Ryokojin Sanso

This hot spring inn stands on a hillside about 2,300 feet above sea level in the mountains of Kirishima, Kagoshima. It is surrounded by roughly 41 acres of natural forest filled with Japanese red pines, wild cherry trees, beeches, and sawtooth oaks. A leisurely walk along the on-site trail, which is part of a designated Forest Therapy Road, leads to the area around Hanafusa Falls. If you are lucky, you may even encounter wild deer.

The inn has a history spanning more than 100 years since its founding in 1917. Its two distinct hot spring sources offer different bathing experiences: gentle simple hot spring water fills the indoor baths, while sulfur-rich water with natural mineral deposits flows into the open-air baths. The private open-air baths in the forest are particularly memorable, allowing guests to soak surrounded by trees. When the weather is clear, the open-air baths in the main bathing area also offer impressive views extending as far as Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.

A wide range of accommodations is available, including Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, Japanese-Western rooms, and rooms with private open-air hot spring baths. All are bright and spacious, providing a relaxing place to recover from the fatigue of travel.

Meals are served as traditional multi-course kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients and local specialties, including Kagoshima Kurobuta pork, Japanese Black beef, Sakurajima chicken, and seafood from nearby waters. Savor authentic Japanese cuisine that reflects the changing seasons in every dish.

Surrounded by the mountains of Kirishima, soak in the hot springs, gaze out at Sakurajima, and sample local cuisine. Take your time and immerse yourself in the area's abundant nature and Japanese hot spring culture.