9 Hot Springs in Kumamoto: Must-Visit Onsen and Nearby Spots
An introduction to the crème de la crème of Kumamoto's hot springs, along with some fantastic nearby spots perfect for day trips.
Let me share a secret: I’m so in love with hot springs, I even relocated to Minamioguni Town, home of Kurokawa Onsen, after working for a travel magazine. I visit onsens at least 100 times a year! Here, I’ll introduce you to the crème de la crème of Kumamoto’s hot springs, along with some fantastic nearby spots perfect for day trips.
1. Houreinoyu
Houreinoyu offers an exceptional combination of superb water quality and scenic views. It features 17 private baths, ensuring short wait times. The baths are refreshed for each use, offering a pristine experience. The unique system where you insert a coin to fill the bath in about 5 minutes adds to the fun.
Additionally, you can enjoy ‘jigoku-mushi’ or hell-steamed cooking onsite, using the steam from the hot springs to cook your food, available for purchase nearby. Cooking with onsen steam makes everything tastier!
Houreinoyu (豊礼の湯)
Address: 2917 Nishizato, Oguni-machi, Aso City (阿蘇市小国町西里2917) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0967-46-5525
Bathing Fee: ¥500 for public bath (8am-5pm), ¥800 – ¥1,500 for private bath (24 hours)
Website: http://houreinoyuyado.com/
■Nearby Recommended Spots:
Yukemuri Chaya
A mere 3-minute drive from Houreinoyu. While they serve various set meals, the highlight is the ‘Kago-mushi’, where more than ten types of local vegetables are steamed with onsen steam, enhancing their natural sweetness. The unagi cooked in onsen steam also piques interest, though I haven’t had the chance to try it yet.
Address: 2816 Nishizato, Oguni, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡小国町西里岳の湯 2816) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0967-46-5750
Aruk Cafe
This stylish café along Route 212 opens surprisingly early at 5 am. It’s a wonderful spot to enjoy some peaceful time by the river.
Address: 1492 Miyahara, Oguni-machi, Aso District
Phone: 0967-46-2961
Website: http://www.tennenshoku.com/?transactionid=b1529cc396685e90bc7104a0ba2d12144947d9a9
2. Kurokawa Onsen
Choosing just one place in Kurokawa Onsen was a tough call. This onsen village boasts 30 different hotels and ryokan that all have hot springs, and for just 1,500 yen, you can also purchase an ‘Nyuyoku Tegata’ (the wooden bathing pass pictured above) allowing you to soak in the hot springs of three different ryokans. With eight types of spring qualities, seven of which are present in Kurokawa, you can enjoy a diverse hot spring experience.
Types of Hot Springs and Their Associated Ryokans in Kurokawa:
- Weakly Acidic Hot Springs: OkunoYu, Noshi Yu, Yamamizuki, Ikoi Ryokan, Hozantei, Nishimura, Wakaba, Sanga (Indoor Bath)
- Weakly Alkaline Hot Springs: Konoyu, Senomoto Kogen Hotel, Fumoto Ryokan
- Sulphur Hot Springs: Misato, Ichinoi, Kiyashiki, Waraku
- Bicarbonate Hot Springs: Kurokawaso, Yamabiko Ryokan, Sanga (Outdoor Bath), Shinmeikan, Yama no Yu
- Sulphate Hot Springs: Yumerindo, Yusai, Kurokawaso, Sanga (Outdoor Bath), Yamabiko Ryokan, Shinmeikan, Yama no Yu
- Ferrous Hot Springs: Okyakuya, Yumotoso
- Acidic Hot Springs: Okyakuya
Each onsen has its unique charm. In the central part of the town, the onsens are intimate and thoughtfully designed, while further from the center, you can find more expansive, open-air baths.
Some options include the Open-Air baths at Yamamizuki. Alongside the river, you’ll find a vast open-air bath. There is also an open-air bath at Noshiyu, which despite its central location in the Kurokawa Onsen area, gives a feeling of seclusion and immersion in nature.
The bathing pass not only offers access to various onsens but also provides benefits at about 30 local eateries and souvenir shops. It’s definitely worth purchasing if you’re visiting Kurokawa Onsen.
