|
| |
|
KIRISHINA JINGU |
| |
|
|
| |
The small town of KIRISHIMA JINGU , built on the southern slopes of
Takachiho-no-mine, makes a possible alternative base to Ebino Kogen. The
top end of town, partly enveloped in cedar forests and focused round a
cheerful, red-lacquer bridge, has an appealing, village atmosphere. It
also boasts a number of reasonable accommodation options and a couple of
mildly interesting sights.
The first of these is a small craft village (daily 9am-5/5.30pm; free)
immediately south of the lacquered bridge. Though it's a mite touristy,
some of the demonstrations are worth a look and there's also a short
riverside walk. Heading over the bridge, walk under the bright vermilion
torii and up a steep flight of steps to the shrine, Kirishima-jingu ,
after which the town is named. A surprisingly imposing complex, it's
dedicated to Ninigi-no-mikoto and his fellow gods who first set foot in
Kirishima at the dawn of Japan's creation. Although there are fine views
of Kagoshima Bay from the shrine, they're better from the summit of
Takachiho-no-mine (1574m) itself, roughly three hours' walk to the
northeast. With your own transport you can halve the walking time by
driving 7km up the road to Takachiho-gawara . It's then a steady climb
on a well-marked path, ending in a short scramble on scree to the crater
rim where a replica of Ninigi's sacred sword points skywards. Takachiho
last erupted in 1913, and now only faint wisps of steam indicate that
it's still active.
As well as a Visitors' Centre (daily 8.30am-5pm), Takachiho-gawara also
has a good campsite (tel 0995/57-0996; under ¥3000) just south of the
road. Otherwise, if you're looking for places to stay , try one of the
cluster of minshuku at the top end of Kirishima Jingu village. Among
these, the friendly Minshuku Kirishima-ji (tel 0995/57-0272;
¥10,000-15,000) beside the bridge is a pleasant place with just four
rooms. Take the road east in front of the Kirishima-ji for Kirishima
Jingu-mae Youth Hostel (tel & fax 0995/57-1188; ¥3000-5000). It's basic,
but pretty relaxed and the food's plentiful and tasty. Both these places
have their own hot-spring baths and offer rooms without meals. There are
small restaurants and convenience stores on the main square, where
you'll also find a post office and bus stops for services down to
Kirishima Jingu Station or on up to Hayashida Onsen.
|
| |
|
