Chisun Inn Kagoshima

Chisun Inns are a nationwide chain of budget hotels, designed to provide reasonable comfort at good value. They're generally aimed at business travelers or people driving across country, but can also often be found in cities or near interesting out-of-the-way sights.

Chisun Inn Kagoshima is squarely in the center of the city, convenient for more or less everything. It's an easy walk or tram ride from Kagoshima Chuo station, and also within walking distance of the ferryport for Sakurajima or Yakushima. In the middle of the lively Tenmonkan district, it's surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, and is also handy for many of the city's sights, for the airport bus, or for the City View Bus, a cheap and convenient way to get around.

My room was up on the 14th floor, so not only was it isolated from the bustle of the city below, it also afforded me a decent view of Sakurajima, the constantly-smoking volcano across the bay (and I got an even better view from out on the fire escape). The room was typically compact, but comfortable enough, with sufficient space to hang my clothes and put my bags down, while the warm color scheme made it feel cosy rather than cramped.

The bathroom was also compact, with a good powerful shower, and it's equipped with a line to hang your clothes to dry if you do your laundry in the hotel`s washing machines. The usual room amenities (fridge, desk, little TV) are all present and correct, and the hotel has vending machines for beer, soft drinks and snacks, though there are convenience stores and supermarkets nearby if you need a better range of supplies.

For an extra few hundred yen you can have the buffet breakfast, providing a mix of Japanese and western food. There's rice, fish, salad and miso soup, but also eggs, sausages, cereal and toast, along with coffee, tea and juice; if you're not in a hurry it's a nice way to start the day.

Nearby attractions include the Kagoshima City Museum of Art, the city's enjoyable aquarium, and the Prefectural Museum of Culture, and it's also only a short ride on the City View Bus to scenic Sengan-En Garden.

Prices very with the day, room type and season, while booking is easy on the English website; if you book far enough in advance there are real bargains to be had, with prices as low as ¥4200 a night. It's not a luxurious place to stay, but for budget-conscious travelers or backpackers looking for a break from dorms, it's a good choice at a good price.