Ryokukeitouen

What it is

• A collection of eight open-air baths located along a mountain stream in Kirishima.
• The hot spring was reportedly discovered by Ando Chube Kunihiro in 1744.
• The site was historically owned by the lords of the Shimazu clan.
• It is a part of the Kirishima Onsen Village situated at 810 meters elevation.

What to see

• Open-air pools containing simple acidic hot spring water.
• The mountain stream setting used as a filming location for the drama Ryomaden.
• Historical bathing sites visited by Sakamoto Ryoma and his wife in 1866.

When to go

• The facility is closed to visitors during the winter season.

Getting there

• The site is a five-minute walk from the Iwasaki Hotel bus stop.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.