Kirishima Kokusai Hotel
8/10 Excellent - Based on 633 reviews
Kirishima Kokusai Hotel sits on the forested foothills of the Kirishima range and showcases an extensive selection of natural sulfur hot springs drawn from local sources. The property presents more than ten distinct bathing experiences: a large communal bath Onami with reclining and lying-down sections, open-air baths set beside the trees, steam and hinoki steam rooms, a women-only bedrock sauna, and mud-pack treatments branded on-site. A private open-air unit named Yamagiri is available for reservable use, and the combination of traditional bathing rituals and hotel services gives the property the character of a ryokan with private onsen Kyushu. Public bathing hours are arranged to include late-evening and early-morning sessions, and day-use bathing is offered on select schedules.
Accommodation mixes Japanese-style and Western-style room types, including family configurations and rooms with mountain or Sakurajima sightlines; rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with standard conveniences such as refrigerators and flat-screen televisions, with Wi‑Fi across public areas. Dining covers a buffet option plus set multi-course meals that emphasise Kagoshima produce and seasonal seafood, alongside specialty courses like sukiyaki prepared by in-house chefs. Guest services extend to parking for private vehicles, accessible room options, paid massage treatments and communal relaxation areas, making the hotel suitable for both families and travellers seeking an onsen-focused stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kirishima Kokusai Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and spa facilities
Many guests praised the onsen: a variety of indoor and outdoor baths (rotemburo), additional spa features such as sauna, hammam and mud bath, long opening hours and beautiful mineral-colored water — overall a standout feature of the hotel.
Generous and varied buffet meals
Breakfast and dinner buffets were frequently described as large and varied, with chef-prepared items and plentiful choices that exceeded expectations for many visitors.
Friendly, helpful and efficient staff
Staff were repeatedly noted as polite, efficient and helpful — reception assisted with luggage forwarding and restaurant staff were particularly attentive (especially with families and children). Some multilingual staff were singled out as helpful when arranging local bookings.
Spacious traditional rooms and tatami experience
Rooms (especially premium and tatami rooms) were described as large and comfortable, offering a genuine Japanese experience with tatami areas and provided yukata; higher‑floor rooms with views were highlighted as very attractive.
Good location and resort facilities
Guests appreciated the mountain setting, views (including Sakurajima on clear days), proximity to hiking trails and bus stops, plentiful parking, and additional resort features such as a kids' play area and nearby convenience store.
Negative Reviews
Large size and crowding
Several reviewers found the hotel very large and busy — many guests, crowded dining rooms and peak-time congestion in the onsen; some recommended visiting baths or meals at off‑peak times to avoid crowds.
Property feels dated and needs refurbishment
Multiple comments noted aging decor and infrastructure (worn corridors, 1960s-style rooms, outdated bathroom fittings), with recommendations for refurbishment and modernization in several areas.
Cleanliness and maintenance concerns
Some guests reported cleanliness issues such as dusty slats, dirty balconies with spiders, forgotten restocking of yukata/towels, and even sightings of a cockroach; bathroom fixtures and bath mats were noted as needing better cleaning or replacement.
Food quality and repetition
While buffets were ample, a number of guests found the food quality average and observed repetition of dishes across nights; suggestions included more fruit and greater menu variety over multi‑night stays.
Temperature, sulphur smell and occasional noise/service lapses
Complaints included rooms being too hot due to central heating, noticeable sulfur smell from the hot springs that can limit fresh-air use, construction or corridor noise at times, and occasional issues with front-desk communication or delayed room service responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel offers a range of room types from single/double rooms to family and premier rooms; some rooms and family/quad options accommodate up to four guests. Check the specific room listing for exact maximum occupancy when you book.
The property features nine or more hot-spring baths including indoor and outdoor baths, a steam/stone sauna and a bedrock (ganbanyoku) area, plus mud-style bathing options. Many baths are source-fed to showcase local hot spring water.
Yes — the hotel offers at least one reservable private bath where couples or families can bathe privately; reservations are recommended through the front desk or at booking time. Availability may be limited at peak times.
There is no regularly advertised hotel shuttle; the hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Kagoshima Airport and reachable by airport bus (alighting at the Maruo Onsen stop) or taxi. From JR Kirishima-Jingu Station, a taxi or local bus takes roughly 25 minutes.
The hotel provides an English version of its website and basic English assistance at reception. Full-service English support may vary, so contacting the hotel in advance for specific needs is advisable.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you expect to arrive later than the posted check-in window, notify the hotel ahead of time.
There are two on-site dining venues: a buffet restaurant (Kirishima Yukemuri Terrace) and a traditional Japanese restaurant serving kaiseki-style meals. Menus emphasize local Kagoshima ingredients such as black pork and black beef, with breakfast service available.
Yes — the hotel advertises family rooms, a kids' park and child-friendly facilities, and many families stay comfortably here. Buffet dining and larger rooms make the property convenient for family travel.
Private hot-spring baths are available to reserve for private use; however, pets are generally not accommodated. Contact the hotel directly to discuss any special requests or private-event needs.
The hotel sits in the Kirishima area with views toward Sakurajima and is about a 20-minute drive from Kirishima Jingu Shrine; local buses and taxis serve the nearby Maruo Onsen stop. Free on-site parking is provided for guests, and renting a car can make regional sightseeing more convenient.