Kirishima Onsen

**Onsen quality varies dramatically by location.** Maruo Onsen's blue-white sulfur water reaches 42°C naturally and smells strongly of rotten eggs—the sulfur concentration here is among Kyushu's highest. Ebino Highlands' Shiratani Unsuikyo onsen uses acidic water (pH 2.1) that stings broken skin but leaves it remarkably soft. Kirishima Kanko Hotel's outdoor bath sits at 920m elevation with direct views of Mt. Karakuni's crater rim. **The Ebino Plateau hiking circuit** (5.3km, 2.5 hours) passes Rokkannon-Miike's cobalt-blue crater lake, Byakushi-Ike's milky turquoise pool, and Fudo-Ike's emerald water—each color determined by mineral content and depth. Start at 7am to beat tour buses. The trail is wheelchair-accessible boardwalk for the first 2km. **Kirishima Jingu Shrine** (15 min downhill from the onsen zone) was rebuilt in 1715 after Mt. Shinmoe's eruption destroyed the original. The vermillion lacquer and gold-leaf main hall gleams against the cedar forest. Free admission; arrive before 8:30am when priests perform morning prayers with taiko drums echoing through the trees. **Winter access:** The highland road (Route 223) closes during snow/ice from December to March. Check road status at Kirishima City tourism office (0995-45-5111) before departure.