Mt. Uomidake

Mt. Uomidake is a coastal mountain that rises along the shores of Kinko Bay (Kagoshima Bay). Formed over 100,000 years ago as part of volcanic activity, its steep cliffs of pyroclastic rock on the southern face have drawn comparisons to Hawaii’s Diamond Head, contributing to Ibusuki’s nickname as the “Hawaii of the East.”

Standing at 215 meters above sea level, the summit can be accessed by car, leading to an observation deck and natural park. From this vantage point, the panoramic views are breathtaking. The mountain earned its name—“Uomidake,” meaning “fish-watching peak”—from fishermen of old who would climb the mountain to spot schools of fish swimming in the bay before heading out to sea. Today, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Chiringashima Island—accessible on foot via a sandbar at low tide—as well as Ibusuki City, Mt. Kaimon, and even Sakurajima on clear days.
In the evening, the area becomes a romantic spot with views of the city’s twinkling lights and a canopy of stars above.

The park also delights visitors with seasonal flowers, especially in spring, when around 600 cherry trees and azaleas bloom, drawing many to its scenic paths.