Takachihonomine (Kagoshima)

Takachiho-no-mine 1574m is a short and easy volcano hike in the Kirishima national park. Technically you can do the whole ridge as a long dayhike, but because of volcanic activity the ridge usually has multiple spots that are off-limits/closed.

		
⏲︎	Time: 3h 30min
✎	Kanji: 高千穂峰
⚲ 	Location: Kagoshima
↔	Distance: 5.1km
✮	Difficulty: Easy
ᨒ	Elevation Gain: 628m
☀	Dayhike
☉	Hiking Season: March 
	to December

Access

Public transportation in this area of Kyushu is infrequent or non-existent. I would recommend renting a car.

If coming by car park at the Takachiho Gawara visitor center.

Since parts of the ridge are currently closed we first climbed Takachiho and then drove to Enino Kogen and walked a loop around Lake Onami as well.

Trail description

Start from the visitor center and walk the sandy and rocky trail up the mountain. The trail is not difficult but very sandy, so you'll take two steps up and slide one down again. Also lots of sand in your shoes.

Once you get higher the trail gets rockier and you'll walk on sharp, volcanic rock. I'm always in favor of trail runners, but they are definitely not as durable as hiking boots.

It's going to take up 1:30 to 2h to the peak depending on your waking speed. On a clear day you'll have views of Sakurajima too and you can have a peak into the crater.

Then make your way back down and drive to some of the little lakes if you have extra time or visit an onsen.