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Association Information Center
Address: Kurokawa Sakura-dori, Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡南小国町黒川さくら通り)
Phone: 0967-44-0076
Website: https://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/eng_new/
■Recommended Spots Near Kurokawa Onsen:
Fuudo (風°)
Recently opened in the heart of Kurokawa Onsen, Fuudo (風°) is popular for its Akaushi beef burgers.
Fuudo (風°)
Address: 6695 Manganji Kurokawa, Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡南小国町大字満願寺黒川6695)
Phone: 0967-44-0210
Yamatake Natural Mountain Yam
Known for its natural Japanese yam dishes, I personally love their grilled chicken set meal (‘Tori Sumibiyaki Zen’) (1,600 yen). The chicken is tender, and the vegetables have a natural sweetness!
Address: 6994 Manganji, Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡南小国町満願寺６９９４)
Phone Number: 0967-44-0930
http://www.yamatakeweb.com/
Yoshihara Gonbe Village
Offers a unique experience of making onigiri with completely pesticide-free rice cooked in a kamado stove. I had it and I was surpised how delicious a simple serving of rice and Japanese tsukemono pickles could be! (Experience and meal per person: ¥1,500).
Address: 5113 Manganji, Minamioguni Town, Aso Distict, Kumamoto Prefecture
Phone Number: 0967−44−0275
Website: http://www.gonbemura.com/
3. Otsuki-en
While Otsuki-en may not have an abundance of photos online, don’t let appearances deceive you. This seemingly ordinary bathhouse conceals a remarkable hot spring experience. The spring water here is so thick and velvety that it might just change your whole perspective on hot springs. In fact, I’m so confident in its impressiveness that I’d personally pay for your bath if you’re not moved by the experience (just kidding, but that’s how highly I recommend it!).
Otsukien Ryokan (旅館 大月苑)
Address: 173 Yonezuka, Ueki-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市北区植木町米塚173) [Google Maps]
Phone Number: 096-274-6339
Bath Admission: 400 yen for adults
Website: http://www.mjnet.ne.jp/otsukien/
■Nearby Recommended Spots:
Tebaya Ueki
Tebaya Ueki is a fantastic chicken wing place along National Route 3, just around the corner from the Shopping Plaza WECKY. I actually lived in Ueki for about a year and frequented this place for their wings – they’re incredibly delicious. Each wing is seasoned with a secret marinade, then fried at a high temperature to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior. They’re finished with a sprinkle of a six-blend salt mix. If you’re thinking about takeout, they start serving from five pieces, priced at just 120 yen per piece. A real treat for chicken wing lovers.
Chicken Wing Specialty Restaurant “Tebaya” Ueki Location (手羽先専門店 手羽家 植木店)
Address: 628-1 Ueki-machi Maiowari, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市北区植木町舞尾６２８−１) [Google Maps]
Phone Number: 096-272-5511
Website: http://www.tebaya.info/
Kachofugetsu
My memory might be a bit dated, but I recall enjoying a Kyoto-style lunch here for around 1,500 yen. I’ll be sure to visit again for some up-to-date photos. More information here in a Japanese-language blog about the place! Reservations the day before are likely required. ↳http://harulunch.otemo-yan.net/e188472.html
Kaisekisaryo Kachofugetsu (懐石茶寮 花鳥風月)
Address: 2086-2 Ueki-machi Tarumizu, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市北区植木町滴水２０８６−２) [Google Maps]
Phone Number: 096-273-5557
4. Okuaso no Yado Yamanami
The pH level of the water here is an astonishing 9.2, nearly the same as soap water, which is around pH 9.5. As a result it makes your skin feel incredibly silky and smooth as soon as you step in. Even the litmus paper changes color slightly!
Okuaso no Yado Yamanami (奥阿蘇の宿やまなみ)
Address: 254-3, Tajiri, Ubuyama-mura, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡産山村田尻254-3) [Google Maps]
Phone Number: 0967-25-2414
Public Bath: 500 yen for adults (10:30 – 21:00)
Private Bath: 2,000 yen per hour (10:30 – 21:00)
Website: http://www.aso-yamanami.com/
■Nearby Recommended Spots:
Ikeyama Spring
Ikeyama Spring is an enchanting natural retreat nearby. With an impressive output of 30 tons of water per minute, this large, crystal-clear pond is surrounded by lush vegetation, thriving year-round due to the constant 13.5-degree temperature of the spring water. A tranquil haven for nature lovers, the springs offer stunning reflections and a serene atmosphere amidst the greenery.
