Kagoshima Satsuma Town
100% free-flowing natural hot spring water, even in the showers. An inn at Shibi Onsen, known as the "bath of the gods"
"Shibi Yunoyado Kusunoki" is a hot spring inn tucked away in the Shibi Onsen Village in Satsuma Town, Kagoshima Prefecture. Because it draws its source water from the grounds of Shibi Shrine, guests can enjoy a renowned spring known as the "bath of the gods" as 100% free-flowing natural hot spring water, with no added water or reheating at all. The luxury extends even to the showers, which also use the source water. Its mildly sulfurous, silky, slightly viscous alkaline simple sulfur spring feels like lotion and leaves the skin smooth. The large public bath also features a far-infrared sauna and a cold plunge bath, allowing guests to enjoy a deeply restorative stay warmed from within by the hot spring and sauna. There are also rooms with private open-air baths, as well as detached private lodgings for an even more secluded soak.
A large public bath fed by the "bath of the gods" that springs on the eastern foothills of Mt. Shibi, within the grounds of Shibi Shrine. Because the water is brought from a private source 300 m away through underground pipes, guests can enjoy the exceptionally fresh water just as it emerges, before it has been exposed to the air. This is ultimate luxury: 100% free-flowing natural hot spring water with no reheating or added water, and source water comes not only from the tubs but also from the showers. With a silky, lotion-like texture, the water leaves the skin smooth and soft.
A private semi-open-air bath in the first-floor Western-style rooms such as KAJIKA and HOTARU. A blissful space where you can enjoy the famous spring all to yourself whenever you like, without worrying about anyone else. Soak your body in the quality water and slowly feel the seasonal breezes and sounds of nature in a private setting.
An open-air bath made of hinoki cypress, provided in the HOKUSATSU no HIKARI room. The refreshing aroma of hinoki blends beautifully with the faint scent of sulfur, creating a deep sense of relaxation. This special setup lets you savor bathing time to your heart's content with someone important, in complete privacy.
A spacious 160 x 140 private hinoki bath, fully equipped in the detached lodging known as the separate villa, distinct from the regular guest rooms. Because the entire building is reserved, it is ideal for family or group stays. In complete quiet, cut off from the surrounding bustle, you can soak in the spacious tub and enjoy the highest level of relaxation, as if you were at a vacation home.
A far-infrared sauna adjoining the large public bath. It warms the body deeply from within, helping to improve chilliness and offering potential detox benefits. If you use it after thoroughly warming yourself in the famous "bath of the gods," the sweating experience becomes even smoother and more refreshing. In the quiet atmosphere, you can spend a relaxing time facing yourself.
A compact cold plunge bath located right next to the sauna. It quickly rinses away the sweat from the sauna and rapidly cools and tightens your heated body. After cooling down in the cold bath, relax at the outdoor air bath or in the open-air bath, and take in the fresh air of nature with a deeply satisfying totonou experience.
[Day-use bathing] 12:00-21:00 (Closed on Wednesdays. May be unavailable during crowds or consecutive holidays. Only guests aged 13 and older may use it.)
Kagoshima
The "Ikigahou no Yu" that rises from 1,600 m underground. Amami's only natural hot spring resort, where you become one with magnificent nature
Kagoshima
Renovated onsen with a lingering sulfur scent and an onsite campground
Kagoshima
A natural hot spring drawn directly from the source overlooking Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay
JAPAN'S FINEST ONSEN & SAUNA
The Finest Onsen & Sauna in Japan
61 SELECTIONS
Most of what we surveyed never even made it onto this site. This book is a further cut from what did. Our editor bathed in every onsen and sauna in it, and wrote only what they confirmed on the ground.
