Volcanoes and waterfalls in Miyazaki Prefecture

Nature & Volcanoes

Miyazaki’s volcanic landscape is defined by the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, a cluster of active peaks and craters spanning the border with Kagoshima. This list features Mt. Karakuni, the highest point at 1,700 meters, and the sacred Mt. Takachihonomine, linked to Japan’s creation myths. The region includes the active Ohachi crater and the basalt columns of Takachiho Gorge, where Manai Falls drops 17 meters into the Gokase River. These sites showcase the geological diversity of Kyushu, from high-altitude volcanic plateaus to deep river canyons.

TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋) / CC BY 2.0

Manai Falls

A 17-meter waterfall located within Takachiho Gorge. It drops into the Gokase River against a backdrop of columnar basalt cliffs formed by ancient volcanic eruptions from Mount Aso. The falls can be viewed from a cliffside trail or via rental rowboats.

Motamota / CC BY-SA 4.0

Mt. Shinmoe

Shinmoedake is a volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyūshū, Japan, and a part of the Mount Kirishima cluster of volcanoes.

Batholith / Public domain

Kirishima Yama

The Kirishima Mountains are a 1700 meter high active volcano group in Kagoshima Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan.

Ray_go / CC BY-SA 3.0

Mt. Karakuni

Karakunidake or Mount Karakuni is a volcano in Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, Japan. It is part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park.

Yanajin / CC BY-SA 3.0

Mt. Takachihonomine

A 1,574-meter peak in the Kirishima range, revered as the legendary site where the deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended to earth. The summit features a sacred bronze spear, known as the Amenohaboko, and provides views of the surrounding volcanic craters.

Yanajin / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ohachi

An active, bowl-shaped volcanic crater situated on the slopes of Mt. Takachihonomine. Known for its steep, reddish-brown walls and circular rim, it has recorded eruptions dating back to the 8th century and is a prominent feature of the Kirishima trekking route.