Located in Kirishima city, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, Shinsui Gorge (known as ‘Shinsuikyo’ 神水峡 in Japanese) is a 20-metre gorge that has an intimate history with the surrounding volcanoes that the area is famous for.

History of Shinsui Gorge

Shinsui Gorge is in Kirishima Geopark, an area with over 20 active volcanoes in close proximity, known as the Kirishima Mountains. Multiple calderas surround this Geopark, making it one of Japan’s most volcanically active areas.

Shinsui Gorge has been worn away by the Kirishima River over millennia. However, its most impressive feature, the columnar joints (a type of lava formation), dates back to the 788 eruption of Ohachi Volcano. The lava flowed over the side of the gorge, and the lava hardened into the vertical columns that can be seen there today.

Nearby Kirishima Jingu (a major Shinto shrine) also stands on lava rocks from this eruption.

Walking Trails

The gorge has approximately 1.8 km (1.1 miles) of walking trails, forming a circular path that starts and ends at a small car park.

Most of the trail is flat, which makes it relatively easy for anyone of any age and fitness level. However, please note that the car park is somewhat elevated compared to the trail, meaning there are stairs that you will have to use to get to the main section of the trail.

The trail runs parallel to and relatively near the river, with some good views of a few small drops, where the water forms tiny waterfalls and faster-flowing sections near rocks.

At the far end, a bridge lets you see somewhat up the river, although the gorge is not straight, so you will not be able to see very far. The trail then returns up the other side, ending at another bridge that is the far end of the walking trail. This bridge is near the car park, which is easy to access on foot and by car.

Getting there

The easiest way to reach this area from Kagoshima City is by car, which will take between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on whether you take national or local roads. The parking lot that I mentioned above is here.

Shinsui Gorge is located very close to Kirishima Jingu shrine, so you can use local public transport options that go there as well.

In contrast, public transport will take about 3.5 hours and requires at least a train and a bus. From Kagoshima Station, take the JR Kirishima line to Miyakonojo Station, which takes about 1.5 hours. From here, the “Kirishima Shrine – Miyakonojo Station” bus route operated by the Takasaki Tourist Bus (Taksaki Kankou Bus) company goes to Kirishima Shrine. This will take about 1.5 hours and usually about a 1-hour wait between the train arriving and the bus departing. Once you get off the bus, walk for 5 minutes following signs for Shinsui Gorge to find the entrance.

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