If you’re planning a trip to southern Japan, consider adding Kirishima to your itinerary. Just north of Kagoshima City, this mountain region is known for its natural hot springs, volcanic scenery, and deeply rooted food culture.
Kirishima’s geothermal landscape has shaped the region into one of Japan’s best areas for hot springs and relaxation. With over 20 volcanic cones formed long ago, the area naturally produces steam vents and mineral-rich water that feeds some of the best onsen in Japan. Kirishima also offers no shortage of cultural, historical, and natural attractions sure to impress all kinds of travelers. Many of these highlights are easily enjoyed with a stay at Kirishima Kokusai Hotel, where you can unwind with its on-site relaxation offerings and enjoy convenient access to the area’s most popular attractions.
Below, we’ll cover the best of Kirishima and what awaits you at the hotel.
Landmarks and Local Heritage
A good place to start is Kirishima Shrine, about a 20-minute drive from Kirishima Kokusai Hotel. The shrine is dedicated to Ninigi-no-Mikoto, a deity in Japanese mythology said to have descended from the heavens to rule the earthly realm and become the ancestor of Japan’s emperors. Often described as the spiritual center of the region, the shrine sits quietly among tall cedar trees, and its easy-to-walk grounds offer a relaxed glimpse into Kirishima’s history and folklore.
Another stop for history enthusiasts is Kareigawa Station, roughly 25 minutes from the hotel. Built more than a century ago, the station retains its original wooden architecture and quiet rural charm, making it a favorite among photographers and railway fans. Nearby, Wake Shrine offers another peaceful cultural stop, set among trees and known for its relaxed ambience.
Into the Mountains
You can never go wrong with authentic Japan nature travel. For nature lovers who prefer simple, short outings, Kirishima offers several easy walking options. At Maruo Nature Trail, you can enjoy wooded paths and fresh mountain air without committing to a long hike. Also within walking distance is Maruo Waterfall, notable for being fed by hot spring water, which often creates soft steam around the falls—an interesting sight unique to the region. It’s an excellent quick stop for photos or a short break outside.
Those looking for a deeper nature experience will find great options throughout Kirishima’s highlands. Onami Pond is a scenic crater lake surrounded by quiet trails and views of nearby volcanoes. The area is relatively easy to explore and offers rewarding seasonal scenery.
Farther into the mountains, the Ebino Plateau is known for its open views, cool air, and access to trails leading toward the Kirishima Mountains, including Mount Karakuni, the tallest peak in the range at around 1,700 meters. These locations appeal to visitors who enjoy hiking but still want approachable routes that can be completed as part of a half-day trip.
Family-Friendly Destinations
Families may want to make time for Takachiho Farm, around 20 minutes away from the hotel. The farm offers an easygoing experience where visitors can see animals and explore open fields. Horse riding is also offered for those looking for some thrill. It’s a pleasant change of pace between nature stops and an easy addition to a casual day’s itinerary.
There are a couple of places to eat on-site, including a spot for grilled dishes and another serving pizza and curry. Many guests come specifically for the soft-serve ice cream, made with fresh milk from the farm, simple, creamy, and worth enjoying before you head out.
Rest and Reconnect at Kirishima Kokusai Hotel
After a day out, it’s easy to settle back into a slower rhythm at a Kirishima hot spring hotel that has everything you need. Kirishima Kokusai Hotel sits in the hills with wide views toward Sakurajima and Kinko Bay, giving it a quiet atmosphere that still feels connected to the landscape around it. The hotel leans into the idea of Japanese-style healing—good food, warm baths, and time spent close to nature—so guests can unwind and take in Kirishima with all five senses.
Here’s a closer look at what you can enjoy during your stay.
Accommodations for All Types of Guests
Comfort comes first. Guests can choose from a range of room styles—some are traditional, with tatami flooring and the warm scent of wood, while others follow a more modern Western style. There are also hybrid layouts that offer the softness of tatami alongside Western beds.
From many rooms, you can look out over the mountains and the rising Kirishima onsen steam that drifts across the valley. For a more elevated stay, the top-floor Premium Rooms provide extra space and a quieter setting. Select rooms also feature open-air or semi open-air baths for private soaking, though the in-room baths are not hot-spring sourced.
Families may also want to consider the Kids’ Rooms, which have been set up with extra space and thoughtful design so children can move around comfortably. These are especially helpful for longer stays or big groups.
Here’s a quick look at which rooms may line up well with how you’re traveling:
- Deluxe Triple Room: Opened in August 2023, this room works well for small families or friends. It includes a terrace with a steam view of the hot-spring valley.
- Japanese-Western Room: A mix of beds and tatami space gives guests more room to spread out. Good for longer stays or groups who prefer both Western bedding and a Japanese-style sitting area. You can see the steam from the hot springs, and if the weather is good, you can also see Sakurajima.
