Surrounded by lush forests and volcanic landscapes, Kirishima Hotel offers a peaceful retreat where traditional Japanese hospitality meets the restorative waters of Kirishima Onsen.
Location: Set in the peaceful Sulphur Valley of Kirishima, surrounded by the lush mountains of southern Kyushu, Kirishima Hotel is a historic hot spring retreat just 30 minutes from Kagoshima Airport. The hotel’s setting offers easy access to Kirishima Shrine, Maruo Falls and the surrounding national park landscapes.
Rooms: The 95 rooms are spread across three buildings, offering a choice of traditional Japanese rooms, Japanese-Western rooms and Western-style twins. The Takachiho Hall provides some of the most spacious options, while the East Hall offers bright, modern Japanese-style rooms with views towards Kirishima’s greenery.
Amenities: The highlight is the impressive Sulphur Valley Garden Large Bath, with 14 baths and four different hot spring qualities, all fed by abundant natural spring water. Guests can also enjoy traditional Kagoshima cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, alongside a lounge, bar and shop.
Activities: Spend time exploring the surrounding Kirishima mountains, visiting the nearby Kirishima Shrine or walking through the hotel’s Hundred Years Cedar Garden. Back at the hotel, the extensive onsen provides the perfect way to unwind after a day exploring the region.
Sustainability: The hotel’s long-standing connection to its natural surroundings is reflected in its Hundred Years Cedar Garden, which was originally planted to help protect the mountain and forests and has been carefully nurtured for generations. The hotel also places a strong emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from Kagoshima in its cuisine.
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When to visit Japan
Find out the best time to visit Japan with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is ideal for winter sports in Hokkaido and northern regions, with plenty of snow. Tokyo and Kyoto remain chilly but offer clear skies for sightseeing. Explore Sapporo's Snow Festival and soak in an onsen for the ultimate winter experience.
February
February is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in Nagano and Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major attraction, featuring stunning ice sculptures. Other areas are generally cold and dry and good for sightseeing.
March
March marks the beginning of spring, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom in southern regions like Kyoto and Tokyo. Enjoy hanami picnics under the pink blossoms. It's a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures.
April
April is the peak of cherry blossom season. Witness Tokyo's Ueno Park and Kyoto's Maruyama Park come alive with vibrant sakura. Golden Week, late April to early May, offers festive parades and events.
May
May offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and hiking. Explore Tokyo's International Food Festival and enjoy the comfortable climate for sightseeing in Kyoto.
June
June is the start of the rainy season, known as tsuyu, lasting until mid-July. Although it's wet, explore Kyoto's temples and gardens amid light crowds. Festivals like the Sanno Matsuri in Tokyo showcase Japanese traditions.
July
July continues the rainy season, but the Tanabata Star Festival brightens the skies. Hokkaido hosts the Lavender Festival with fields of purple blooms. Kyoto's Gion Matsuri features grand floats.
August
August offers festivals and fireworks. The Obon Festival celebrates ancestors with lanterns and dances. Enjoy the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo. Hokkaido's summer flower festivals are perfect for nature enthusiasts.
September
September brings comfortable weather and the iconic Kunchi Festival in Nagasaki. Explore the Sapporo Autumn Festival in Hokkaido. It's a great time for sightseeing with fewer tourists.
October
October features stunning autumn foliage in Kyoto and Nikko. Visit Tokyo's Meiji Shrine during the Meiji Jingu Festival and enjoy Oktoberfest celebrations. Ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
November
November showcases autumn foliage, with Kyoto's temples and parks ablaze in red and orange. Yoyogi Park in Tokyo hosts the International Food Festival, and Kyushu's hot spring resorts offer relaxation.
December
December marks the onset of winter, with holiday illuminations in cities and festive lights. Explore Hokkaido's Sapporo Snow Festival with breathtaking ice sculptures. Ski resorts open for winter sports enthusiasts.
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Sophie
Japan Expert