Kirishima, the land of wildflowers
Due to volcanic activity and a unique climate, Mt. Kirishima has a myriad of plant species. Kyushu azaleas (Miyamakirishima), a type of azalea named after Kirishima, paints the mountain bright pink from late May to early June. Many other species include “Kirishima” in their Japanese names as well, such as “kirishima-mizuki” (fragrant witch hazel) and “kirishima-gumi” (Elaeagnus epitricha momiyama). With Japanese witch hazel and Gentiana thunbergii blooming in spring and the panicled hydrangea and Japanese stuartia in summer, you can enjoy wildflowers throughout the year. Also, around the beginning of May, you can see the lovely pink and white Malus spontanea, a wild rose found only in Ebino Highland.