Hotel Kirishima Castle
7,3/10 Very good - Based on 62 reviews
Hotel Kirishima Castle sits on a wooded plateau within the Kirishima highlands, offering a blend of traditional Japanese layout and larger, family-oriented rooms. Guest accommodation is notable for uniformly spacious layouts—most rooms are arranged as two-room suites or large tatami-style units around 54 m² and face south to capture daylight and valley views. The property operates shuttle connections to nearby rail stations and is positioned for straightforward access to Kirishima Shrine and local hiking routes, making it a convenient ryokan with onsen in Kagoshima for travelers who want both nature and serviceable transport links.
The thermal facilities are a central feature: the hotel maintains a sizeable public bathing complex with an open-air bath set among trees, complemented by sauna and hydrotherapy options, plus optional massage and beauty services. Dining follows a mixed model of in-room multi-course kaiseki and larger buffet-style meals; bars and evening entertainment including karaoke are available for groups. Practical amenities include free on-site parking for many vehicles, complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas and rooms, and front-desk services accustomed to family and tour-group arrivals.
Rooms combine traditional touches—futons and tatami or hybrid Western/Japanese set-ups—with modern conveniences such as flat-screen television, refrigerator, electric kettle and ensuite bathrooms, and the hotel enforces a non-smoking, no-pets policy to preserve a restful atmosphere. The setting and facilities suit families and small groups seeking comfortable basecamps for exploring the Kirishima volcanic range and surrounding parks; overall the property presents as a well-equipped, mid-size ryokan with onsen that emphasizes roomy guest quarters, accessible services and straightforward access to the attractions of Kagoshima prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Kirishima Castle
Positive Reviews
Relaxing onsen and outdoor baths
Many guests praised the hot springs, describing the onsen and open-air baths as fantastic, spacious and set in pleasant natural surroundings; some also noted enjoyable sauna and large public bathing areas.
Tasty and varied meals
Multiple reviews highlighted the food—buffet selections, kaiseki and breakfasts were often described as plentiful, delicious and a memorable part of the stay (including praise for specific dishes and child‑friendly items).
Friendly, attentive staff
Reviewers frequently mentioned polite, helpful staff who provided good service, accommodated allergies or special requests, and made families and groups feel welcome.
Spacious, comfortable rooms
Several guests reported large, comfortable rooms with a mix of bed and tatami areas that were ideal for families or groups, often noting room size as a clear positive.
Good value and scenic views
Many found the property offered good value for money; some guests enjoyed excellent views from higher floors (cloud sea, distant peaks) and appreciated the overall cost‑performance.
Negative Reviews
Bath and shower problems (crowding, odor, temperature)
A number of guests reported issues with the bathing facilities: overcrowded hot baths, occasional unpleasant odors, shower flow or control problems, and inconsistent water temperatures; some also found the layout (separate bathing areas) inconvenient.
Aging or dated facilities
Several reviews noted the building and rooms feel old or show their age—dark décor, older electrical fittings and an overall dated impression; a few guests mentioned cleanliness concerns in some in‑room baths or visible dust in air‑conditioning units.
Small in-room bathrooms and limited amenities
Some guests found the private room bathrooms and toilets cramped, causing discomfort and sometimes requiring use of facilities on other floors; a few noted lacking in‑room provisions (for example, bottled water not provided).
Inconsistent food expectations
While many praised the meals, a few guests felt dinner or breakfast was flat or did not match promotional images; one reviewer specifically mentioned buffet taste as underwhelming despite wide selection.
Operational/service shortcomings (staffing, parking, signage)
A few reviewers reported practical issues such as needing to carry their own luggage (suggesting limited staff availability), poorly lit or confusing parking/arrival signage, and occasional service inconsistencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel offers Japanese-style and family rooms suitable for groups; some family rooms can accommodate larger parties, so confirm exact maximum occupancy and guest ages when booking.
The property has public indoor baths and an open-air rotenburo, plus a sauna and whirlpool bath for guests to enjoy.
Private/reservable onsens are not listed as standard; contact the hotel in advance to request private-use options or special arrangements.
The hotel provides pickup from nearby JR stations (Kirishimajingu and Kirishima Onsen); there is no regular airport shuttle, so use a taxi or car transfer from Kagoshima Airport.
Kagoshima Airport is about a 30-minute drive; guests typically arrive by taxi, rental car, or airport transfer service.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English may be limited, so a translation app or basic Japanese phrases are useful.
Guests can choose kaiseki-style dinners and buffet options for breakfast and dinner; the hotel also has bars and evening entertainment such as karaoke.
Check-in is from 15:00 (3:00 PM) until about 19:30 (7:30 PM) and check-out is by 10:00; please inform the hotel of your expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not allowed at the property; private event or banquet spaces may be arranged—contact the hotel directly to discuss room privatization or group needs.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine is roughly a 15-minute drive and Mount Karakuni/Lake Karakuni are within about 30 minutes; a supermarket or convenience store is within a short drive and free on-site parking is available.