Kirishima Open Air Park

"Kirishima Open Air Park: An outdoor art space that blends into nature"

With the Kirishima Mountains as a backdrop, 23 outdoor sculptures and installations are scattered across the vast plateau. The exhibition makes use of the terrain and forest, and offers not just a chance to "view the artworks," but an "art experience that allows you to interact with the landscape."

"Artistic landscape with Sakurajima as a backdrop"

Kirishima Open Air Park incorporates a structure that superimposes outdoor art and architecture onto the landscape of Sakurajima, and is designed so that Sakurajima can be viewed as a borrowed landscape from the observation hall and garden paths.

"A place where nature and art intersect - Experience the scenery and creativity at Kirishima Open Air Park"

Kirishima Art Forest , located on the Kurino Plateau in Yusui Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, is an open-air art museum located at an altitude of approximately 700 meters at the northern foot of the Kirishima Mountains. 23 outdoor sculptures and installations by renowned artists from Japan and abroad are exhibited along a 2km garden path, using the natural terrain and forest as their stage.

What makes this museum unique is its exhibition concept, which centers around the "place" itself. The artworks blend in harmony with nature, and the process of visitors discovering the artworks while walking through the forest is an experience that stimulates all five senses. Below, we will introduce the museum in detail, including its attractions, highlights, a user guide, and suggested sightseeing plans.

1. Exhibition concept: Art composition that makes the most of the location

At Kirishima Open-Air Park, not only the artworks themselves but also the "location, surrounding trees, topography and scenery" are incorporated as part of the exhibition. For example, a sculpture suddenly appears in a corner of the forest, the undulations of the terrain are used to guide the eye, and the viewer's gaze from the stairs and corridors of the exhibition hall is directed towards Sakurajima, allowing them to encounter not only the art but also the "story of the place."

The artworks are made from a wide range of materials, including stone, iron, wood, and plastic, allowing visitors to feel the dialogue between the materials and the natural environment. The shadows of plants, sunlight, and the flickering shadows of trees all blend into the artworks, and the way their appearance changes depending on the time of day and the season is a real pleasure to behold.

2. Highlights: Enjoy the intersection of the artwork and the scenery

• Stroll along the garden paths and discover the artworks . Enjoy the moment when the artworks come into view as you walk along the approximately 2-kilometer garden path. The path weaves through the forest, cleverly incorporating differences in elevation and curves, making the walk itself an experience that makes you feel like you are part of the artwork.

• Art Hall/Exhibition Hall <br data-start="1389" data-end="1392">There is also an indoor exhibition space, where you can enjoy exhibits with different textures and themes than the outdoor works. The museum building itself has a sophisticated design, blurring the boundary between the exhibition space and the landscape.

• A highlight with Sakurajima as a backdrop <br data-start="1537" data-end="1540">The stairs in the observation hall and the direction of some of the outdoor exhibits are designed to incorporate Sakurajima as part of the landscape. It is a place where you can experience moments when not only the art, but the landscape itself feels like a "work of art."

• Events and Special Exhibitions <br data-start="1684" data-end="1687">Special exhibitions, workshops and night events are held each season, so even if you visit regularly you will always make new discoveries.

3. Usage Guide

Precautions and advice

• Comfortable clothing and shoes : The garden paths are a mix of paved and unpaved, and are uneven, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

• Allow yourself plenty of time : To enjoy the exhibits and stroll around the museum, you'll want to allow yourself 1-2 hours.

• Changes in light depending on the season and time of day : The slanting light in the morning and evening deepens the shadows, creating a good opportunity for photography as it highlights the contrast between the artwork and the scenery.

• Countermeasures against crowds : It can get crowded on holidays and during tourist seasons, so it is recommended to arrive early.

• Manners and Nature Conservation : There are some exhibits where you can touch the artworks, but please follow the instructions and be considerate of the trees and plants. Be careful on rainy days and in wetlands as the area can get muddy.

4. Model tourist routes and surrounding spots

Morning to Lunch Course <br data-start="2850" data-end="2853">Depart from Kagoshima City or the airport → Head to Kirishima Open-Air Museum via Kurino IC or JR Kurino Station → Enjoy the exhibits and strolls → Have lunch in the museum hall or at a nearby facility

Afternoon: Local sightseeing and extended route

• Maruike Spring (One of Japan's 100 Famous Springs) : Come and see the crystal clear spring water.

• Kurino-dake Sleeper Stairs & Observation Deck : Climb the mountain path and enjoy the spectacular view of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.

• Horse Trust Ranch / Kirishima Art Ranch : Experience nature while interacting with horses.

• Yawata Daijigoku (fumarole area) : A spot where you can feel the breath of the earth up close.

In the evening , return to Kirishima Open-Air Park and take photos of the artworks and scenery in the evening light → Relax at a nearby hot spring resort → Stay overnight or move on to your next destination

Kirishima Open Air Park is not just a place to exhibit art, but a place where nature and art blend together. The landscape, forests, and topography are connected to the artworks, providing an experience that immerses visitors in the space. The sight lines that borrow Sakurajima as a backdrop, chance encounters with the artworks, and the changing appearance with the time of day and changes in light - all these combine to create a place that visitors will remember.

If you are visiting the Kirishima area of ​​Kagoshima, be sure to include this place where nature and art intersect in your itinerary and enjoy an art experience that will engage all five senses.