Mount Kurino, Volcano in Yūsui, Japan
Mount Kurino is a volcano in Yūsui, in the south of Kyushu, and sits within the Kirishima mountain range. Its slopes are covered with forests of maple and oak, and the vegetation shifts noticeably as you climb higher.
The volcano formed over 200,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest in the Kirishima range. Its long activity helped shape the geology of the surrounding area over many thousands of years.
In the Hachiman Jigoku area, locals use steam rising from the ground to cook food in a traditional way that visitors can watch. This practice is still active today and gives a real sense of how life near an active volcano shapes everyday habits.
The Hachiman Jigoku trail starts with a long stairway and covers several kilometers in total, so solid footwear and enough water are a good idea. Those sensitive to sulfur smells should be aware that the fumarole areas can be quite strong.
The mountain is home to one of the largest fumarole fields in Kyushu, where steam and volcanic gases rise straight out of the ground. These vents feed the nearby hot springs and also keep the surrounding soil noticeably warm even in winter.
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