Okyakuya
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 550 reviews
Okyakuya is a timber-built ryokan that traces its origins to the late Edo period, presenting a calm, unassuming form of traditional hospitality in Kurokawa. Rooms retain tatami floors, futon bedding and modest sitting areas; many face the riverside and come with yukata and slippers for wandering the village. Architectural details and quiet communal spaces emphasise the inn’s history and rural setting, while practical amenities such as air conditioning, complimentary Wi‑Fi and on‑site parking make it straightforward for modern travellers to stay comfortably.
The property centres on its bathing facilities: a mix of indoor and outdoor thermal baths, a notable rotenburo set in a wooded area, and at least one public bath that the inn offers for private reservation when guests prefer exclusivity. Guests can also easily walk to multiple neighbouring springs in the Kurokawa circuit, so the inn functions as both a ryokan with onsen in Kurokawa, Kumamoto and a convenient base for exploring the region’s diverse hot-spring options. Bathing is conveyed as an integral part of the experience, with clear arrangements for family or private use when required.
Meals follow a farm-to-table approach rooted in the inn’s long-standing “half-farmer, half-inn” practice: multi-course kaiseki dinners and hearty breakfasts make use of rice, vegetables and wild ingredients from the property’s fields and local producers. Service is attentive and English is available, allowing explanations of dishes and local customs; luggage handling and simple concierge support are provided. For travellers seeking a compact, historically grounded ryokan with private onsen in Kumamoto and a focus on local cuisine and restful pace, this inn presents a direct, traditional option.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Okyakuya
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Many guests highlight exceptionally kind, discreet and helpful staff who provide high-quality service, assist with transport (e.g. shuttle to bus), and give clear explanations during meals and about local onsens.
Excellent onsen facilities
Repeated praise for multiple baths (indoor, outdoor rotenburo, private baths and rotating access) — guests describe them as relaxing, well maintained and a central highlight of the stay.
Delicious kaiseki meals using local ingredients
Dinner and breakfast receive frequent compliments: traditional multi-course (kaiseki) presentations, generous portions, local products, and the staff’s explanations. Dietary needs are reported as well accommodated.
Authentic, atmospheric ryokan and setting
The property’s traditional decor, riverside views, yukata experience and well-preserved woodwork create a serene, genuine onsen-village atmosphere that many guests found memorable.
Clean, comfortable rooms and good rest
Rooms are described as spotless, tastefully arranged in traditional Japanese style; futons and bedding are generally comfortable and guests report sleeping well and enjoying the room views.
Negative Reviews
Limited towel provision
At least one guest noted only receiving one towel for the whole stay, which made repeat onsen visits less convenient compared with places that provide fresh towels in the bathing area.
No on-site laundry
Some guests mentioned the absence of a guest laundry; nearby coin laundries require travel (one about 2 km away), although staff sometimes assisted by driving guests there.
Futon thickness may be thin for some
A few guests commented that the futons could be thicker or firmer for added comfort, noting this as a personal preference rather than a major flaw.
No hot water at the sink in some rooms
One report mentioned the sink only offered cold water in the morning (a thermos with hot water was suggested as a workaround), which can be inconvenient for washing.
Limited or charged breakfast coffee
At least one guest noted there was no complimentary coffee at breakfast and that hot coffee was available for an extra small fee (¥200), which surprised some international visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futons and typically accommodate between 2 and 5 adults depending on the room type; some room types are marked adult-only.
Yes — the ryokan has on-site hot spring baths and a public bath that can be reserved for private use; guests with tattoos are restricted to private bathing areas.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport (about 38 km). Guests are advised to arrange a private transfer or use regional buses/car rental; contact the ryokan in advance for assistance.
Staff speak Japanese and English.
Okyakuya serves traditional kaiseki-style meals using local and farm ingredients, with dinner and breakfast available. If you plan to dine at the ryokan you should arrive by 17:00 as check-in for dinner ends then.
Kurokawa Onsen village is small and walkable, but the area is most convenient by car or regional bus; free private parking is available on site.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 17:00 (please notify your arrival time in advance) and check-out is from 08:30 to 10:00. The property is not accessible between 23:00 and 06:00.
Yes — the ryokan offers bookable private bathing options (the public bath can be reserved for private use); request this when booking or at reception.
Children are not permitted and guests must meet the age restriction (18–80); pets are not admitted.
Okyakuya sits in Kurokawa Onsen village, about 100 metres from the main onsen street with local shops, eateries and multiple other onsens within walking distance; larger supermarkets and major transport hubs are in nearby towns such as Minamioguni or Kumamoto.