The spacious facilities are replete with many bathing amenities such as a large Utase-yu (Massaging hot spring waterfall) and a whirlpool bath and rotenburo (Open-air hot spring bath) surrounded by trees.
Kirishima Onsen which boasts one of Japan's largest hot springs offers close access to popular spots such as Kirishima Shrine (approximately 15 minutes by car) and Karakuni Dake (approximately 30 minutes by car).
Ebino and Kirishima Regions
The Ebino and Kirishima Plateaus form the base of the cluster of volcanoes known as the Kirishima Mountain Range. Karakuni-dake crowns this range of peaks that is a magnificent natural backdrop for the resort area, which boasts one of the greatest hot springs villages in Japan and beautiful landscapes throughout the four seasons.
Kirishima Hot Springs Village
Shin’yu Onsen, Hayashida Onsen, Maruo Onsen, Ioda Onsen, and Yunotani Onsen make up Kirishima Hot Springs Village. Maruo Onsen is located inside of our hotel. The quality of each spring is different from the others.
Karakuni-dake
At 1,700 meters, Karakuni-dake is the main peak of the Kirishima Mountain Range. There are no trees from the middle of the mountain to the top since it is a volcanic crater. The trailhead to the top of Karakuni-dake is located on Ebino Plateau at 1,200 meters, so the 500-meter elevation gain makes this a relatively short hike (about two and a half hours round trip). You can see Onami-ike and Sakurajima in the distance from the top of Karakuni-dake, and you can also continue on to sacred Takachiho-no-mine.
Takachiho-no-mine
Takachiho-no-mine is the second-tallest peak in the Kirishima Range and was the stage for the myth of Tenson Kourin. It has been revered as a sacred mountain since the distant past. Its triangular peak juts up from the top part of the mountain, and there are so many craters around the summit that it looks like the surface of the moon. The trailhead begins at Takachiho Gawara. (about 2 and a half hours round trip)
Ebino Plateau
This plateau sits at an elevation of 1,200 meters and is surrounded by the Kirishima Mountain Range. The nature of the four seasons provides wonderful views, including the Miyama Kirishima flowers in the spring, the brisk green of summer, the susuki and leaves of the fall, and the trees glazed with ice in the winter. Entire meadows of susuki turn a pasta-yellowish color at the beginning of autumn, and from Karakuni-dake, Ebino Plateau looks like it is carpeted with susuki.
Ikoma Plateau
The 550-meter Ikoma Plateau at the base of Kirishima-yama is famous for magnificent views and the beauty of the flowers in all seasons. Many tourists come out to the field mustard, Iceland poppies, and cosmos that completely cover the plateau in spring, the beginning of summer, and autumn respectively. In addition, they can enjoy watching fireflies dance about every summer around Denokawa Park.
Kirishima Shrine
The Sun Goddess commanded her grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, to descend to Taka’ama-hara and rule this country. It is said that Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended to Takachiho-no-mine with three sacred treasures and was accompanied by seven children-gods and one god that gave travel directions (Sarutahiko). This is the origin of the myth of Tenson Kourin, and Kirishima Shrine is dedicated to Ninigi-no-Mikoto.
Takachiho Gawara
Ama-no-sakahoko stands on the summit of Takachiho according to the myth of Tenson Kourin. You can see the peak of Takachiho jutting into the sky from Takachiho Gawara, and it really does create a sacred atmosphere. This area where the gods descended from the mountaintop is called Kogushi, and there is a festival commemorating Tenson Kourin every year here.
Takachiho Farm
Takachiho Farm is 35 hectares of green land featuring cow and sheep stables in addition to an observation deck, dairy farm and barbecue house. There is fun for the whole family at Takachiho Farm, and you can try milking cows and interact with the animals in this wide-open space.
Miike
Miike is the largest and deepest of the volcanic crater lakes of Kirishima-yama. It is nearly circular with a diameter of one kilometer and a surface area of four square kilometers. The surrounding area is blessed with nature that has been designated as a wild bird sanctuary. The campground on the lake bustles with visiting families from spring through fall.
Kirishima Plateau Mahoroba-no-sato
You can spend an entire day at this facility buried in nature just four kilometers to the southwest of our hotel. There is a go-kart race course, artificial turf skiing area, a playground for young children, miniature golf, pottery classes, and a restaurant with a good view.
Michi-no-eki / Shinwa-no-sato Koen
This popular rest area features the Hotto Kirishima Kan, a lift, a super slide, and many other facilities. You can buy all kinds of specially-made Kirishima goods such as handmade soba made through pure processes, Kirishima Plateau pork, herb cookies and more. You can also see Kinko Bay and Sakurajima from the rest area.
