Kurokawa-So
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 181 reviews
Kurokawa-So sits in a hush of river valley and wooded slopes in Minamioguni, Kumamoto Prefecture, offering traditional accommodation that blends tatami-floored rooms and a small selection of Western-style beds with unobstructed nature views. The property positions itself within the Kurokawa hot-spring cluster and focuses on bathing culture and seasonal scenery; it functions as a ryokan with onsen in Kyushu while keeping a quiet, restorative pace suited to short stays and longer restorative breaks.
The bathing facilities comprise a mix of indoor and outdoor public baths, refurbished bathing areas and a family/private bath reserved for guests, so visitors can choose between communal and secluded bathing. On-site services commonly reported include in-room massages, a sauna, a compact souvenir shop and complimentary parking, plus a free pick-up from the nearest bus stop on request; several room types have private balconies or terraces overlooking the river and some suites include their own private baths, making it a viable ryokan with private onsen in Kumamoto for couples or small groups.
Meals follow a multi-course Japanese format prepared with local produce and are typically served in a communal dining room, with breakfast frequently noted as a highlight. The property is reachable by road from regional hubs — about a fifty-minute drive from JR Aso Station and roughly ninety minutes from Kumamoto Airport — and is within easy driving distance of natural attractions such as Kuju Flower Park. Overall the house emphasises traditional ryokan hospitality, calm common spaces and straightforward access to onsen-lined walks and riverside scenery.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kurokawa-So
Positive Reviews
Excellent food (kaiseki dinners and breakfasts)
Many guests praised the meals as superb, extensive and beautifully prepared — especially the kaiseki dinners and breakfasts featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Beautiful natural setting and scenery
Reviewers repeatedly mentioned the ryokan’s location in lush greenery by the river, bamboo forest and cliffs, creating a peaceful, scenic atmosphere.
Outstanding onsen variety, including private outdoor baths
Guests enjoyed multiple public and private onsens, highlighting the outdoor baths and private in-room onsens as particular highlights for relaxation.
Helpful, friendly and attentive staff
Staff and concierge service were often described as welcoming, polite and very helpful (assisting with luggage, providing umbrellas, shuttle service from the bus stop), which enhanced guests’ stays.
Clean, comfortable and often luxurious rooms
Many reviewers found the rooms spacious, clean and comfortable; some described suites as luxurious with convenient amenities (yukata, teas, snacks) and well-maintained facilities.
Negative Reviews
Some areas feel dated or have musty smell
A number of guests noted that parts of the property feel older and reported a slight musty or damp odor in rooms, possibly after rainy weather.
Location and access can be inconvenient
Multiple reviews mentioned the ryokan is a bit off the beaten track, sometimes hard to find or requiring driving; a shuttle is available but access can still be awkward.
Price perceived as high
At least one reviewer felt the cost was excessive for the experience, citing price as a drawback compared with expectations.
Inconsistent quality of some baths/private baths
While many loved the onsens, some guests found certain onsen or private baths less attractive than expected, noting variability in quality between baths.
Occasional communication or reception issues
A few guests reported average service at the front desk or slow responses to emails, indicating room for improvement in communication and reception experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include Japanese-style rooms with futons for up to four guests, quadruple rooms, twin rooms, and suites that can sleep up to five people (some suites combine beds and futons).
The ryokan offers multiple public baths including outdoor and indoor onsen, guest-only bathing areas, and several private/family baths scattered around the property.
Yes — private/family baths can be booked at reception; staying guests are usually granted at least one complimentary visit to a private bath (advance booking recommended).
A free pick-up from the nearest bus stop is available on request when you book; there is no routine airport shuttle, so you should request transfer details in advance.
The property is about a 90-minute drive from Kumamoto Airport and roughly 50 minutes by car from JR Aso Station; having a car or arranging a transfer is the most convenient option.
Check-in is between 15:00 and 18:00 and check-out is between 09:00 and 11:00, with the usual checkout deadline at 11:00.
Children are not accepted and pets are not allowed on the premises.
Staff provide multilingual support, commonly including English and Korean.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course Japanese dinners (kaiseki) and Asian-style breakfast; meals are served in the dining room and dietary requests should be communicated in advance.
The ryokan sits near the Kurokawa valley with the Minamioguni town centre a short drive away (about 3.7 km); convenience stores are limited locally so plan ahead. Nearby attractions include Kuju Flower Park (about 20 minutes by car) and Mount Aso (around 50 minutes by car).