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Ebino Kogen Plateau — Crater Lake Circuit

Published: Jul 22, 2026

Updated: Jul 22, 2026

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Ebino Kogen Plateau — Crater Lake Circuit

Ebino Kogen (えびの高原, 1,200m elevation) is a volcanic highland plateau in the Kirishima range, featuring a collection of crater lakes, hiking trails through alpine meadows, and geothermal vents emitting sulfur steam. The Pond Circuit Trail (池めぐり, 1 hour) passes six crater lakes in succession — each a different color (emerald green, cobalt blue, milky white) due to varying mineral content and algae.

The plateau marks the border between Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, with the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park protecting the volcanic landscape.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Trails free access during daylight. Eco-Museum approximately 9:00–17:00. Plateau road open April–November.

Closed: Plateau road closed December–March due to snow and ice. Trails accessible year-round on foot if conditions permit.

Entrance Fee

Trails free. Eco-Museum ¥500 (includes trail map). Parking ¥500.

Best Season

October–November for peak foliage, vivid lake colors, and comfortable temperatures. May for pink miyama-kirishima azalea blooms.

Visit Duration

1–2 hours for the Pond Circuit Trail (4km loop). Add 3 hours for the Mt. Karakuni summit hike (6km round-trip).

Getting There

Access Information

Ebino Kogen, Ebino City (Miyazaki) / Kirishima City (Kagoshima). 40-min drive from Kobayashi IC. Bus from Kobayashi Station: 50 min, ¥1,000 (limited service). Parking ¥500. Eco-Museum entry: ¥500 (includes trail map). Trails free.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Pond Circuit details:** The 1-hour loop (4km, mostly flat boardwalk) passes Fudo Pond (不動池, emerald green), Rokkannonmiike Pond (六観音御池, cobalt blue, deepest at 14m), and Byakushi Pond (白紫池, milky blue-white from sulfur). The colors shift based on sunlight angle and season — autumn (October–November) shows the most vivid contrasts. Start clockwise from the Eco-Museum to reach the most photogenic lakes first. **Mt. Karakuni hike:** Advanced hikers can ascend Mt. Karakuni (韓国岳, 1,700m), the highest peak in Kirishima range. The trail from Ebino Kogen trailhead is 3 hours round-trip (6km, 500m gain) — steep but rewards with panoramic views across all of Kirishima's volcanic cones. The summit crater is 900m wide and 300m deep. **Seasonal access:** The plateau road closes December–March due to snow and ice. April–May sees alpine wildflowers (miyama-kirishima azaleas, pink). Summer (July–August) can be foggy. October–November is peak season — clear skies, autumn foliage, comfortable temps (15°C).

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