Sakura Sakura Onsen
8/10 Excellent - Based on 2 reviews
Sakura Sakura Onsen sits in wooded slopes of Kirishima and centres its offering on natural, free‑flowing mud baths. The source is a low‑acidity sulfur spring noted for skin‑softening effects and traditional mud‑pack treatments. Large indoor and outdoor rotenburo are provided separately for men and women and include natural mud for on‑site application; visitors can combine soaking in milky sulfur waters with mud packs. The property is a ryokan with onsen in Kirishima.
Rooms range from tatami guest rooms and annex units to bungalows and three North American–style log houses that include private mud‑bath facilities; select cottages and outdoor tubs can be reserved for exclusive use, so the resort operates as a ryokan with private onsen in Kagoshima for small groups. Onsite amenities include a restaurant focused on local produce and the signature Sakura Satsuma nabe hot pot, an all‑you‑can‑eat lunch buffet, a small shop selling regional shochu and sweets, plus a karaoke room and counter bar.
Practical amenities include free on‑site parking, a reception that can advise on local sightseeing and group dining, and straightforward road access toward Kirishima Jingu and surrounding trails that display volcanic scenery. The property emphasizes active hot‑spring use: guests are encouraged to try the mud pack routine, let mineral‑rich waters ease stiff muscles, then unwind in communal lounges or private cottages. Seasonal menus highlight Kagoshima ingredients to complement the bathing culture, making the resort suited to couples, groups and multi‑night stays.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sakura Sakura Onsen
Positive Reviews
Relaxing onsen experience
Private onsen availability allowed for a slow, relaxing soak and contributed strongly to a restorative stay.
Delicious meals
Meals were reported as tasty and satisfying, enhancing the overall experience.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff were described as kind and welcoming, which added to the feeling of being cared for and relaxed.
Quiet, peaceful location
The remote mountain location made the property very quiet and peaceful, appreciated by guests seeking tranquility.
Facilities and hidden experiences exceeded expectations
Guests felt the facilities were even better than the photos and enjoyed discovering many interesting, hidden experiences on the property.
Negative Reviews
Inconvenient transportation/remote access
The property is somewhat difficult to reach; transportation options and access were mentioned as inconvenient by guests.
Facilities (restaurant/onsen) distant from some rooms
Some guests found the restaurant and communal onsen located far from certain rooms, which made moving between accommodations and amenities less convenient.
Presence of insects due to mountain setting
Being in the mountains means there are insects around; guests noted they were present but not aggressive, though this may bother some visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard rooms typically fit 2 guests, some Japanese-style and mixed rooms fit 2–4, cottages accommodate 2–8 guests, and Canadian log houses can house groups from about 5 up to 20 guests.
The ryokan features natural low‑acid sulfur mud baths and indoor/outdoor rotenburo; guest bath hours are generally 7:00–9:00 and 11:00–23:00 (closed 9:00–11:00 for cleaning).
Yes — some cottages include private mud baths and the Momiji outdoor bath can be hired for private use; private open‑air baths are also available at certain times, so request this when booking or on arrival.
Kagoshima Airport is roughly 25–30 km away (about 30–40 minutes by car); Kirishima‑Jingu Station is about a 10‑minute drive or short taxi ride from the property. Driving or taxi from the station or airport is the most direct option.
There is no regular public airport shuttle listed; guests typically arrive by car or taxi, and the property can be contacted ahead of arrival to ask about station pick‑up or special arrangements.
The property lists Japanese and English as languages, but notes that telephone calls are handled in Japanese; using email, booking messages, or asking reception on arrival is recommended for English assistance.
On‑site dining includes a main restaurant and buffet options for breakfast and lunch, plus set meals and nabe (hot‑pot) specialties; the house 'Sakura Satsuma Nabe' and local Kagoshima ingredients (including kurobuta pork) are featured.
Policies vary: some booking listings show pets are not accepted while the property has posted pet‑policy notices, so contact the ryokan to confirm; convenience stores and small supermarkets are reachable by a short drive and reception can point you to the nearest shop.
Kirishima Jingu shrine is very close (about 2–3 km), and natural sites such as the Ebino Plateau and local hiking trails/volcanic landscapes are within driving distance for day trips. The area is well suited to nature walks, shrine visits and seasonal scenery.
Check‑in is from 16:00 (last check‑in around 21:00) and check‑out is at 10:00; the property offers free private parking, Wi‑Fi, shops, bars and family‑friendly dining, with some rooms supplying in‑room mud bath facilities for a private experience.