Shiroyama is a small mountain in the center of Kagoshima city with an elevation of 108 meters. It’s a popular sightseeing spot because of the panoramic views it provides of the city and Sakurajima volcano. Shiroyama is also where some of the fiercest battles took place during the Satsuma Rebellion (1877). Local hero Saigo Takamori spent the last 5 days of his life in a cave here. Today, Shiroyama is the location of a popular hot spring resort hotel.
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A newly renovated resort spa
Hotel Shiroyama Kagoshima is perhaps best known as an extravagant wedding hall for well-heeled and socially prominent couples. However, the hot spring “Satsuma no yu” on the third floor of the hotel’s east wing can (and should) be enjoyed by all! Kagoshima is famous for hot springs, and those looking for the quintessential experience should definitely pay a visit.
In April 2012 “Satsuma no yu” reopened with a new concept for relaxation. It became a high-quality city spa resort on par with those found in the biggest cities. The hot spring is now completely modernized, with features including improved handicapped accessibility. The hot-spring puts extra effort into making sure it’s guests’ needs are met. The women’s changing room has a special make-up area. Private rooms feature aroma massages and body scrubbing.
Natural hot water from 1000 meters underground
The indoor bath has a high ceiling and looks quite big, with a stylish interior that lets you know you are in a quality hot spring. The showers are spacious and easy to use even for larger folks like yours truly! The water is rich in bicarbonates (hypotonic, weak alkaline, high-temperature water – 54.2 degrees). If you don’t get what all of that means then just trust me: it feels good on the skin and soaking in these baths is a real pleasure!
A top-class Kagoshima hot spring experience
“Satsuma no yu” is best known for its open air baths. A view like the one in the photo will totally excite hot spring maniacs. When I was there, Sakurajima volcano had just erupted and the tourists in the bath were delighted by the unique view it presented.
Of course, the view of the majestic Sakurajima and Kinkowan Bay seen from inside the hot water bath is impressive even for me, a resident of Kagoshima. At “Satsuma no yu” you can enjoy the rising sun behind the volcano in the morning and the night lights of the city in the evening. This is a top-class Kagoshima hot spring experience!
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A sauna room that’s not too hot
A new sauna room with a lower temperature was opened after the renewal in 2012. It’s different from the usual steam sauna rooms because the temperature doesn’t exceed 42-44 degrees Celsius. This makes it suitable even for people who can’t stand going in those hot sauna rooms. It’s good for stimulating metabolism and helping detoxification.
"Satsuma no yu" at Hotel Shiroyama Kagoshima
After coming out of the bath you can go to the special relaxation rooms. They have reclining chairs with TVs for your personal relaxation.
There’s also a private hot spring that you can rent for 4000 JPY for 50 minutes, or 2000 JPY for 50 minutes if you’re a guest of the hotel. Other relaxation and beautification options include a beauty salon, a spa, and various day-trip plans. Moreover, become a member of the facility and the bath entry fee is half price.
Lastly
With the best panoramic hot spring view of Kagoshima, “Satsuma no yu” is my top recommendation!
“Satsuma no yu” at Hotel Shiroyama Kagoshima Address: Kagoshima prefecture, Kagoshima city, Shinshoincho 41-1 Phone: 099-224-2211 Water quality: Bicarbonates Treatment: Wounds, burns, chronic skin diseases Day trip price: 2400 JPY (separate tax applies)
History
