Kirishima Kokusai Hotel Overview
You know what struck me first about the Kirishima Kokusai Hotel? It’s this perfect blend of proper Japanese hospitality and that slightly retro charm you find in established mountain resorts. I mean, it’s been around long enough to really know what it’s doing, and honestly, that shows in all the small details that newer places just haven’t figured out yet.
The location up in Makizono is actually brilliant if you’re planning to explore the Kirishima range – you’re basically sitting at the base of some of Japan’s most dramatic volcanic peaks, and the hotel takes full advantage of those views. From certain rooms (and definitely from the onsen), you can see Takachiho-no-mine on clear days, which is pretty spectacular at sunrise. The staff will tell you which rooms have the best mountain views if you ask nicely, though honestly, even the standard rooms are comfortable enough that you won’t feel shortchanged. The whole place has this solid, well-maintained feel – not flashy or Instagram-perfect, but the kind of place where everything actually works and the service is genuinely helpful rather than just polite.
What really sets this place apart, though, is how it connects you to the area without trying too hard. The onsen facilities are the real draw here – natural hot springs with that slightly sulfurous smell that tells you it’s the real deal, not some artificial setup. After a day hiking around Kirishima-Yaku National Park (which, by the way, is way less crowded than Hakone or other famous spots), soaking in those outdoor baths while looking up at the mountains is exactly what you came to Kagoshima for. The dining situation is solid too – they do a proper kaiseki dinner that features local Kagoshima ingredients, including some excellent kurobuta pork that the region is famous for. It’s not revolutionary cuisine, but it’s done well and feels authentic to the place. The breakfast spread has both Japanese and Western options, though I’d recommend sticking with the Japanese side since they clearly put more effort into that. Parking is free and easy, which matters more than you’d think when you’re hauling luggage and hiking gear around. The only minor thing I’d mention is that the rooms can get a bit warm in summer – the air conditioning works fine, but the building holds heat during those humid Kyushu summers. Still, for a solid base to explore the volcanic landscapes and hot springs of Kirishima, especially if you want something more substantial than a ryokan but more characterful than a business hotel, this place really delivers on what it promises.
Guest Reviews
Great food and Onsen, also close to the bus stop with great hiking tracks in the local area. We also climbed to the highest Crater lake in Japan.
What could be improved: Could not find any faults it was the perfect destination.
Good location close to the bus stop for the airport as well as the bus stop for Ebino Plateau, etc. About a ten minute walk from Maruo Falls and Senjojiki, and right next to one of the entrances to the Forest Therapy Road (highly recommended). ...
The onsen is great but need to find the right time otherwise you’ll find many people.
The Onsen was excellent and not many people when we were there. The mud bath was an experience. The view was amazing because we have a high floor and we can see Sukarujima and the surrounding mountains. What could be improved: The room is too hot...
We were there for 2 nights, half board, tatami room sleeping on the futons. Onsen was good, with indoor and outdoor Onsen. The half-board was buffet style breakfast and dinner with many choices. The portions are small so we get to try many dishes...
Great location near to the bus stop. Enjoyable onsen baths but we couldn’t try the famous mud bath because it was under renovation. Buffet dinner was fine.
Rooms are great. We got the rooms with open air bath which was superb. Love the buffet dinner and breakfast although there was time limit for the dinner. Food comes with great variety and good taste. Public onsen is huge and offer wide range of...
Beautiful view and spacious room. Onsen of the hotel are fantastic and very relaxing. Plus, a large choice of food in the buffet of the dinner and breakfast.
Nice buffet, hot spring, views, size, value
What could be improved: The dinner buffet time limit was too short, I couldn't finish my green tea latte.
We loved the buffet for breakfast and also for dinner. One can choose western or Japanese food or both! Mt Karakuni is stunning. The Onsen is nice, the sulfur odor a bit strong
Kirishima Kokusai Hotel Rooms
Choose from 13 accommodation options
Double Room
Twin Room
Japanese-Style Room
Japanese-Style Quadruple Room
Twin Room with Tatami Area
Superior Twin Room
Japanese-Style Room (5 Adults)
Quadruple Room with Tatami Area
Superior Twin Room with View
Triple Room with View
Premium Japanese-Style Room - Top Floor
Deluxe Family Room
Premium Deluxe Twin Room with Semi Open-Air Bath - Top Floor
Facilities & Amenities
Everything you need for a comfortable stay
General 10
- Minimarket on site
- Shared lounge/T V area
- Vending machine (drinks)
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Lift
- Family rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
Kitchen 2
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Bathroom 8
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Outdoors 2
- Sun terrace
- Terrace
Wellness 7
- Massage chair
- Public Bath
- Open-air bath
- Hot spring bath
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre
- Sauna
Activities 3
- Karaoke Additional charge
- Table tennis Additional charge
- Children's playground
Food & Drink 3
- Kid-friendly buffet
- Kid meals Additional charge
- Restaurant
Accessibility 3
- Toilet with grab rails
- Wheelchair accessible
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
Languages spoken 3
- English
- Japanese
- Chinese
Cleaning services 1
- Daily housekeeping
Safety & security 6
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Key access
- 24-hour security
- Safety deposit box
Media & Technology 1
- Flat-screen TV
Reception services 2
- Invoice provided
- Luggage storage
Business facilities 2
- Fax/photocopying Additional charge
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Great for your stay 10
- Spa and wellness centre
- 2 restaurants
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
Entertainment and family services 3
- Kids' outdoor play equipment
- Indoor play area
- Board games/puzzles
Parking Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed). 1
- Accessible parking
Kirishima Kokusai Hotel Location
899-6603 Kagoshima, Kirishima, Makisono Takachiho 3930-12 , Japan
Restaurants & cafes
Public transport
Closest airports
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