The second article in our selection series is “The 10 Onsens You Should Visit in Kumamoto.” Kurokawa Onsen might be the most popular and famous hot spring in this area, however, there also are a lot of excellent onsens. We’ve selected 10 places out of them.

1. Yamaga Onsen "Sakurayu"

Sakurayu was originally built as a rest stop on a route to Tokyo in the Edo period (1603 to 1868), and is the symbol of Yamaga city. The building is still of a traditional Japanese architecture with the roof style called Karahahu. The big bathtub allows you to relax deeply without being disturbed by others, and the hot spring water has an exceptional touch which can smooth your skin. If you visit Yamaga, Sakurayu is a must-go place!

INFORMATION

2. Hagenoyu Onsen "Horei no yu"

In Horei no yu, you can enjoy a bath time in the beautiful white-blue hot spring with the view of Aso mountains. There are some other white hot springs, but the blue one is quite uncommon. In winter, the mountains are covered with white snow, and the colour gets more blue. The contrast is spectacular! Also, there are natural steam kitchens outside of the bathroom, make sure to bring something to eat when you visit Horei no yu.

INFORMATION

3. Ryokan Sachigaoka

Ryokan Sachigaoka offers a hot spring with a subtle sulphur fragrance in a shiny polished white tiled bathroom. What is special in Sachigaoka is the balance of the sulphur ingredients. The fragrance is not too strong nor too weak, is with the outstanding balance. Also, note that Sachigaoka is named Ryokan, but currently does not offer hotel accommodations.

INFORMATION

4. Hitoyoshi Onsen "Hanamaki Onsen"

Hanamaki Onsen is located at the country side in Hitoyoshi city. This onsen offers a carbon dioxide spring where you can enjoy the water containing numerous fine bubbles. As the temperature of Hanamaki Onsen is moderate, bubbles do not get out of the water. The bubbles attaching to your skin provide a smooth touch and can warm your body thoroughly.

INFORMATION

5. Yumigahama Onsen "Yurakutei"

The hot spring of Yurakutei contains a rich amount of deposited minerals, therefore the bathroom floor is fully covered with brown minerals. Also, Yurakutei has a unique cave bath which was dug by the owner himself. Frequent visitors often scoop up the minerals piled up on the bottom of the tub and rub on the face. They say that makes the skin so smooth.

INFORMATION

6. Tatsugashira Onsen

Tatsugashira Onsen is located at Kikuchi city and always crowded with the locals and visitors seeking for genuine hot springs. Although the hot spring water is hot (43°C|109.4°F), the water is still carbonated and small bubbles are naturally generated. As a large amount of water always flows out, the water in the baths are completely replaced in every two hours. This sodium bicarbonate saline spring is said to be good for back pain.

INFORMATION

7. Nuruyu Onsen Kyodo Yokujyo

“Nurui (ぬるい)” means “Tepid” in Japanese. As indicated in the name, Nuruyu Onsen is actually tepid, however, it is so addictive. The hot spring water naturally rises up from the bottom of the bathtub, so it’s always clear and fresh. Especially, bathing at Nuruyu Onsen in summer is really adictive! If you visit in winter, don’t worry, there also is a bath containing hot water.

INFORMATION

8. Tsuetate Onsen Junwafu Ryokan "Izumiya"

In Izumiya, you can enjoy a steam bath using natural steam rising up from the hot spring source located directly under the ground, which is quite rare. Generally, steam bath is a room like sauna, however, Izumiya offers traditional woody box for each individual bather. You can sit on a stool and put out your head then close the doors. This style is unusual but so relaxing!

INFORMATION

9. Yu no Yataimura

Everything in Yu no Yataimura represents the personality of its energetic owner Tatsuo, and that makes this onsen quite unusual. All the buildings including the bathroom and the restaurant were built and designed by himself. Of course, the quality of the hot spring is excellent and it is drinkable, so the bath is loved by the locals. Also, Tatsuo is a singer of the Enka music (Japanese traditional folk), you can see him singing if you are lucky.

INFORMARION

10. Manganji Onsen "Kawayu" / "Ueyu"

Some people say Manganji Onsen "Kawayu" is the most embarrassing hot spring in Japan. The hot spring rises up from the bottom of the bathtub situated along with the river. As you can see, there is nothing to hide and everyone can see you bathing from the opposite side of the river. It’s really embarrassing, however, you can enjoy the ultimate openness once you get in the bath, and it will be an unforgettable experience!

INFORMARION

Others

Although I selected 10 onsens in Kumamoto, there are a lot more good onsens. Click the following button to see others.