Highest point Mount Karakuni | Elevation 1,700 m (5,600 ft) | |
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States/Provinces Kagoshima prefecture and Miyazaki prefecture Mountains Mount Karakuni, Shinmoedake, Koshikidake, Hinamoridake, Mihachi Similar Mount Karakuni, Shinmoedake, Mt Takachiho, Ebino Plateau, Kirishima‑Jingū | ||
Mount Kirishima (霧島山, Kirishimayama) is a 1700 meter high active volcano group in Kagoshima Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. Numerous eruptions have been recorded since 742. Very strong eruptions happened in 788, 1716 and 1717. Augite-hypersthene andesite is the dominant rock type.
Map of Kirishima-yama, Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
The highest peak is Mount Karakuni (韓国岳, Karakunidake) (1700 m). Other peaks are Takachiho-no-mine (高千穂峰) (1573 m) and Shinmoedake (新燃岳), both active volcanos. They are part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park near Kirishima City. Upon the summit of Takachiho was stuck the mysterious spear Ama-no-Sakahoko, by the legendary Ninigi-no-Mikoto. Mount Kirishima is considered one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. The area is often foggy, and it is believed that the name Kirishima comes from the mountain looking like an island in the fog.
The Kongō-class battlecruiser Kirishima of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and the Kongō-class guided missile destroyer Kirishima of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force were both named after this mountain.
Shinmoedake erupted in January 2011 and again in March 2011.