SHIROYAMA HOTEL kagoshima

Marvellous view of the city, sea, vulcan from the room. Fantastic breakfast in food quantity and quality, we ate outside on the patio of the breakfast restaurant. A lot of warm dishes, a lot of choice and also finest French patisserie. Fantastic onsen in the hotel. Fantastic nature and forest around the hotel. Very quiet at night. We used the bus coach to reach the city from the hotel, we also walked during the day through the pedestrian walk in the marvellous forest. To reach the entrance of the walk from the hotel, just follow the indication "Promenade" from the hotel: it is super easy: get out of the main entrance of the hotel, walk to the left, walk 100mt up to the kiosks selling tourist stuff, here follow indication "Promenade", it is other 70mt , and then take the path going down, it is not a road, it is very easy and very wide trail.

Japanese hospitality is usually at a different level but this hotel really brings it to another level. We were around 30 mins earlier for the check in time. All the staffs were standing by for the check-in time to start. In the usual rigid manner for hotels, they would likely just stick to their check in time. But the hotel actually changed their check in time to accommodate us (and some other guests who arrived already), so we checked in early! The onsen is also one of the best around becoz of the perfect view. The outdoor onsen faces the Sakurajima and imagine bathing in the hot bath while waiting for the sun to rise 😌 Typical Japanese hospitality meant they have a sign to tell you when the sun is rising the next morning right in front of the entrance. Didn't try the breakfast but heard that the breakfast spread was one of the best around. With ice cream btw. Due to some changes, the itinerary we booked was quite messy. Two bookings for two nights and with different room types. They weren't able to combine the bookings given the limited room available and we had to check out and check in again after one night. It was technically my own doing, but the hotel took it upon themselves to upgrade the rooms for the second night to rooms with a view of the mountain for the inconvenience caused. They even ensured that the luggages in each room moved into the respective room (not forgetting a pair of socks that might haven tested been forgotten). Lastly, one of us left some items behind. So we reached out to see if the items were found and if the hotel could send it to the next location. The response was very prompt and the items were quickly sent for courier and reached in time. The staff even called the other hotel to confirm and arrange the logistic. Amazing. What a service. No wonder the great rating!

The breakfast buffet was superb with too many wonderful choices. The outdoor onsen with the full view of Sakurajima (the breakfast hall also has the same view) cannot be beat. With the large hotel, there were many shopping choices (Family Mart convenience store, bakery, half a dozen restaurants, and gift shop) onsite.

This was probably the nicest hotel we've ever stayed in. The restaurants were SO good- we had some of the best sushi we've had in Japan, just downstairs from our room! The onsen was huge and beautiful and clean, well lit, and featured a stunning view of Sakurajima! The museum/ shops had such unique and special souvenirs. I was so impressed by the whole experience, I just wished we stayed more nights and at least one sunny day

The hotel is embraced by beautiful and tranquil environment. All staff provided excellent services; friendly, patient and helpful. The breakfast is excellent and value for money. The frequency of the shuttle bus is adequate. The open onsen is comfortable with beautiful view.