霧島温泉

Many hot springs in Kagoshima are wonderful, and this one is no exception. Just as the exterior suggests, the interior has a nostalgic Showa-era feel. That said, it doesn’t feel run-down or dirty at all — rather, it gives the impression of a place that has been carefully maintained and lovingly used by the local community for many years. The quality of the hot spring itself is excellent. Moving between the hot bath and the cold bath felt incredibly refreshing and satisfying. At the end, I bought a drink from the refrigerator next to the shoe lockers. It was perfectly chilled and tasted great — a small but very pleasant finishing touch.

Wow what a find! Incredibly retro single-room onsen just like something from a television drama (think the place Dr X goes to but smaller). Superb value (460 yen) with a little extra if you need towels, shampoo, soap, etc. Really friendly lady on the counter (buy your ticket(s) at the machine outside and then hand them to her when you go in). Places like this should be protected at all costs!

Classic oldtimey public bathhouse. 420¥ entry. 30¥ and 40¥ for shampoo and soap. 2 pools of fairly hot water (I'd guess 43-44°C), sauna (~95°C) and a cold water pool. Milk is 140¥. Places like this should be protected by law. It's cultural heritage!

Nice local public bath/onsen. Not for the first timer though. Cheap but totally no amenities. (No towel, no body soap, shampoo, even hair dryer have to slot coin). Skin felt smooth after soaking for some time. Recommended.

Old school charm of a Onsen. Public bath like this is a gem in any Japanese neighbour. Friendly 老婦人 hemming the counter. And most likely you will have old grandpas next you to whilst you enjoy the very hot Onsen pool. Please bring your own towel and you can buy small shampoo from counter at 40円。after you are done, try sitting down at the small changing room (benches available) and you might realised time ebbs away slower than usual...