In the evenings of late June, it becomes a magical place with lots of fireflies lighting up the night.
Ikeyama Spring (池山水源)
Address: 14-1 Tajiri, Ubuyama Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡 産山村田尻１４−１) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0967-25-2211 (Ubuyama Village Office Planning and Promotion Division)
Website: http://www.ubuyama-v.jp/tourism/scenic_spot/water_source/
Ubuyama Farm
Ubuyama Farm
A vast green pasture where kids can enjoy interacting with animals and playing on outdoor equipment, with no entry fee required! There are tractor rides for just 300 yen, making it a perfect family day out. You can also try milking cows, pony riding, and rent bicycles.
Ubuyama Farm (うぶやま牧場)
Address: 2100-3 Yamaga, Ubuyama Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡産山村山鹿 2100-3) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0967-25-2900
Website: http://ubuyamafarm.com/
Hinatabokko
Hinatabokko is the only horse riding facility in Ubuyama Village, offering rides amidst picturesque rural landscapes and vast grasslands. Even beginners can quickly learn to ride thanks to the experienced guidance of the knowledgeable couple who run the facility. For those staying overnight within Ubuyama Village, there’s a unique service available – you can be picked up by horse from your accommodation!
Hinatabokko (うぶやま 馬遊び・陽なたぼっこ)
Address: 346-2 Tajiri, Ubuyama Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡産山村田尻346-2) [Google Maps]
Phone: 090-6965-6373
Business Hours: [Please inquire for details]
Days Closed: Irregular
Parking: Available
Fees: Varies by season, please inquire for details.
Website: https://ubu-lab.com/play/%E3%81%86%E3%81%B6%E3%82%84%E3%81%BE%E3%80%80%E9%A6%AC%E9%81%8A%E3%81%B3%E3%83%BB%E9%99%BD%E3%81%AA%E3%81%9F%E3%81%BC%E3%81%A3%E3%81%93/
5. Ichiboku Isso
Nestled in the serene Hirayama Onsen area, Ichiboku Isso offers a unique bathing experience with its silky, lotion-like waters. Among its various features, the highlight is the cave bath, where you can enjoy the tranquility and soothing warmth of the hot spring in a serene, natural setting.
Ichiboku Isso (山懐の宿 一木一草)
Address: 4995-1 Hirayama, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県山鹿市大字平山陣ノ内4995-1) [Google Maps]
Phone Number: 0968-43-1013
Bathing Fee: Adults 500 yen
Bathing Hours: 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Note: Until 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays)
Website: http://www.ichiboku.com/
■Recommended Spots Near Ichiboku Isso:
Kurikawa Shoten – Traditional Uchiwa Fans
Experience the art of traditional Japanese fans, known as ‘shibu-uchiwa’. These handcrafted fans made by artisans make for a perfect souvenir or gift. Available in various designs, including black and patterned options, they complement not only summer kimono, but also casual outfits.
Kurikawa Shoten Traditional Uchiwa Fans (来民うちわ 栗川商店)
Address: 1648-1 Kutami, Kamotomachi, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県山鹿市鹿本町来民1648−1) [Google Maps]
Phone Number: 0968-46-2051
Sabo Sakura Sakura
Located on the second floor of a long-established miso and soy sauce shop (founded in 1913!), Café Sakura Sakura offers a unique miso soup café experience. With a wide variety of miso to choose from and even taste test, you can also purchase your favourite miso on the first floor. The second floor also sells antiques, pottery, and old tools, making the atmosphere intriguingly vintage. The cafe is especially recommended for its 15 different types of miso soup and rice ball set menu.
Sabo Sakura Sakura (茶房さくらさくら)
Address: 1586 Kuraishi, Kamoto-cho, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県山鹿市鹿本町来民１５８６) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0968-46-2123
6. Takara-yu
This is a truly historic onsen in the Hitoyoshi area of southern Kumamoto, old yet beautifully maintained!
Hitoyoshi Onsen Takara-yu (人吉温泉 たから湯)
Address: 2482 Onsen-machi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県人吉市温泉町２４８２) [Google Maps]
Phone Number: 0966-23-4951
Bathing Fee: 500 yen for adults
[Takarayu was affected by the 2020 Kyushu floods and is currently closed.]
