Kirishima Kogen Road (Ebino-Maruo)

A volcanic highland traverse from the Ebino Plateau down to Maruo Onsen, winding among steaming peaks and crater lakes of the Kirishima range.

Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectural Route 1 climbs to the Ebino Plateau at around 1200 m and then descends through the heart of the Kirishima volcanic range toward Maruo Onsen and National Route 223. The drive strings together steady curves and elevation change with views of Mount Karakuni and Mount Takachiho, crater lakes, and steam rising from the active fields, cooling and refreshing even in summer. Traffic is usually light, which makes it a relaxed but spectacular touring road through one of Kyushu’s signature landscapes. Note that volcanic alert levels can close sections near active vents at short notice. Mind the volcanic restrictions near Mount Shinmoe, sulphur fog and low cloud on the plateau, and deer on the road at dawn and dusk.