The seventh article in our selection series is “The 9 Onsens You Should Visit in Kirishima.” Kirishima is a city located in Kagoshima prefecture where the mountains are popular for hiking. There are plenty of hot springs in this region, and what is special in Kirishima is there are various types of hot springs as well. Traveling around Kirishima will give you a great chance to experience different types of hot springs easily!

1. Myoken Onsen "Tajima Honkan"

The Myoken Onsen area is just 15 min bus ride from the Kagoshima airport, and Tajima Honkan is the oldest onsen in this area. It has about 170 years of history. Tajima Honkan still preserves the traditional bathrooms. They are not gorgeous or modern, but are perfect places if you like a nostalgic charm of Japan. The half open-air bath is located along with the river, so you can enjoy the sound of creek while soaking. Also, Tajima Honkan runs a hotel and restaurant as well, staying here before the departure from the airport is a good option.

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2. Kirishima Jingu Onsen "Kokumin Syukusya Miyamaso"

Do you like “Yu no hana”? Yu no hana is the name of deposited minerals contained in hot spring swaying like flower petals in the bath. Miyamaso is famous for its beautiful yu no hana. Some frequent bathers scoop yu no hana and put it on the body. Soaking in the cloudy hot spring while enjoying the nature of Kirishima mountains is de-stressing! 

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3. Myoken Onsen "Kiraku Onsen"

Some onsen fans select Kiraku Onsen as the best hot spring in the Myoken area, and, actually, this onsen is popular among onsen fans throughout Japan. The hot spring contains a large amount of iron, so just a short soak can warm the body up thoroughly. There is a big open-air bath in which I think 20 people can soak at a time, even there, the water is not recycled and used as is thanks to the powerful hot spring source. Also, the owner is really kind and outgoing, please have a talk with him if you visit Kiraku Onsen.

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4. Shinyu Onsen "Kokumin Syukusya Shinmoéso"

Even among cloudy hot spring in Kirishima, Shinmoéso is the whitest one as far as I’ve ever seen. This hot spring contains a large amount of sulphur, which makes the water unusually white. Bathing at this onsen can get rid of dead skin cells and make the skin so smooth. Also, Shinmoéso is located at the middle of the mountain, so you can see beautiful starry sky from the open-air bath when the weather is good.

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5. Tsumagari Onsen

When you visit Tsumagari Onsen for the first time, you may think “Is there an onsen in such a location?” on the way to the destination. Don’t worry, there is! Tsumagari Onsen is located at the middle of the rice paddy field. This onsen has been maintained by the locals, and is really rustic; however, the quality is outstanding. If you want to visit a local onsen with the nostalgic charm, Tsumagari Onsen will satisfy your interest.

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6. Myoken Onsen "Rakuenso"

Rakuenso has been said that bathing at its hot spring can get rid of fatigue and is very refreshing. Actually, in the past, so many visitors came to Rakuanso to stay for the medicinal bathing. Most of the facilities in Rakuenso, including the main building, has been built by the owner himself. Furthermore, the hot spring was dug by his hand. That’s amazing! The onsen is a sodium bicarbonate saline spring which is typical in the Myoken area.

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7. Fukujyu Onsen

The hot spring source of Fukujyu Onsen was drilled 30 years ago according to the word of the local prophet. It is said that bathing at this hot spring treats diabetes, and some visitors come from a long distance. The yellow hot spring water is a little bit hot but quite soothing. Also, the price is only 100 yen, that’s a great value!

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8. Kirishima Yunotani Sanso

If you like sulphur hot spring, Kirishima Yunotani Sanso is highly recommended. Yunotani Sanso offers three types of bathes, the one at the far side is a hot sulphur spring, the one at the near side is a tepid carbon dioxide spring, and the one at the centre is a mixed whose temperature is moderate. You can take any of these bathes as you like. Also, the bathroom is full wood-made, which provides a relaxing atmosphere.

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9. Kurinodake Onsen "Nansyukan"

Precisely it’s not located in Kirishima, but I would like to recommend Nansyukan, where Takamori Saigo stayed in the past, if you are visiting Kirishima. Nansyukan offers three types of baths; normal bath, steam bath, and mud bath. Each of them has an outstanding quality. I’m sure you will be satisfied. Also, Nansyukan is famous for the steamed chicken, please try it when you visit this onsen.

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Others

Although I selected 9 onsens in Kirishima, there are a lot more good onsens. Click the following button to see others.