Nearby Spots:
Shoryuken
Hitoyoshi is surprisingly home to many gyoza (dumpling) restaurants, and among them, Shoryuken stands out as a personal favorite. The menu is simple and straightforward, offering just gyoza, beer, and shochu. The crispy and juicy gyoza pairs perfectly with beer, making it hard to stop at just one! When in Hitoyoshi, don’t forget to try the eel as well!
Shoryuken (松龍軒)
Address: 12-15 Horai-machi, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県人吉市宝来町１２−１５) [Google Maps]
Phone Number: 0966-22-4024
7. Sozankyo
The Aso Uchimaki Onsen area is home to many wonderful hot springs. Including public baths, there are about 19 hot springs available for a dip in the onsen during the day even if you are not staying overnight. A highly recommended spot is Sozankyo. Despite the earthquake damage which once broke the hot spring pipes, they have been re-drilled, bringing back the same high-quality waters.
Sozankyo boasts an elegant and slightly intimidating façade, but it is open for anyone to come and use during the day. The added convenience of towels being provided in the large bath is a nice touch. Although not directly related to the hot springs, the rooftop bar on the premises offers a stylish spot to enjoy drinks in Aso.
Aso Uchinomaki Onsen, Sozankyo (阿蘇内牧温泉 蘇山郷)
Address: 145-1 Uchinomaki, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇市内牧１４５−１) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0967-32-0515
Website: http://www.sozankyo.jp/
■Recommended spots in the Uchinomaki Onsen Area:
Aso-Viva Uchinomaki Family Park
A popular destination for families with large play equipment.
Aso-Viva Uchinomaki Family Park (阿蘇内牧ファミリーパーク あそ・ビバ)
Address: 261-1 Uchinomaki, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Phone: 0967-32-5011
Aso Sogo Shokuhin
A hidden gem frequented by locals. The Takana meshi (pickled mustard greens rice) for 432 yen is a must-try. Takeout bento boxes are available, and if you dine in, miso soup is served for free.
Aso Sogo Shokuhin (阿蘇綜合食品)
Address: 1197-6 Uchimaki, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇市内牧１１９７−６) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0967-32-0268
8. Green Pia Minamiaso
Green Pia Minamiaso offers an open-air bath with a breathtaking view of the Aso mountains right before your eyes. The experience becomes even more refreshing after 3 PM when the sauna becomes available.
Hotel Green Pia Minamiaso (ホテルグリーンピア南阿蘇)
Address: 4411-9 Hisaishi, Minamiaso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇郡南阿蘇村久石4411-9) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0967-67-2131
Admission: Adults 600 yen (Open from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM)
Greenpia Minami Aso Website
■Recommended spots near Green Pia Minamiaso:
Ironakikaze
A charming establishment where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Aso along with seasonal local vegetables. The visually stunning dishes are not only delicious but also perfect for Instagram.
Ironakikaze (イロナキカゼ)
Address: 3716-1 Kain, Minamiaso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
Phone: 0967-67-3633
9. Koyama Resort
Koyama Resort in Matsubase Town is a Bali-inspired hot spring haven. Here, you can indulge in the velvety waters amidst an extraordinary atmosphere. The Bali resort-style communal bath is wonderful, but it’s the luxurious private baths that really stand out.
Kohyama Resort (隠れ家温泉 古保山リゾート)
Address: 97-4字虎御前, Matsubase Town, Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県宇城市松橋町古保山字虎御前97−4) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0964-25-2206
Operating Hours
Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Sundays and Holidays: 10 AM to Midnight
Admission
Public Bath: Adults 500 yen
Private Bath: From 2000 yen
Special Rooms: From 3500 yen
Kohyama Resort Website: http://www.kohyamaresort.com/
Hope you found this guide helpful! There’s so much more I’d like to share about each hot spring, so I’m looking forward to going into more detail next time. Ending your visit to Kumamoto with a relaxing hot spring dip is highly recommended. And, realizing I’m not too familiar with onsens in the Amakusa area, which I didn’t cover here, I think it’s time for a trip there! See you next time!
The above was translated and adapted from an article on our Japanese sister website ALT Kumamoto, titled ”【熊本の温泉９選】納得の、熊本で行くべき温泉&周辺の素敵スポットのご紹介！” written by our contributor Morinaga. For the original content, visit https://akumamoto.jp/archives/47611.
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