- Japanese-style Room: The largest of the standard Japanese-style rooms, offering a generously sized layout suited for families or groups who want extra space to relax. Like the Japanese-Western Room, you can see the steam from the hot springs, and if the weather is good, you can also see Sakurajima.
- Superior Twin Room: A simple, comfortable twin room that fits up to three people.
Hot Springs with Scenic Views
Kirishima’s geothermal landscape makes hot-spring bathing a core part of the experience, and Kirishima Kokusai Hotel offers plenty of ways to enjoy it. The hotel’s hot spring facilities draw from a natural source, offering the kind of direct-flow water enjoyed at only a limited number of inns in Japan.
The hotel offers more than ten bathing spaces, so you can try something new each time you soak. Open-air baths face the mountains and change with the seasons, while private rooms, available for 50-minute sessions at ¥1,650 per group, give you a quiet soak to yourself. There’s also a steam bath area designed to warm you deeply and help you unwind.
A distinctive feature of the hotel is its Kirishima Mud Pack “Kirika,” made with minerals from the local hot spring and nearby volcanic soil and open to all genders. Offered in two varieties each day, it leaves the skin smooth and refreshed, adding a gentle spa element to the experience.
Each bathing area has its own character, with differences in aroma, temperature, and layout, so it’s easy to enjoy a casual “bath tour” without leaving the property.
Things to Enjoy On-Site
The hotel offers a mix of spaces designed for both relaxation and play. Families with younger children can spend time at the Kirishima Kids Park, while casual indoor activities, like the game corner and the lively Steam Ping-Pong Hall, give everyone something fun to do between outings. On weekends, the hotel often adds seasonal activities such as cardboard mazes and simple craft workshops.
For adults, the lounge is a pleasant spot to unwind. Bright and easy to settle into, it offers complimentary coffee and a small bar featuring about a dozen local shochu (a Japanese distilled beverage) varieties. After a soak in the baths, many guests stop by for the free post-bath ice cream.
There is also a 24-hour relaxation space for quiet downtime and a reservation-based wellness salon and massage corner offering treatments to help ease stiffness or travel fatigue.
Dining Highlights
Meals at the hotel are centered around fresh produce from Kirishima and Kagoshima, with two main dining venues. At Kirishima Yukemuri Terrace, breakfast and dinner are served buffet-style, offering plenty of choice for different appetites. The spread includes a mix of Japanese and Western favorites alongside local specialties—Kagoshima black pork, regional vegetables, and seafood. The live kitchen keeps things lively, with freshly grilled steaks, sushi, wood-fired pizza, and steamed dishes.
For a slower, more traditional experience, Japanese Restaurant Satsumaji serves seasonal kaiseki (multi-course Japanese meal). The menu changes throughout the year, reflecting ingredients at their peak—autumn might bring simmered saury or roasted chestnuts, while winter can feature dishes like black-vinegar yellowtail or crab in a light sauce.
Private dining rooms are available for a more intimate meal, well suited for couples or guests celebrating a special occasion.
Events Worth Catching
On weekends, the hotel hosts cultural programs that introduce guests to stories and traditions tied to Kirishima. One highlight is a performance inspired by local mythology, including the powerful Tenson Korin Kirishima Nine-Faced Drum, which tells the story of how the deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended from the heavens.
Music and stage performances are also part of the lineup, with occasional lounge concerts and magic shows that rely less on language and more on visual experience. Because these take place on-site, guests can enjoy them at a relaxed pace without planning around transportation or schedules.
Access to and Around Kirishima
Kirishima travel rewards travelers who prefer an easy pace and time outdoors, with enough to see and do without feeling rushed. It’s probably the most rewarding Japan countryside travel for those who think they’ve seen it all. Staying at Kirishima Kokusai Hotel places many of the mentioned experiences close by, with accommodations and facilities that round out your visit to southern Japan and your overall Kirishima and Kagoshima tourism experience.
Getting to Kirishima and planning Kyushu travel or Kagoshima travel is simple. Most visitors arrive via Kagoshima Airport through a Tokyo to Kagoshima flight, then continue by rental car, taxi, or local bus. The rental car is recommended. Meanwhile, the bus ride to Maruo Onsen takes about 30 minutes, and from there it’s a short walk to the hotel. If you’re coming by Shinkansen, travel to Kagoshima-Chuo Station, transfer to the JR line, and continue to Kirishima-Jingu Station. A bus or taxi will bring you to the hotel in roughly 25 minutes.
Free parking is available for those driving, and while a car makes it easier to reach viewpoints and trailheads, many nearby spots are still accessible by bus. Once you’re based in the area, getting around is straightforward—and the scenery makes even short trips enjoyable as you check off popular Kyushu and Kagoshima things to do.
