Ryoutei Ryokan Takechiyo Kirishima Bettei
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 25 reviews
Ryoutei Ryokan Takechiyo Kirishima Bettei sits quietly along the approach to a sacred mountain shrine in Kirishima, presenting a measured blend of traditional ryotei hospitality and simple, understated accommodation. The property emphasizes seasonal, course-based dining drawn from local produce and a schedule for meal service that typically requires advance reservation, reflecting its origins as a ryotei where cuisine is central to the stay. With a compact footprint and a focus on privacy and calm, the ryokan with private onsen in Kirishima caters to guests who prioritize intimate bathing and a composed dining rhythm over large-hotel amenities.
Accommodation is arranged in small detached pavilions and wing rooms; each first-floor guest room features its own creative open-air bath, with designs ranging from rock and stone tubs to bamboo and glass installations, so visitors can bathe outdoors without leaving their suite. The property also maintains larger public bathing facilities with free-flowing hot water, a cold bath and a sauna, served by a natural simple sulfur spring known locally for its gentle thermal qualities and restorative uses. Bathing hours are set to accommodate both early-morning and evening use, and the mix of private room baths plus public onsen makes this an option often described as a ryokan with private onsen in Kagoshima for travelers seeking both seclusion and shared thermal facilities.
Service is delivered in a quietly formal manner: staff assist with reservations and directions and the house style places strong emphasis on seasonal presentation and the ceremonial aspects of a kaiseki-style meal. Rooms are traditionally appointed with tatami and living spaces configured to separate sleeping and sitting areas, and some suites are designed to host small groups or families for extended stays. Practical details—telephone reservation for meals, limited on-site parking and a location that is convenient for transfers to and from nearby transport hubs—make it straightforward to plan a short itinerary focused on bathing, shrine visits and regional sightseeing in the surrounding Kagoshima highlands.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryoutei Ryokan Takechiyo Kiris…
Positive Reviews
Exceptional cuisine
Multiple guests praised the food for its taste, presentation, seasonality and generous portions — described as beautifully plated kaiseki-style meals that exceeded expectations.
Warm, attentive service
Staff hospitality was frequently highlighted: friendly, helpful reception, prompt luggage assistance, staff greetings and helpful shuttle/pick-up and drop-off services made stays comfortable.
Peaceful natural setting
Reviewers enjoyed a quiet, relaxing location surrounded by nature, with a tranquil atmosphere ideal for unwinding and close proximity (walking) to local sights for some.
Traditional, clean rooms with private onsen
Rooms were noted as very clean and authentic Japanese style; many guests valued rooms with private open-air baths and the onsen experience (including scenic nighttime views).
Attention to detail and private dining options
Guests appreciated seasonally inspired ingredients, attractive tableware, and the option to dine in private rooms which enhanced their overall experience.
Negative Reviews
Outdoor bath temperature too high at times
Several guests reported the outdoor/on-site baths being uncomfortably hot, particularly the women’s outdoor bath, making them difficult to use without cooling measures.
Meal service timing issues
A few reviewers felt meal service pacing could be improved — some dishes arrived a little late or later-course items were served too quickly, which affected enjoyment of hot dishes.
Remote location and wayfinding
The ryokan is somewhat far from shops and conveniences; guests recommended pre-shopping and noted the driveway/entrance can be hard to find without guidance.
Room layout and small accessibility inconveniences
Comments included dim lighting at the washbasin, awkward access routes to some room baths (requiring a raised area), small stone-step changes and stair lighting that may be inconvenient for elderly or mobility-impaired guests.
Limited in-room amenities and minor procedural inconvenience
One guest noted certain rooms lacked easily accessible shower/shampoo amenities and recommended bringing personal toiletries; another found having to remove shoes at the front desk slightly inconvenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type; many rooms list two single beds plus space for two or three futons, so most rooms accommodate between 2 and 5 guests—check the specific room description when booking.
Yes — the property offers public onsen (indoor and open-air), sauna and jacuzzi, and several rooms feature private open-air baths for in-room bathing.
Yes — the property offers shuttle/transfer service on request with advance notice; the nearest airport is Kagoshima Airport (about 23 km) and pickups from Kirishima-Jingu Station or nearby bus stops can be arranged.
Staff can assist in Japanese and English, and the team also lists support in additional languages such as Hindi and Vietnamese.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00; please confirm exact times with the ryokan before arrival if you need flexibility.
Some rooms include private open-air onsen baths; these room types can be reserved directly and private use of shared baths or special requests should be arranged with the ryokan in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the property.
The ryokan provides free on-site parking; convenience stores and supermarkets are available a short drive away in the Kirishima area.
The ryokan specialises in kaiseki-style Japanese meals with breakfast and multi-course dinners; dinner is served on a reservation basis and dietary requests should be communicated before arrival.
The ryokan is within walking distance of Kirishima Jingu Shrine (about 1.3 km) and is a convenient base for Ebino Plateau, local hiking and other Kirishima National Park sights; staff can advise on local routes and day trips.