Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 1578 reviews
Set along the Tanohara River in the Kurokawa hot-spring district, Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu is a traditional ryokan combining wood-and-stone architecture with riverside gardens and seasonal foliage. Accommodation is spread across a main building, a newer wing and detached rooms, with a range of 26 Japanese-style room types that pair tatami space and contemporary conveniences; guests can expect in-room seating, refrigeration and basic amenities while public areas emphasize calm, nature-facing views. This property presents itself as a ryokan with onsen Kyushu, suited to visitors seeking a residential-style hot-spring experience.
Bathing facilities are a defining feature: the ryokan operates multiple thermal installations including a cave bath, river-side open-air baths, mixed-gender outdoor pools and a roster of private (family) baths and mist/stone sauna options, plus a hot-spring pool for seasonal use. Mixed outdoor baths follow local onsen custom (no swimwear permitted) and private, reservable baths are offered for guests preferring separation from public facilities; tattoo restrictions for visible public bathing areas are noted. The property thus functions as a ryokan with private onsen Kumamoto for those who reserve the dedicated family baths.
Meals focus on seasonal Japanese ingredients and are served within the ryokan’s dining spaces or as set-course dinners, with advance notice requested for arrival and dinner service. Practical services include a reservation-only shuttle from the local bus stop, year-round heated indoor pool access alongside the onsen facilities, free public Wi‑Fi in common areas and on-site parking; guest notices also highlight occasional temporary closures or maintenance and advise booking transfers in advance. The ryokan maintains a direct reservation channel and telephone contact for arrivals and specific bath bookings.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu
Positive Reviews
Stunning natural setting and river views
Many guests praised the ryokan’s location in the woods along a river, describing the setting as beautiful, magical and very peaceful, with rooms and terraces offering lovely river or garden views.
Exceptional variety of onsens
Reviews highlight numerous high‑quality baths: multiple indoor and outdoor onsen pools, private reservable baths (often free), mixed and single‑sex options, saunas and pools — all described as superb and a major attraction.
Outstanding traditional meals and breakfasts
Numerous comments note the dinner (kaiseki) and traditional Japanese breakfasts as delicious, plentiful and among the best experienced during guests’ trips.
Attentive, friendly and professional staff
Guests repeatedly mention very welcoming, attentive and kind personnel who contribute strongly to the refined ryokan experience and smooth service.
Charming, comfortable traditional rooms
Many reviewers appreciated the authentic Japanese‑style rooms (tatami, futons), often spacious and comfortable, some with private balconies or baths — overall described as high quality and relaxing.
Negative Reviews
Shared toilets can be far from some rooms
A few guests noted that bathrooms/toilets are shared in certain annexe rooms and can be a bit distant from the accommodation, which some found inconvenient.
Early checkout limits morning time
Several reviews mentioned the 10:00am check‑out time as somewhat early, leaving less time to enjoy the facilities or morning onsen.
Noise from the river and bedding issues in some rooms
Some guests in river‑facing rooms reported that the sound of the river can be loud at night and suggested better sound insulation; a few also found the pillows too firm.
Minor room amenity shortcomings
A couple of reviewers pointed out small missing items such as an extra lounge chair on terraces or other minor comforts that would improve the stay.
Location and onsen privacy concerns for some guests
A few comments noted the ryokan is somewhat remote from the town center, and that large outdoor mixed baths during daytime (with different privacy arrangements) may not suit all female guests or those preferring full privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacities vary by room type—check the specific room description for the maximum occupancy when booking. Children aged 3 and older are accepted; cots and extra beds are not available.
The ryokan has nine different baths including mixed outdoor baths by the river, a cave bath, a steamer area, a stone sauna and an indoor hot‑spring pool. There are large mixed‑gender open‑air baths as well as other bathing types across the grounds.
No; swimsuits are not permitted in the mixed‑gender public baths. Please follow posted on‑site bathing rules.
Reservable private bathing options may be available—contact the ryokan to confirm and book them in advance. Tattooed guests are typically restricted from public baths and should use private baths where required.
Yes, the ryokan offers free pick‑up from the Kurokawa Onsen bus stop when reserved at the time of booking. Arrange pickup in advance through your reservation or by contacting the property.
Highway buses are the most convenient option: direct Nishitetsu buses run from Fukuoka (including Fukuoka Airport) and Kyushu Odan/express buses connect from Kumamoto; typical travel times are around 2–3 hours depending on route.
The ryokan provides English information and staff can assist in English, though Japanese is the primary language. For detailed requests it’s best to contact reception ahead of arrival.
Check‑in is between 15:00 and 17:00 and check‑out is between 08:00 and 10:00. Guests arriving after 18:00 must inform the ryokan in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the property. There are limited shops and restaurants in the small Kurokawa village, so bring essentials or ask the ryokan for local options.
Seasonal Japanese dinners are served on site but you must register for dinner by 18:00 on the day of arrival. The ryokan does not cater to allergies, vegetarian or gluten‑free diets, so plan accordingly.