There are four onsen villages at Kirishima Onsen—Kirishima Onsen Village, Kirishima Jingu Onsen Village, Myoken-Anraku Onsen Village and Hinatayama Onsen Village—and there is an ample variety of onsen to choose from including public baths, family baths, outdoor baths, private baths and footbaths. There is also a wide variety of onsen quality such as sulfur springs, hydrogen carbonate springs, and salt springs. Ryoma Sakamoto, a hero from the end of the Edo Period, visited Kirishima with Oryo, his newly wed bride. It is said that this was the first honeymoon in Japan.
Kirishima Onsen Village is blanketed in onsen steam. Explore and find the many natural sites, such as the Maruo Waterfall and Senjyojiki Rock Baths. At Kirishima Jingu Onsen Village, there is a rare, natural mud bath named “Sakura Sakura Onsen”. Smearing the low acidity mud, which is good for you, all over your body is surely to become addictive.
Rows of Japanese style ryokan inns can be found at Myoken Onsen, and Anraku Onsen thrives with the old fashioned, self-catering inns. Hinatayama Onsen Village is considered to be the oldest onsen in the prefecture and Takamori Saigo often visited the onsen village. Visit Kirshima to find your ideal onsen!
Kirishima City Sightseeing Information
http://www.city-kirishima.jp/modules/page057
APPEAL POINTS
- Nature／Trekking in Kirishima’s Mountains
- According to myths, the grandson of the sun goddess descended unto Kirishima. The refreshing scent of the forest mixed with a hint of sulfur symbolizes the onsen villages. Kirishima is the only place in Kagoshima Prefecture designated as a forest therapy
- Sightseeing／Stop at Kirishima Jingu Shrine and Pray in Kimono
- The historic Kirishima Jingu Shrine enshrines Niniginomikoto, who is the grandson of the sun goddess. If you are planning to visit, why not visit in Kimono? Your attitude and the atmosphere of praying in traditional Japanese clothes are bound to be differ
- Service／Listening Trip
- According to myths, the grandson of the sun goddess descended unto Kirishima. A mobile GPS device can be rented out to tourists for 500 yen to explore areas around Kirishima Jingu Shrine, which enshrines Niniginomikoto who is the protagonist in the myth o
RECOMMENDATION COMMENTS
Su Po-An
Taiwan
I went to Kirishima Onsen after watching Ryoma Sakamoto’s TV series. The station is quiet, and the expansive rustic scenery engulfs you in a charming atmosphere. I chose to go on an onsen excursion in Japan to alleviate my daily stress, and was very grateful to learn that Kirishima Onsen is good for nerve pains, alleviates stress, and has many other healing properties. I highly recommend the beautiful and mystic Kirishima Onsen!