A major eruption about 29,000 years ago caused magma to turn into pyroclastic flows, filling the land and creating a Shirasu plateau, and seawater flowed into the caldera that formed there, creating Kinko Bay. A caldera eruption about 26,000 years ago created the small Sakurajima on the seabed, and about 13,000 years ago, Sakurajima Kitadake appeared above sea level. Sakurajima Minamidake, which was created after that, has undergone repeated eruptions, and lava flowing from a major eruption in the Taisho era connected it to the Osumi Peninsula. Kinko Bay is a large caldera like a pot filled with water, more than 200m deep. An underwater volcano still thrives on the seabed.
And leaning against Mount Takachiho, the setting of the legend of the descent of the heavenly grandson, is Mount Kirishima Ohachi, a cone-shaped volcano that began activity about 3,000 years ago. Fumes rise from the circular crater, about 600m in diameter and 200m deep, and volcanic tremors are still frequently observed even in the 21st century. Magma lurking deep underground gives rise to powerful hot springs, including Iodani Onsen.

Furthermore, while the Satsuma domain's territory was significantly reduced during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's conquest of Kyushu, the number of samurai remained the same. While other domains reduced the number of samurai and concentrated them in castle towns, Satsuma, where samurai made up a quarter of the total population, built "fumoto" (a cluster of samurai residences) around mountain castles across the country and dispersed its samurai. By the end of the Edo period, there were said to be 120 "fumoto" within the domain. Within the "fumoto" were the lord's residence and government offices, as well as wide roads called "baba" (baba) for horsemanship training and narrow roads wide enough for people to walk, flanked by samurai residences protected by stone walls and hedges. Children in the "fumoto" were also raised in a "gochu" education program, where they received physical training in sumo wrestling and swordsmanship (Jigen-ryu). This explains the courageous and fearless nature of Satsuma's samurai. During the late Edo period, the samurai from the foot of the mountain formed the foundation of the Satsuma domain's military power and were a major force in achieving the Meiji Restoration. This story is introduced as a Japan Heritage site. A great place to take a stroll is the "History and Culture Road" in the central Kagoshima area. There are many sights to see, including spots that recall the Satsuma Rebellion.

Just looking at Sakurajima is boring. The Sakurajima Island View bus, which operates from Sakurajima Port and covers the western area of the island, is an efficient way to tour Sakurajima using public transportation, including the Sakurajima Ferry. It takes you to the Sakurajima Visitor Center, the "Portrait of a Scream," created to commemorate a concert by singer Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, the Sakurajima International Volcano Disaster Prevention Center, and other attractive spots. We also recommend the Kagoshima Sora Bus, which operates on weekends and holidays and takes you around the tourist spots of Kagoshima City and Sakurajima in one go on an open-top bus.

The spring water is chloride spring water. Research conducted by the Kagoshima University School of Medicine has confirmed its numerous benefits, including regulating the autonomic nervous system, increasing cardiac output, and raising core body temperature. This means you'll be sweating profusely within 10 minutes. It has been concluded that the effects of promoting blood circulation, eliminating waste products, flushing out inflammatory and pain-causing substances, and providing sufficient oxygen and nutrients are three to four times greater than those of regular hot springs.

Mount Kirishima is the setting for the Japanese mythological legend of the descent of the heavenly grandson. The "Amano Sakahoko" (Heaven's Sagahoko), which appears in the myth, stands on the summit. It is said to have existed as early as the Nara period, but the truth is unclear. The person who pulled out the Sagahoko was Sakamoto Ryoma, as he wrote in a letter he sent to his sister. If you're a strong runner, we recommend trekking. You can reach the summit in about 1-2 hours from Takachihogawara. You'll be soothed by the spectacular crater known as Ohachi, the panoramic view of the sea of clouds, and the sacred atmosphere.
Iodani Onsen is known for its overwhelming volume of hot spring water and its wide variety of qualities. This is where the true charm of Kirishima Onsen is concentrated. The hot spring water gathers and flows at Maruo Falls along the national highway. The waterfall basin shines a milky blue, and in winter, steam rises, sometimes creating rainbows. Mount Kirishima is said to be a major water source, storing such an abundant water source that it functions almost like a dam. Looking at the Oidemizu Spring, known for its gushing water output of 22 tons per minute, you'll be amazed at the power of the water. You can also quench your thirst with the famous water filtered through a natural filter. The tourist base is Kirishima Onsen Market, where souvenir shops and restaurants are gathered. Must-try dishes include curry and Kirishima Myth Bokke Nabe, made with high-quality Kirishima Aged Myth Pork, which is just as good as the famous Kurobuta pork.

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Photo courtesy of Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Tourism and Convention Association, KPVB