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An article titled “See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway” has been published

on JapanTravel, an inbound tourism media platform for Japan available in 15 languages.

Japan tourism media for inbound tourists available in 15 languages"Japan Travel"A trip around southern Japan starting from Kirishima"

The article has been published.

Kirishima Kokusai Hotel’s exterior霧島国際ホテルの外観
See Southern Japan with Kirishima as YourGateway霧島を起点に南国日本を巡ろう

Soothe your senses in Kirishima’s nature and experience Kirishima Kokusai Hotel’s hospitality.
霧島の自然で心を癒し、霧島国際ホテルのおもてなしを体験する

If you’re planning a trip to southern Japan, consider adding Kirishima to your itinerary. Just north
of Kagoshima City, this mountain region is known for its natural hot springs, volcanic scenery,
and deeply rooted food culture.
南九州への旅行を計画しているなら、ぜひ霧島を旅程に加えてみてはいかがでしょうか。鹿児島市の北に位置する
この山岳エリアは、豊かな温泉、火山が生み出す景観、そして深く根付いた食文化で知られています。

Kirishima’s geothermal landscape has shaped the region into one of Japan’s best areas for hot
springs and relaxation. With over 20 volcanic cones formed long ago, the area naturally
produces steam vents and mineral-rich water that feeds some of the best onsens in Japan.
Kirishima also offers no shortage of cultural, historical, and natural attractions sure to impress all
kinds of travelers. Many of these highlights are easily enjoyed with a stay at Kirishima Kokusai
Hotel, where you can unwind with its on-site relaxation offerings and enjoy convenient access to
the area’s most popular attractions.

Kirishima's geothermal area has made the region one of Japan's leading Hot springs resorts. More than 20 volcanoes once formed, and natural steam is emitted from them.
Hot springs, rich in minerals, gush forth from the ground, supporting Hot springs inns that offer some of the best Hot springs in Japan.
Kirishima also has a wide variety of attractions, including culture, history, and nature, which never cease to fascinate travelers.
Many of these attractions can be found at the Kirishima Kokusai Hotel where you can relax in the on-site healing facilities and enjoy convenient access to nearby tourist attractions.
You can enjoy it more easily by staying overnight.

Below, we’ll cover the best of Kirishima and what awaits you at the hotel.
以下では、霧島の魅力と、同ホテルで体験できるおもてなしをご紹介します。

Landmarks and Local Heritage名所と地域の歴史

Kirishima Shrine霧島神宮

A good place to start is Kirishima Shrine, about a 20-minute drive from Kirishima Kokusai
Hotel. The shrine is dedicated to Ninigi-no-Mikoto, a deity in Japanese mythology said to have
descended from the heavens to rule the earthly realm and become the ancestor of Japan's
emperors. Often described as the spiritual center of the region, the shrine sits quietly among tall
cedar trees, and its easy-to-walk grounds offer a relaxed glimpse into Kirishima's history and folklore.
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Kareigawa Station　嘉例川駅

Another stop for history enthusiasts is Kareigawa Station, roughly 25 minutes from the hotel.
Built more than a century ago, the station retains its original wooden architecture and quiet rural
charm, making it a favorite among photographers and railway fans. Nearby, Wake Shrine offers
another peaceful cultural stop, set among trees and known for its relaxed ambience.
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Into the Mountains山々へ

Maruo Waterfall　丸尾滝

You can never go wrong with an authentic Japan nature travel. For nature lovers who prefer
simple, short outings, Kirishima offers several easy walking options. At Maruo Nature Trail, you
can enjoy wooded paths and fresh mountain air without committing to a long hike. Also within
walking distance is Maruo Waterfall, notable for being fed by hot spring water, which often
creates soft steam around the falls—an interesting sight unique to the region. It's an excellent
quick stop for photos or a short break outside.
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Onami Pond　大浪池

Those looking for a deeper nature experience will find great options throughout Kirishima's
highlands. Onami Pond is a scenic crater lake surrounded by quiet trails and views of nearby
volcanoes. The area is relatively easy to explore and offers rewarding seasonal scenery.
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Ebino Plateau　えびの高原

Farther into the mountains, the Ebino Plateau is known for its open views, cool air, and access
to trails leading toward the Kirishima Mountains, including Mount Karakuni, the tallest peak in
the range at around 1,700 meters. These locations appeal to visitors who enjoy hiking but still
want approachable routes that can be completed as part of a half-day trip.
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Family-Friendly Destinations　家族連れに優しい場所

