It is composed of Kirishima-Kagoshima Bay, an area of Kagoshima Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture known for its active volcanoes, volcanic lakes, and onsen.

The total area is 365.86 square kilometres (141.26 sq mi).

On March 16, 1934, it was first established as Kirishima-Yaku National Park.

The area become famous as Japan's first honeymoon spot, because Ryoma Sakamoto took his wife Oryo there.

[1] Kirishima was used as a filming location for the 1967 James Bond movie You Only Live Twice.