Kaimondake

Kaimondake is a 924-meter volcano on the Satsuma Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture. With its striking triangular shape, it is also called ‘Satsuma Fuji.’ Because there are no nearby mountains blocking the view, it looks beautiful from many angles, and from the summit you can enjoy expansive views that include Kirishima in the north, Sakurajima, Lake Ikeda, and to the south even Yakushima and the Mishima islands. You can drive to Kaimon Sanroku Fureai Park, park there, and many visitors hike from that point. The round trip takes about 4–6 hours, and there are no toilets on the route, so plan carefully. While the trail is generally a gentle spiral slope, there are also steep stair sections, so light hiking boots are recommended. Horses are grazed in the Fureai Park area, and there is also a campsite—some people camp there and hike Kaimondake. A top Kagoshima scenic spot worth visiting. Access: about a 20-minute walk from JR Kaimon Station to the trailhead.