Sheep grazing at Takachiho Farm　高千穂牧場で草を食む羊

Families may want to make time for Takachiho Farm, around 20 minutes away from the hotel.
The farm offers an easygoing experience where visitors can see animals and explore open
fields. Horse riding is also offered for those looking for some thrill. It's a pleasant change of pace
between natural stops and an easy addition to a casual day's itinerary.
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There are a couple of places to eat on-site, including a spot for grilled dishes and another
serving pizza and curry. Many guests come specifically for the soft-serve ice cream, made with
fresh milk from the farm, simple, creamy, and worth enjoying before you head out.
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Rest and Reconnect at Kirishima Kokusai Hotel　霧島国際ホテルでの休息、そして再びつながる

After a day out, it's easy to settle back into a slower rhythm at a Kirishima hot spring hotel that
has everything you need. Kirishima Kokusai Hotel sits in the hills with wide views toward
Sakurajima and Kinko Bay, giving it a quiet atmosphere that still feels connected to the
landscape around it. The hotel leans into the idea of Japanese-style healing—good food, warm
baths, and time spent close to nature—so guests can unwind and take in Kirishima with all five
senses.
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Here’s a closer look at what you can enjoy during your stay.
滞在中に楽しめる内容を以下に詳しくご紹介します。

Accommodations for All Types of Guests　あらゆるタイプのゲストに対応した宿泊施設

Premium Japanese-Western Room with open-air bath　プレミアム和洋室（露天風呂付き）

Comfort comes first. Guests can choose from a range of room styles—some are traditional, with
tatami flooring and the warm scent of wood, while others follow a more modern Western style.
There are also hybrid layouts that offer the softness of tatami alongside Western beds.
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From many rooms, you can look out over the mountains and the rising Kirishima onsen steam
that drifts across the valley. For a more elevated stay, the top-floor Premium Rooms provide
extra space and a quieter setting. Select rooms also feature open-air or semi open-air baths for
private soaking, though the in-room baths are not hot-spring sourced.
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Families may also want to consider the Kids' Rooms, which have been set up with extra space
and thoughtful design so children can move around comfortably. These are especially helpful for
longer stays or big groups.
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Deluxe Twin Room　デラックスツインルーム

Superior Twin With View　スーペリアツイン（眺望付き）

Kid’s Room　キッズルーム

Here’s a quick look at which rooms may line up well with how you’re traveling:
以下に、旅行スタイルに合う可能性のある部屋の種類を簡単にご紹介します：
●Deluxe Triple Room: Opened in August 2023, this room works well for small families or
friends. It includes a terrace with a steam view of the hot-spring valley.
デラックストリプルルーム：2023 年 8 月にオープンしたこのお部屋は、小さなご家族
やご友人とのご利用に適しています。温泉谷の湯けむりを望むテラスが付いています。

●Japanese-Western Room: A mix of beds and tatami space gives guests more room to
spread out. Good for longer stays or groups who prefer both Western bedding and a
Japanese-style sitting area. You can see the steam from the hot springs, and if the
weather is good, you can also see Sakurajima.
和洋室：ベッドスペースと畳の空間が組み合わさったお部屋で、より広々とした空間を
提供します。長期滞在や、洋風のベッドと和風の座敷の両方を好まれるグループにおす
すめです。温泉の湯けむりを見ることができ、天気が良ければ桜島も望めます。

●Japanese-style Room: The largest of the standard Japanese-style rooms, offering a
generously sized layout suited for families or groups who want extra space to relax. Like
the Japanese-Western Room, you can see the steam from the hot springs, and if the
weather is good, you can also see Sakurajima.
和室：スタンダードタイプの中で最も広い和室で、ご家族やグループがゆったりくつろ
げる広々としたレイアウトです。和洋室のように、温泉の湯けむりを眺めることがで
き、天気が良ければ桜島も望めます。

●Superior Twin Room: A simple, comfortable twin room that fits up to three people.
スーペリアツインルーム：シンプルで快適なツインルームで、最大 3 名までご利用いた
だけます。

Hot Springs with Scenic Views　景観の良い温泉

Kirishima’s geothermal landscape makes hot-spring bathing a core part of the experience, and
Kirishima Kokusai Hotel offers plenty of ways to enjoy it. The hotel’s hot spring facilities draw
from a natural source, offering the kind of direct-flow water enjoyed at only a limited number of
inns in Japan.
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Open-air bath　露天風呂

Bedrock bath　岩盤浴

The hotel offers more than ten bathing spaces, so you can try something new each time you
soak. Open-air baths face the mountains and change with the seasons, while private rooms,
available for 50-minute sessions at 1,650 yen per group, give you a quiet soak to yourself.
There's also a steam bath area designed to warm you deeply and help you unwind.
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Indoor big bath　内湯大風呂

