
10 Best Ryokans in Kurokawa Onsen
For those planning an onsen (hot spring) getaway, look no further than Kurokawa Onsen. Located at the foot of the scenic Kuju Mountains in Kyushu (Japan’s third largest island), Kurokawa Onsen offers traditional charm and breathtaking vistas. Travelers come here to immerse themselves in Japan’s rich history, unwind in the plentiful outdoor hot spring baths, and sample the incredible local cuisine — a true haven for those seeking peace and rejuvenation.
1. Kurokawa Onsen Yukyo no Hibiki Yusai



Located in the historic onsen district of Minamioguni in Kumamoto, this ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) is an idyllic, tranquil getaway. Kurokawa Onsen Yukyo no Hibiki Yusai offers large Japanese-style rooms with tatami mat flooring, picturesque views, and indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner buffets featuring fresh, local cuisine. Additional amenities include a karaoke room, a bar lounge, and a top-floor observatory for moonlit stargazing.
2. Kurokawa Onsen Senomoto Kogen Hotel


With its modern rooms and scenic mountain backdrop, Kurokawa Onsen Senomoto Kogen Hotel is perfect for travelers seeking a contemporary onsen experience. Guests can unwind in the indoor or outdoor baths, peruse the on-site gift shop, enjoy the surrounding landscape on the year-round nature trail, or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool. Meal plans include mouth-watering breakfast and dinner buffets with over fifty menu items showcasing local flavors. For those who enjoy a drink, they also serve locally brewed beer, shochu (Japanese distilled liquor), and more.
3. Kurokawa Onsen Shinmeikan


Kurokawa Onsen Shinmeikan embodies the essence of the traditional Japanese ryokan experience, with a 120-year history and atmospheric old-world charm. Guests will feel transported back in time while staying in the classic Japanese-style tatami mat rooms or dining on seasonal local cuisine, such as wagyu beef or freshwater fish prepared over an irori (traditional charcoal hearth). But in addition to its first-rate indoor and open-air baths, this ryokan's unique appeal lies in its special cave bath — a serene escape for total relaxation.
4. Kurokawa Onsen Yamabiko Ryokan


Kurokawa Onsen Yamabiko Ryokan is the ideal retreat for every sort of traveler; whether you're a family, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or just flying solo, they have you covered. The facilities are modern but preserve the classic Japanese feel, and they offer thoughtful amenities such as loanable toys for children. This ryokan was recognized by the Miki House Child & Family Research and Marketing Institute as the first “Welcome Baby Certified Inn” in Kyushu, making it the ideal choice for travelers with young children. Check out the early bird discount to get a great price on their fabulous kaiseki course cuisine!
5. Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Wakaba


Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Wakaba blends classic elegance with modern convenience, offering guests a comfortable and luxurious stay. The rooms are spacious and furnished in a blend of Japanese and western styles, including cozy tatami sitting areas and plush mattress beds. But where this ryokan excels is its numerous bathing options, with indoor and outdoor baths featuring hot spring water said to promote healthy skin or relieve aches and pains.
6. Kurokawa Onsen Yumerindo


With a wide variety of stay plans, Kurokawa Onsen Yumerindo offers ryokan luxury at an exceptional price. The attractive rooms are a unique hybrid of traditional Japanese and modern western styles, with plenty of space and kitchenettes for added comfort. Guests can pick a plan with a meal included to try the top-tier kaiseki cuisine or choose to explore the local flavors of nearby Minamioguni. For those who prefer to relax on site, the exceptional indoor and outdoor baths and cozy rest areas ensure a truly memorable stay.
7. Oda Onsen Ryokan Hanagokoro


Oda Onsen Ryokan Hanagokoro is a unique stay that blends a rustic glamping vibe with ryokan hospitality and is great for families, couples, and groups hoping to spend time away from the bustle of city life. Showcasing individual, beautifully designed, and upscale cabins with ensuite hot spring baths, Oda Onsen Ryokan Hanagokoro prioritizes customer comfort and privacy, making it ideal for travelers hoping to immerse themselves in nature in an ultra-relaxing atmosphere. Nonetheless, the customer service here is top-notch, offering fresh seasonal cuisine (including kaiseki meals) and ensuring everyone feels welcome!
8. Oda Onsen Hanareyado Yamasaki



Featuring eight detached guest houses furnished in Japanese style, Oda Onsen Hanareyado Yamasaki provides guests with a supremely intimate experience. With added features such as kotatsu (Japanese low tables), enclosed terraces, adjoining baths, and a stunning mountainous backdrop, this ryokan spares no detail in ensuring guests' comfort. The dining options, meticulously prepared from seasonal ingredients, include traditional kaiseki fare, wagyu beef seared on volcanic rock, and shabu-shabu hotpot. With its gorgeous natural surroundings and outdoor baths, this ryokan is perfect for the nature lover looking for a bit of luxury.
9. Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu


With its wooden architecture, lush gardens, and design that focuses on connecting with the surrounding natural environment, Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu offers guests a chance to escape fully. This ryokan features rooms with plush beds, terraces, and connecting baths; some rooms also feature traditional Japanese hearths for added comfort and ambience. The property has indoor baths, but its outdoor baths are truly a spectacular sight, enclosed by groves of trees with landscaping for added privacy. To top it off, both breakfast and dinner feature a delectable array of local ingredients and flavors.
10. Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Misato


Located just minutes from the Tanoharu River, Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Misato offers the quintessential hot spring experience. Guests can choose the perfect room and meal plan to suit their needs, including elegant Japanese rooms with rental yukata robes or western-style with a Japanese twist. Meals feature seasonal local delicacies, such as the savory Akaushi Donburi (beef-topped rice bowl) or a sumptuous Japanese breakfast. While the ryokan encourages travelers to roam the nearby historic hot spring town, guests will want to take a dip in the exceptional color-changing sulfur baths unique to this hotel.
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