A hot spring resort among natural beauty, Kirishima was the first national park designed in Japan in 1934. The sacred Takachiho Peak is famous for the myth related to the founding of Japan. With 23 volcanic peaks studded with craters, lakes, hot springs and plateaus, this national park is considered as one of the most magnificent national parks in Japan.
Hotel Kirishima Castle is situated within Kirishima Onsen, lying on the lower slopes of the Kirishima Mountains with views over Sakurajima and Kagoshima bay. Immersed in this beautiful scenery we can take advantage of a range of spa facilities, from a spacious indoor bath located in a huge covered hall with a large Utase-yu (Massaging hot spring waterfall), sauna and a whirlpool bath to a Rotenburo (Open-air hot spring bath) surrounded by nature.
Besides the warmth of the thermal waters there are too many things this spa resort can offer you to have an unforgettable stay. Among them all I want to mention the delicious country cooking they produce. You can enjoy it in a buffet at the hotel's restaurant or alternatively Special Kaiseki set dinners made with fresh local products can be enjoyed in the comfort of guest rooms. I need to say that I really appreciate the hospitality of the hotel managers Shinsuke Egami and Syuji Yoshikai. They both were very helpful and friendly.
Let’s talk about the guest rooms. The hotel offers two types of rooms. You can choose between a Japanese tatami type room and a combination Japanese tatami / Western style room. The rooms are really nice, big and they have a balcony to enjoy the views over Kagoshima bay and the Sakurajima active volcano. The air-conditioned rooms come with a sofa and flat-screen TV. An electric kettle and fridge are also included. The private bathrooms have a bathtub and hairdryer. In general, Japanese ryokan’s rates are set for more than two people in one room, with breakfast and dinner (No single occupancy rate). Therefore, rates are quoted, for instance, at￥ 8,000 per person with breakfast and dinner, and only room rates are not indicated and that’s why a room is so big. In some cases, they may reject single occupancy depending on situation, season, etc.