Steam bath　蒸し風呂

A distinctive feature of the hotel is its Kirishima Mud Pack “Kirika,” made with minerals from the
local hot spring and nearby volcanic soil and open to all genders. Offered in two varieties each
day, it leaves the skin smooth and refreshed, adding a gentle spa element to the experience.
Each bathing area has its own character, with differences in aroma, temperature, and layout, so
it's easy to enjoy a casual “bath tour” without leaving the property.
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Things to Enjoy On-Site　現地で楽しめること

The hotel offers a mix of spaces designed for both relaxation and play. Families with younger
children can spend time at the Kirishima Kids Park, while casual indoor activities, like the
game corner and the lively Steam Ping-Pong Hall, give everyone something fun to do between
outings. On weekends, the hotel often adds seasonal activities such as cardboard mazes and
simple craft workshops.
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Kirishima Kids Park　霧島キッズパーク

For adults, the lounge is a pleasant spot to unwind. Bright and easy to settle into, it offers
complimentary coffee and a small bar featuring about a dozen local shochu (a Japanese
distilled beverage) varieties. After a soak in the baths, many guests stop by for the free post-
bath ice cream. There is also a 24-hour relaxation space for quiet downtime and a reservation-
based wellness salon and massage corner offering treatments to help ease stiffness or travel
fatigue.
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Massage corner　マッサージコーナー

Common lounge　共用ロビー

Dining Highlights　ダイニングの特徴

Meals at the hotel are centered around fresh produce from Kirishima and Kagoshima, with two
main dining venues. At Kirishima Yukemuri Terrace, breakfast and dinner are served buffet-
style, offering plenty of choice for different appetites. The spread includes a mix of Japanese
and Western favorites alongside local specialties—Kagoshima black pork, regional vegetables,
and seafood. The live kitchen keeps things lively, with freshly grilled steaks, sushi, wood-fired
pizza, and steamed dishes.
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Kirishima Yukemuri Terrace　霧島湯けむりテラス

For a slower, more traditional experience, Japanese Restaurant Satsumaji serves seasonal
kaiseki (multi-course Japanese meal). The menu changes throughout the year, reflecting
ingredients at their peak—autumn might bring simmered saury or roasted chestnuts, while
winter can feature dishes like black-vinegar yellowtail or crab in a light sauce. Private dining
rooms are available for a more intimate meal, well suited for couples or guests celebrating a
special occasion.
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Kaiseki meal at Restaurant Satsumaji – Winter薩摩路の会席料理(冬)

Events Worth Catching　見逃せないイベント

Tenson Korin Kirishima Nine-Faced Drum performance　霧島九面太鼓の演奏

On weekends, the hotel hosts cultural programs that introduce guests to stories and traditions
tied to Kirishima. One highlight is a performance inspired by local mythology, including the
powerful Tenson Korin Kirishima Nine-Faced Drum, which tells the story of how the deity
Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended from the heavens.
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Music and stage performances are also part of the lineup, with occasional lounge concerts and
magic shows that rely less on language and more on visual experience. Because these take
place on-site, guests can enjoy them at a relaxed pace without planning around transportation
or schedules.
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Access to and Around Kirishima　霧島へのアクセスと周辺情報

View from the hotel　ホテルからの眺め

A Kirishima travel rewards travelers who prefer an easy pace and time outdoors, with enough to
see and do without feeling rushed. It’s probably the most rewarding Japan countryside travel for
those who think they’ve seen it all. Staying at Kirishima Kokusai Hotel places many of the
mentioned experiences close by, with accommodations and facilities that round out your visit to
southern Japan and your overall Kirishima and Kagoshima tourism experience.
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Getting to Kirishima and planning a Kyushu travel or a Kagoshima travel is simple. Most visitors
arrive via Kagoshima Airport through a Tokyo to Kagoshima flight, then continue by rental car,
taxi, or local bus. The rental car is recommended. Meanwhile, the bus ride to Maruo Onsen
takes about 30 minutes, and from there it's a short walk to the hotel. If you're coming by
Shinkansen, travel to Kagoshima-Chuo Station, transfer to the JR line, and continue to
Kirishima-Jingu Station. A bus or taxi will bring you to the hotel in roughly 25 minutes. Free
parking is available for those driving, and while a car makes it easier to reach viewpoints and
trailheads, many nearby spots are still accessible by bus. Once you're based in the area, getting
around is straightforward—and the scenery makes even short trips enjoyable as you check off
popular Kyushu and Kagoshima's things to do.
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