Kirishima, Administrative center in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Kirishima is an administrative center in Kagoshima Prefecture stretching from the shores of the bay to the volcanic slopes inland. The city links forested highlands, farming valleys and small settlements that sit along the routes between hot spring resorts and woodland areas.
Archaeological finds in the area reach back to the Jōmon period, when people began settling the coastal plains and mountain fringes. During the Nara period this region formed the center of Ōsumi Province before administrative boundaries shifted several times through later centuries.
The name refers to an old mythological narrative in which gods descended to earth over the nearby mountain ridges. Visitors today see local pilgrims and hikers following the trails to the shrines to share in this spiritual heritage.
Kagoshima Airport sits within the city boundaries and offers domestic connections as well as some international flights. Regional trains and two motorways link the settlements to larger cities in southern Japan.
Tobacco cultivation was introduced here in the early 17th century and continued through generations, making the region one of Japan's major growing areas. Fields still run through some valleys today, though land use is gradually shifting.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
