Sightseeing Flight Across Kirishima’s Mountains in Kagoshima
Sightseeing Flight Across Kirishima’s Mountains in Kagoshima

Sightseeing Flight Across Kirishima’s Mountains in Kagoshima

Sightseeing Flight Across Kirishima’s Mountains in Kagoshima
Sightseeing Flight Across Kirishima’s Mountains in Kagoshima

Overview

Experience the beauty and majesty of Kirishima’s mountain range from the sky! Take a sightseeing flight and marvel at the tallest mountain peak in the region, the inaccessible Shinmoedake volcano, and the sacred Takachiho-no-mine mountain.

Highlights

  • Experience Kirishima’s spectacular mountain range in a fun and unique way!
  • Take in stunning aerial views of Kirishima’s volcanos, craters, caldera lakes, and lush forests
  • Marvel at the active Shinmoedake volcano that can only be seen from the sky!
  • View the sacred Mount Takachiho-no-mine that is at the heart of Japan’s creation mythology
  • This unforgettable experience is sure to have you falling in love with the open skies of Japan’s National Parks!

Key Information

Description

In the midst of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park in Kagoshima prefecture, lies the Kirishima mountain range. Showcasing some of the most stunning volcanic landscapes in Japan, this sightseeing flight will take you into the skies to explore the highlights of the vast region. Starting with a briefing by your guide, you can board either the small Cessna aircraft, allowing a maximum of three people, or the bigger Islander aircraft, allowing up to nine passengers. As you fly above the heights of the mountains, you will almost feel like you are gazing at an alien, Mars-like surface. The sweeping vistas of dramatic mountain cliffs and colored caldera lakes, of stretches of verdant forests and the conical shapes of volcano peaks, are bound to take your breath away. Sit back as your pilot flies you past the top of Mount Karakunidake, the tallest peak in the National Park standing at 1,700 meters tall! Interestingly, its name comes from one of the Japanese Kanji readings for ‘Korea’, since it is said that the peak can be seen from that far away. A special highlight on the flight is Mount Shinmoedake, one of the most active volcanoes in all Japan. With a history of major eruptions — some resulting in smoke and rocks being thrown thousands of meters in the air — the volcano has been designated as a no-entry zone. From the safety of the aircraft, however, you will be able to admire views of the volcano that can only be seen from the sky. Another exceptional view is of Onami Pond. Though named a ‘pond’, this giant caldera is a fairy-like pool of emerald water, surrounded by a ring of lush forests that stretch across the neighboring mountains. The ultimate highlight, however, is the sacred Mount Takachiho-no-mine. The birthplace of Japan’s creation mythology, it is said that it was at this mountain that the grandson of the Sun Goddess, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, descended to rule over the earth and threw his spear on Mount Takachiho-no-mine’s peak to create the islands of Japan. Aside from its history, the mountain has its own unique beauty. With no grass or trees, the red and brown volcanic rock changes color as sunlight hits it at different angles throughout the day — an extremely wondrous sight. Experiencing the Kirishima mountain range from the sky will not only give you a new appreciation for the beauty of the earth, but also a deeper reverence for nature, and an insight into ancient myths that have shaped Japan. Book now for a unique and fun experience of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park!