Kirishima Yama

The Kirishima Mountains are a 1700 meter high active volcano group in Kagoshima Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. Numerous eruptions have been recorded since 742. Very strong eruptions happened in 788, 1716 and 1717. Augite-hypersthene andesite is the dominant rock type.

The highest peak is Karakuni-dake. Its name literally means "Korea Peak"; it was once believed to be so high that the Korean Peninsula could be seen from its summit. Other peaks include the sacred and often fabled in national foundation mythology, Takachiho-no-mine as well as Shinmoedake, both active volcanoes. They are part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park near Kirishima City.