Mt. Kaimon 開聞岳

924 meter tall Mt. Kaimon is often called Satsuma Fuji for its resemblance to Japan's most famous mountain—Mt. Fuji. Satsuma is the historical name of the area where Mt. Kaimon is located. The isolated peak is as stunning as its namesake and can be enjoyed from many different viewpoints in the Ibusuki and Osumi areas.

Mt. Kaimon is accessible by bus or car.

Located in the Ibusuki area, it's also easily reachable from Chiran. Traveling to Mt. Kaimon by a rental car from Kagoshima City, 1 hour 30 minutes, Ibusuki station, 25 minutes, or Chiran 45 minutes, is highly recommended due to the infrequency of buses. Buses run on an infrequent basis from Ibusuki station.

Mt. Kaimon's prominent peak, gently sloping sides and the lack of any surrounding mountains make it visible from many different viewpoints around southern Kagoshima. Enjoy the view from the outdoor hot springs at Ibusuki Onsen , the tropical surroundings of Kagoshima Flower Park or as far away as the Osumi Peninsula .

Hike to the top of Mt. Kaimon for a fantastic vista that stretches as far as Yakushima and Tanegashima on a clear day. The hiking trails are marked and are not too challenging.

You can enjoy the route through the forest before breaking out into the open for the last stretch before the summit. Make sure to dress appropriately, and prepare for cold in the winter months. The hike to the top and back down again can generally be completed in a leisurely five or six hours, after which a trip to the relaxing hot springs of Ibusuki Onsen is a must.