YUMOTOAN KIYOHIME
Room Types
2
Established
2018
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
About
Yumotoan Kiyohime is a designer ryokan that opened in December 2018 as the modern annex of the century-old Kiyohime Onsen in Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture. With just 9 rooms — each featuring a private open-air bath fed by 100% natural "Bijin no Yu" (beauty bath) spring water — the property blends contemporary Japanese design with the healing tradition of Kirishima's volcanic hot springs. Set along the gentle Amori River, guests enjoy farm-to-table cuisine crafted from the property's own garden vegetables, alongside the skin-smoothing bicarbonate waters that Kiyohime Onsen has been celebrated for over a century.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience YUMOTOAN KIYOHIME?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
Duplex House Room with Private Open-Air Bath
Spacious two-story cottage-style room with living area on one floor and bedroom on another, featuring a private open-air bath with natural beauty spring water and elevated forest views.
- Private open-air onsen bath
- Two-story duplex layout
- Living area and separate bedroom
- Terrace with river and forest views
- Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
- Yukata robes and premium bath amenities
Single-Floor Room with Private Open-Air Bath
Contemporary Japanese single-floor room featuring modern design, a private open-air bath with Bijin no Yu water, and views of the Amori River and surrounding greenery.
- Private open-air onsen bath
- Modern Japanese interior design
- Terrace overlooking the Amori River
- Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
- Bathroom with separate toilet
- Yukata robes and premium bath amenities
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Sodium bicarbonate spring (Bijin no Yu / beauty bath — removes dead skin cells, leaves skin smooth)
Private Baths
- In-room private open-air bath (all 9 rooms)
Duration: In-room baths available 24 hours
Indoor Baths
- Large public indoor bath with Bijin no Yu water
Outdoor Baths
- Private open-air bath in each of the 9 rooms
- Rinse your body at the shower station before entering the public bath
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- Keep voices low in the public bathing area
- Private room baths may be enjoyed freely at any time
- Stay hydrated — drink water before and after bathing
Dining
On-site restaurant featuring garden-to-table seasonal cuisine
Bar area for evening drinks
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom across Kirishima's highlands
- Mild temperatures ideal for hiking and bathing
- Spring vegetables from the garden at peak freshness
- Golden Week is popular — book ahead
- Occasional spring rain in the highland area
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Lush green volcanic landscapes at their most vibrant
- Kirishima's highland elevation offers cooler temperatures than the coast
- Summer garden vegetables at their best
- Humid — open-air baths most enjoyable morning and evening
- Rainy season (tsuyu) in June-July brings frequent rain
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Spectacular fall foliage across Kirishima's volcanic peaks
- Comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration
- Autumn kaiseki features rich seasonal mushrooms and root vegetables
- Peak foliage weekends fill quickly — book in advance
- Typhoons possible through October
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Hot beauty baths contrast wonderfully with crisp highland winter air
- Clear winter skies with occasional views of Sakurajima volcano
- Quiet, serene atmosphere with fewer visitors
- Hearty winter cuisine featuring kurobuta pork hotpot
- Highland temperatures can be cold — pack warm layers for outdoor walks
- Some hiking trails may be less accessible
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- The bicarbonate spring water gently removes dead skin cells, leaving skin remarkably smooth — the "beauty bath" reputation is well earned
- With only 9 rooms along the Amori River, the property feels like a private retreat
The duplex house rooms offer a two-story living experience rarely found in ryokans
The property's own vegetable garden means ingredients travel mere meters from earth to plate
Must-Try Experiences
- Private open-air bath soak in the legendary Bijin no Yu beauty waters — notice how smooth your skin feels
- Dinner featuring vegetables freshly harvested from the property's garden paired with local Kagoshima specialties
Visit to Kirishima Jingu Shrine, set in ancient forest with panoramic highland views
Experience Tips
- Bathe both in your private room bath and the public bath for the full Kiyohime experience
- Notice the skin-smoothing effect after your first soak — the beauty bath reputation is real
Visit Kirishima Jingu Shrine in the early morning for a mystical, uncrowded experience
Ask about local Kirishima shochu distillery visits
Take a walk along the Amori River at dusk for peaceful riverside scenery
Cultural Notes
- Kirishima is the legendary site where Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of sun goddess Amaterasu, descended to earth
- Kiyohime Onsen has been called an "onsen for beautiful skin and a bringer of good fortune" for over a century
Kagoshima is the birthplace of Japan's shochu distilling tradition — local varieties are a must-try
The Amori River valley setting reflects the Japanese aesthetic of blending architecture with nature
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights
Getting There
- Kagoshima Airport — 15 minutes by car or taxi
- Airport bus to Himeshiro A Cope Mae bus stop (15 minutes), then 3 minutes on foot
- JR Kirishima Jingu Station — taxi approximately 15 minutes
- Car access via Kyushu Expressway
- Rental car available at Kagoshima Airport
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Booking Tips
- Only 9 rooms — book well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays
- Request the duplex house type for the most unique experience
- Excellent as a first or last night stay when flying into/out of Kagoshima Airport
- Mention any dietary requirements or celebrations when booking
- Autumn foliage season and New Year are peak periods
Preparation Tips
- Pack lightly — yukata and bath amenities are provided
- Kagoshima Airport is the most convenient arrival point
- Limited English — bring a translation app
- Check Kirishima volcanic activity updates before visiting (rare but worth checking)
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
Kirishima Jingu Station (JR Nippo Main Line) or Kagoshima Airport
History
Kiyohime Onsen has been cherished for over 100 years as an "onsen for beautiful skin and a bringer of good fortune" in the Kirishima volcanic highlands of southern Kagoshima. Kirishima itself is steeped in Japanese mythology — it is said to be the place where the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu descended from heaven, and the area is home to Kirishima Jingu Shrine, one of Japan's most sacred sites. Yumotoan Kiyohime opened in 2018 as a bold new chapter for the historic onsen, bringing designer aesthetics and private luxury to a spring whose waters have been treasured for generations.
Related Articles
Similar Ryokans
You might also enjoy these traditional Japanese inns
