Kagomma Hot Spring — Local services in Kagoshima

Showa era vibes onsen with friendly regulars. I was looking for a tattoo-friendly onsen to rest my very tired body and found this one. They have shampoo, conditioner, soap (you can look around, or one of the ladies inside might see your lost expression and point it out to you), a saltwater hot bath (!! first time I've seen this), hair dryers, sauna (I didn't have time to try this), and some other wellness equipment. They sell milk near the register and you can rent a towel for a small fee. Great experience, especially if...

About as local as it gets. No frills. Straight off the street into the men/women changing rooms via an older lady watching TV while taking your money. Faded picture of Mount Fuji on the tiled wall, the chatter of the ladies bath next door coming over the sound of splashing water and the bubbling jacuzzi.

The central jacuzzi bath is a really perfect temperature. The plunge pool is nice. There’s a sauna but I didn’t try it.

I give it this rating because I love this kind of onsen, more so than touristy places. For ¥390 you...

This is the perfect onsen experience in Kagoshima. The attendant is very friendly and speaks some English. I have a tattoo on my inside arm and I showed him and he smiled, no problem. They have 4 different baths. Cool, warm, salt and the main hot bath that bubbles up from deep underground. Also a spacious sauna. They have soap for the shower. Bring a bath towel and a hand towel (from your hotel). Only bring the hand towel in the onsen itself but don’t...