Mt. Kirishima (Takachiho-no-mine)

Mythical peak where the gods descended, with a bronze spear at the summit.

Takachiho-no-mine (1,574m) is the sacred peak of the Kirishima volcanic range in southern Kyushu, where according to Japanese mythology the god Ninigi descended from heaven. The dramatic trail climbs through volcanic scoria and past steaming craters to a summit crowned by the legendary Ama-no-Sakahoko (Heavenly Reversed Halberd). Views stretch across the volcanic landscape to Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay.