Mount Kinbō

Mount Kinbō rises to 665.2 meters above sea level as an extinct stratovolcano featuring lava domes, parasitic cones, and gentle slopes that provide panoramic views of Kumamoto City and the surrounding Ariake Sea region.

The mountain experienced its last volcanic eruption between 200,000 and 150,000 years ago, with major volcanic activity occurring approximately 56 to 50 million years ago during the formation of Japan's volcanic islands.

Mount Kinbō holds significant cultural importance as the location where legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi composed portions of his famous treatise The Book of Five Rings while residing in the nearby Reigando Cave.

Visitors can access Mount Kinbō via public transportation from JR Kumamoto Station by taking a tram to Honmyoji-denteimae followed by a bus to the trailhead, with parking facilities and hiking trails available for day trips.

The mountain serves as the source of the Kikuchi River and houses broadcasting antennas on its slopes while being regularly monitored by the Geological Survey of Japan despite its extinct volcanic status.

Location: Nishi-ku

Elevation above the sea: 665.2 m

GPS coordinates: 32.81388,130.63887

Latest update: July 25, 2025 09:05