In the mountains of Kirehama Town, Kagoshima, lies the quietly standing "Kumaso no Ana" (Kumaso Cave).
This cave is believed to have been the residence of the Kumaso tribe, who once dominated southern Kyushu. According to legend, the leader of the Kumaso tribe, "Kawakami Taketoru," was killed by the disguised Yamato Takeru (Yamatotakeru no Mikoto), and as a result, the cave is also known as "Ichimei Jochaku no Ana" (One Name Maiden's Cave).
The first cave is about 100 tatami mats in size, with a depth of 22 meters and a width of 10 meters. Upon entering, the air is cool and clear, and you are enveloped in a mysterious stillness. It feels as though time has stopped, adding to its charm. Further inside, there was once a second cave, which was about 300 tatami mats in size, but it is no longer accessible today.
In 1990, the artist Tadashi Hagiwara painted colorful murals on the cave walls, featuring motifs such as the sun, moon, and stars, which adds an artistic dimension to the site.
There is a steep staircase and some uneven areas from the parking lot to the cave, so it is recommended to visit wearing comfortable clothing and shoes.
This quiet spot, far from the crowds, is perfect for those wanting to experience both nature and history.
It's a place where you can discover the deeper charm of Kirishima.