The Autumn Leaves of Kirishima
Kirishima has the most beautiful autumn leaves within Kagoshima Prefecture.
The enticing Kirishima-Yaku National Park is the very first designated national park in Japan; the majestic Kirishima mountain range and the natural hot springs that well from its foot can all be found in Kirishima.
Aflame with red and yellow autumn leaves, the Kirishima autumn leaves season is at its best from late October to late November!
The Kirishima Shrine is where the Ninigi deity, grandchild of the legendary Japanese Sun Goddess Amaterasu and protagonist of the ancient legend "Descending of the Heavenly Grandchild", is worshiped.
Flaming red leaves fill the interior of the Kirishima Shrine, and its surrounding pathways are also favorite autumn leave viewing spots among the locals!
Tarumizu Thousand Ginkgos
Over the past few years, the lines of gingko trees in Tarumizu, Kagoshima have captivated tourists as a prime attraction that lets people truly enjoy the fall season.
These lined gingko trees are called "Senbon Iichou (Thousand Gingkos)". As per the name, there are over 1,000 ginkgo trees in an area of 4.5 hectares.
During his 22 years as a company employee, with only weekends available to him, he went into the mountains to cultivate the land.
Enjoy the vast panorama of the thousand gingko trees and Japan's changing seasons.
The Husband and Wife Maidenhair (Gingko) Trees of Fukuyama Town
In the precinct of the Miyaura Shrine near the Black Vinegar Pots of Fukuyama Town stand the loving Husband and Wife Maidenhair Trees.
Said to be more than a thousand years old, both trees stand at 38m.
Taking a stroll down the "yellow carpet" path (the path in-between the trees is filled with yellow-coloured fallen leaves) is like being in a different world.
Ōnami Lake
About 30 minutes drive from the Kirishima Shrine in the direction of the Ebino Highlands is the Ōnami Lake, the largest volcano summit crater lake in Japan measuring a diameter of 630m, circumference of 1.9km, and a water depth of 11m.
The lake is surrounded by maple trees and Japanese red pine trees, with splendid autumn leaf sceneries.
It takes about 90 minutes to go around the lake.
Kinkowan Park
About 50,000 stalks of Cosmos spread across a flower bed of about 0.4 hectares while the fragrance of roses in full bloom fills the rose garden.
From the high pedestal, one can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the colorful flowers in blossom against the backdrop of the glittering turquoise blue waters of the Kinko Bay.
Yoshino Park
Enjoy the impressive view of Sakurajima from this overlook. Also a very popular spot for 'hanami' during cherry blossom season.
Located in the northeast part of Kagoshima City, this spactious 30 hectare grounds is a nature park covered lawn.In the beginning of April over 70 thousand flowers including azaleas and 140 other varieties that encirle the park will be in bloom.Situated on a 234 meter hill, this splendid overlook offers unobstructed views of the grand Sakurajima on the other side of Kinko Bay, and on days with fine weather the Kirishima Range and and Kaimondake can be seen in the distance.
11 types of cherry trees, including 12 Kawazakura, begin blooming in late February, and continue blooming in succession until late April.
Kanoya Rose Garden
Japan's largest rose garden, with about 50,000 roses planted across 8 hectares.