This excellent campground in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park spreads over hills sheltered by Japanese red pine, or akamatsu. The forest floor is covered in grasses, most notably the spectacular autumn susuki. On this day in mid-October, I also found a few charming species of moss and a colorful beetle. Near the campground are the Ebino Eco Museum Center, the Ikemeguri Nature Trail through forests and around volcanic lakes, and a hike across a sulfurous landscape, beautiful fields, and up to the peak of Mt. Karakuni.
- 1 min read
Nature of Ebino Kogen Campground
Autumn pines, mosses, grasses, and a beetle

Community writer

An earth-boring scarab beetle, likely an oosenchikogane (Geotrupes auratus auratus), soaks in the autumn sunshine

This cute ball of bright green appears to have two kinds of moss, with the majority probably Scott’s fork-moss (Dicranum scottianum)

Susuki is a widespread, culturally significant, and quite beautiful autumn grass (Miscanthus sinensis)

Kirishima Japanese red pines, or akamatsu, provide elegant shelter here; look close at their trunks and you'll notice the distinctive red bark

A variety of mosses can be found here

This curly emerald patch on a branch appears to be dusky fork-moss (Dicranum fuscescens)

Miyama Kirishima, a kind of azalea, or tsutsuji (Rhododendron kiusianum), thrives on this volcanic plateau; the bushes cover the park in brilliant pink during May and June

Another view of the earth-boring scarab beetle from above
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Victoria Vlisides
9 years ago
Wow~ amazing photos
Jeradyne Cheong
9 years ago
Whoa, nice close-up on that first picture!
Thank you! It was a very cooperative little critter, posing patiently.
3 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
INDEN-YA: An Over 400-year-old Crafts Business
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
2
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
3
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
4
Kamenoi Hotel Nikko Yunishigawa: An All-Inclusive Resort
Tochigi - Sponsored -
5
A Journey of Encounters in Kyotango
Kyoto - Sponsored -
6
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
7
Takaharu: Where Legends, Culture, and Nature Coexist
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
8
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
9
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
10
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
5
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
6
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
7
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
8
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa