds. There is no shade above the treeline, so carry water, wind protection and sun protection.
In an emergency: Call 110 (police) or 119 (fire).
・Kirishima Police Station 0995-47-2110
・Takachihogawara Visitor Center (Kirishima City)
Photo by Gjpamt1 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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