Kirishima Onsen

Kirishima Onsen (霧島温泉) is a collection of hot spring resorts located in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, in southern Japan. The area is known for its beautiful natural scenery and therapeutic hot springs, which have been popular with tourists and locals alike for centuries.

There are several hot spring resorts and hotels in the Kirishima Onsen area, many of which offer traditional Japanese-style rooms and baths. The hot springs are fed by water that is heated deep beneath the volcanic mountains of the Kirishima Range, and are said to have many health benefits, including relieving stress and improving circulation.

In addition to hot springs, Kirishima Onsen is also known for its scenic beauty, with many hiking trails that wind through the surrounding mountains and forests. The Kirishima Mountains are part of the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, and are home to several active volcanoes, including Mount Karakuni, a popular hiking destination.

Kirishima Onsen is also home to several cultural and historical sites, including the Kirishima Jingu Shrine, which is the main shrine of the Kirishima Mountains and is dedicated to Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The Kirishima Open-Air Museum features a collection of contemporary sculptures set against the backdrop of the natural scenery.

Getting there

By Air

From Kagoshima Airport:

• Direct buses operate every 1-4 hours
• To Maruo Onsen: about 35 minutes (760 yen)
• To Kirishima Iwasaki Hotel: about 40 minutes (830 yen)

By Train

From Kagoshima-Chuo Station:

• Local train: about 1 hour to Kirishima-Jingu Station (860 yen, every 2 hours)
• Express train: about 50 minutes to Kirishima-Jingu Station (about 1500 yen, every 1-2 hours)

From Miyazaki:

• Local train: about 2.5 hours to Kirishima-Jingu Station (1500 yen, hourly)
• Express train: about 80 minutes to Kirishima-Jingu Station (about 3000 yen, every 1-2 hours)

By Bus

• From JR Kirishima-Jingu Station: about 30 minutes (560 yen, every 1-4 hours)
• From JR Kirishima-Onsen Station: about 25 minutes (520 yen, every 2-5 hours, no service on weekends and holidays)
• From Kagoshima Airport: about 35 minutes (760 yen, every 1-4 hours)

By Car

Renting a car is an efficient way to explore the Kirishima area. Car rental shops are available at Kagoshima Airport, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima.