We visited Shinyu Onsen "Kokumin Syukusya Shinmoéso" in Makizonochō Takachiho, Kirishima. It is an inn located at the middle of the mountain.

The owner Mihoko welcomed us at the reception. She is really outgoing and loves to talk to visitors. During our interview, she made us smile.  

The dressing room is clean and well maintained. Although there are no lockers in the room, you can ask the front staff to keep your valuables while bathing. If you check your belongings, do not forget to pick up them before you leave, the owner says, not a few visitors forget to pick up their belongings. 

When you get into the bathroom, you will first notice the cloudy white water. The water is sulphur spring and contains a rich amount of sulphur, which makes this water colour. Bathing in this water can get rid of dead skin cells and make your skin so smooth. Shinyu Onsen is said to be opened by a person suffering Hansen's disease who received a sign from God to cure the disease by soaking in the healing water. 

The wall near the faucet is coloured yellow due to sulphur deposits from the water. The water is not circulated, and treats various skin diseases, especially athlete's foot and psoriasis. It is medically proven.

Hiromi (the name of the left man in the picture) is bathing together with his grandchild who visited his home during the summer vacations. We don't know yet, however we are sure bathing with a grandchild is a priceless experience for all grandfathers!

This is an open-air bath which is more than twice as big as the indoor bath. As Shinmoéso is located at the middle of the mountain, you can see a beautiful night view with countless stars. However, the problem is that the weather of Kirisima is unstable and generally cloudy (Kiririma is 霧島, and 霧 means fog). So, if you are lucky, you can bathe under the countless stars, that must be a fantastic experience.

This bath is only for hotel guests (not for day-use visitors). A tree trunk is hollowed out and it is used as a bathtub.

Shinmoéso is managed by the Iwamoto family since they inherited the ownership. The current owner Mihoko was born and has been living in Kirisima and Shinmoéso. So, she loves the town and the hot spring so much. She is really friendly, if you come to Shinmoéso, please have a chat with her.

Mihoko says the recommended season is early May. In that season, you can see a sight of beautiful green leaves and pink flowers of Miyamakirishima. If you love nature, Kirishima is a nice place to visit.

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INFORMATION

Name: Shinyu Onsen "Kokumin Syukusya Shinmoéso"

Address: 3968, Makizonochō Takachiho, Kirishima, Kagoshima

Tel: 099-578-2255

Access (Car): 1 hour 17 min from the centre of Kagoshima city. 44 min from the Kagoshima airport

Parking Lot: 50

Opening Hours: 08:00 - 20:00 (last entry at 19:00)

Closing Days: Every 4th Tuesday (Changes to the following day if falls on a holiday)

Price: JPY 500