えびの平野火山湖 - Ebino Lakes - Kirishima Volcanic Group - 3/8/2025

My Experience: After hiking Takachiho at Kirishima Kinkowan National Park and with a bit of a rest and some time remaining in the day, I felt like still hiking more so went for more of an elevated walk along the Ikemeguri Nature Trail. The Takachiho hike was only 6km, so decided to take the Ebino Lake Trail hike for another 4.5KM to finish the day. It was about 4.5 KM and given the time of day, I was hiking fast and only took me about 1 hour total time. Here is link to my hike route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-71560ce-680

I did not do the upper trail around Byakushi Pond to Mount Shiratori. It was snowing with low cloud ceiling with visibility limited and in-part due to limited daylight (which you will see form the eventual Youtube video). That said if you review the other "source link" below from National Parks of Japan, you will see the views are quite amazing if you have clear days

All the below material sourced directly from National Parks of Japan - https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/parks/kirishima-kinkowan/see-and-do/ebino-highland-crater-lake-hiking-trail/

About: A trail along three of Ebino Highland's crater lakes. This hiking trail follows the edges of three of Ebino Highland's crater lakes.* The entire area offers striking scenery that changes with the seasons. Enjoy views of all three lakes from the summit of Mount Shiratori (1,363 m) and from observatories that you pass on the way to the peak.

This course is on a list of Japan's top "100 forests for nature therapy." The forests named on this list must meet certain minimum standards for ease of access and be healthy enough for their trees to release large quantities of natural oils called phytoncides. Studies show that phytoncides can help boost the immune system. On this hike, listen for the call of the wild deer that inhabit Ebino Highland, which has a distinctive sound.

The majority of this hike is easygoing, although there is one steep slope close to Mount Shiratori's summit. This means you can complete the loop in about two hours and still have enough time left to enjoy the various lake views. When you reach the summit of Mount Shiratori, you will be rewarded with views of the nearby Mount Karakuni (1,700 m) and distant Mount Sakurajima (1,117 m).

*Note that the Ebino Plateau–Fudoike Pond–Mount Koshiki route is currently closed due to an eruption.

Highlights

Rokkannon Miike Crater Lake and Byakushiike Crater LakeFrom Niko Panorama Observatory, you can see both Rokkannon Miike Crater Lake and Byakushiike Crater Lake. The observatory takes its name from this—niko means "two lakes" in Japanese. You'll also have a fine view of smoking Mount Io (1,310 m) and Mount Karakuni, the highest peak in the Kirishima mountain range. ByakushIike Crater Lake is 250 meters wide, and it used to freeze to a depth of 1 meter during winter. This earned it a reputation as the southernmost natural skating rink on Japan's main island. Climate change has caused the ice to thin, however, and skating on the lake is no longer possible. If you visit during winter, you can instead visit a man-made skating rink set up on Ebino Highland.

Rokkannon Miike Crater Lake - The cobalt blue waters of Rokkannon Miike Crater Lake are 14 meters deep and 500 meters wide. The crater rim is lined with oak, maple, and fir trees. There is an observation deck on the lakeshore from which you can gaze across the water, with towering Mount Karakuni visible in the distance. During fall, the variety of trees ensures a varied display of fiery fall colors when the leaves turn. Those bright colors are mirrored in the calm waters of the lake.

The ever-changing hues of Fudoiike Crater Lake - The waters of Fudoiike Crater Lake contain volcanic particles so tiny that they stay suspended in the water. This phenomenon causes sunlight to diffuse in a way that makes the waters often appear cobalt blue. The lake's name means "unwavering," but some would say that name is misleading—it reportedly changes colors many times in the space of a day. In summer, the white flowers of panicle hydrangeas bloom along the shore. In winter, the lake freezes over, creating unusual patterns in the ice.

Trail Map

Note: the lighter pink section of the trail below was closed off when I hiked coming out on the road from Fudoike Crater Lake which left me no other alternative but to take the road back which was also closed off. I could have returned the reverse way however would have taken maybe 1.5-2 hours in the dark. Just be aware of the light pink section and road being "officially" closed off.