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October 23, 2020
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kirishima, a scenic hot spring inn with views of Sakurajima, opened in late January 2021 | TRAVEL
TRAVEL | HOSHINO RESORTS KAI Kirishima
Immerse yourself in stunning, majestic nature at Kai Kirishima, and savor hot springs and local culture.
Kai Kirishima, the 17th property in Hoshino Resorts' hot spring inn brand 'Kai,' opened on January 29, 2021, in Kirishima Onsen, Kagoshima Prefecture. Reservations are now being accepted.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
The "Satsuma Shirasu Daichi no Ma" Room, with views of Sakurajima from every room
Kai Kirishima is located within Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, a scenic area renowned for its beautiful natural environment, including the mythical Mount Takachiho, said to be where the gods descended, and the Kirishima mountain range.
With a concept of "A lodge offering views of Sakurajima and rejuvenation in a bathing hut," Kai Kirishima is situated on the mid-slope of Mount Takachiho, offering panoramic vistas. On clear days, guests can admire the vast Kirishima Plateau, Kinko Bay, and Sakurajima from all rooms. A short walk from the rooms leads to a bathing hut nestled in a vast pampas grass field, where one can enjoy the expansive sky and rich natural scenery.
The guest rooms, "Satsuma Shirasu Daichi no Ma," feature a breathtaking view of Kirishima as borrowed scenery. The bedboards are adorned with shirasu walls, made from volcanic ejecta, to represent the Kirishima mountain range. The rooms also incorporate warm lighting from Satsuma washi paper, and traditional crafts such as Oshima tsumugi silk and Satsuma tin, creating a beautiful interior space.
The bathing hut for the main public bath is accessed via a slope car from the guest room building. It features a scenic open-air bath, as well as an indoor bath with a "hot water" area for soaking in the sulfur spring's free-flowing hot water and a "lukewarm water" area to cool down.
In the semi-private dining area, where privacy is maintained, kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients unique to the region is served alongside Kagoshima's traditional Satsuma ware pottery and artfully designed tableware. The meal includes a starter featuring "akumaki," a seasonal Japanese sweet traditionally made in Kagoshima for the Children's Day festival, followed by a vibrant "Horaku Mori" platter combining vinegared dishes, appetizers, and fresh sashimi, presented in an 'okamochi'-style container, offering a kaiseki experience that engages all five senses with a touch of playfulness.
Additionally, guests can savor shabu-shabu featuring Kagoshima's specialty black pork, cooked in a broth enhanced by freshly shaved bonito flakes. For the finale, specially made thin soba noodles are served with bonito broth.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kirishima
- Opening Date | January 29, 2021 (Friday)
- Location | 2583-21 Kirishimayama, Kirishima-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Number of Rooms | 49
- Rates | From ¥20,000 per night (per person, for double occupancy, including service charge, excluding tax, with dinner and breakfast)
