Ebino Kogen Crater Lake Circuit

The Ebino Kogen Crater Lake Circuit begins at the Ebino Kogen Visitor Center, a large paved car park reached by a roughly 80-minute drive from Miyazaki City along Route 1 and the Ebino Kogen sightseeing road; a limited seasonal bus also runs from Kobayashi Station. No permit is required. The 6 km loop sits entirely above 1,200m within Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park and links three volcanic crater lakes -- Rokkannon-Mimata-ike, Byakushi-ike, and Fudo-ike -- with only gentle undulation and no significant net elevation change. The path alternates between packed gravel and a boardwalk section across boggy ground near the visitor center, with short stretches of volcanic cinder underfoot closer to Byakushi-ike; footing is generally stable but can be slick after rain. Much of the route is open moorland with little shade, so sun and wind exposure are the main considerations rather than technical terrain. Key landmarks include the Rokkannon-Mimata-ike overlook near the start, the Byakushi-ike viewpoint roughly at the loop's midpoint (a natural turn-around for a shorter out-and-back), and views north toward Mt. Karakunidake. There are no huts or water sources on the trail itself, though restrooms and vending machines are available at the visitor center at both the start and finish.