Gekkoju Kurokawa
9.8/10 (Based on 53 reviews )
869-2402 Kumamoto, Minamioguni, Manganji 6777-2, Japan
Gekkoju Kurokawa (Kurokawa Onsen Gosho Gekkoju) is a small, villa-style ryokan in the forested hills of Kurokawa Onsen, Minamioguni, Kumamoto. The property focuses on hot-spring bathing: each guest room is equipped with both an indoor bath and an open-air bath, supplied by natural hot spring water. There is also a panoramic open-air bath on the mountaintop within the grounds, designed for soaking while overlooking the surrounding mountains and night sky. Dining highlights seasonal Kyushu ingredients in kaiseki-style courses, prepared with a strong emphasis on local produce and regional specialties. After bathing, guests can book in-house spa treatments in a dedicated relaxation space. On-site parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Superb service from the butler (Kata); staff described as friendly, welcoming, attentive and going above and beyond (including photo help and special treats/gifts).
- Private in-room onsen/hot spring (indoor & outdoor) and strong sense of privacy; unique bookable public onsens (cave onsen and sky onsen with views).
- Outstanding food/kaiseki-style meals (e.g., multi-course dinners); in-room dining; some rooms allow grilling in-room; chefs accommodate dietary needs/children.
- Beautiful, serene nature setting with terrific mountain/top views and sunsets; quiet location separated from other ryokans.
- Facilities/rooms described as beautiful, clean, well-equipped and comfortable; convenient/flexible shuttle and pickup assistance (including being guided to the entrance).
Negative reviews
- More bugs than expected due to mountain location.
- Onsen/bath water temperature issues: no cold onsen mentioned; open-air/indoor onsen sometimes too hot and guests must adjust themselves.
- Food safety/carelessness and service recovery: oysters served despite allergy communication; no replacement offered after reporting.
- In-room charcoal grilling ventilation/smoke issues: vent not turned on/poor exhaust, smoke alarm triggered, lingering charcoal smell; described as dangerous/unpleasant.
- Food quality and environment complaints: some cold dishes not fresh/smelled like refrigerator; too dark at night making it hard to walk around; some dinner items too oily/tough and one review said dinner quantity was too much.
Yamashinobu
9.6/10 (Based on 669 reviews )
869-2402 Kumamoto, Minamioguni, Manganji 5960, Japan
Yamashinobu is a traditional ryokan in the Oda Onsen area of Minamioguni, Kumamoto, set in a quiet forest setting. The property features seven hot-spring bathing areas, including separate men’s and women’s baths with indoor and open-air options, plus three private reservable baths. Baths can be enjoyed at your preferred time, and some detached room types include their own indoor bath and open-air bath. Dinner and breakfast are served in the dining area, focusing on seasonal local ingredients such as basashi (horse sashimi), regional beef, river fish, and house-made soba. On-site facilities also include a footbath and shared relaxation spaces, with parking available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptionally friendly, welcoming and helpful staff; attentive service (greeting on arrival, luggage help, tours, pickups/drop-offs)
- Relaxing, quiet and tranquil atmosphere; calm, scenic setting
- Excellent onsen facilities: multiple public and private baths, some available 24/7; in-room indoor/outdoor onsen praised
- Food highly praised by many guests (excellent breakfast and dinner/kaiseki; delicious meals)
- Rooms and facilities described as spacious, clean, comfortable, immaculate; thoughtful amenities/experiences (e.g., sake/tea by fire/irori, stargazing)
Negative reviews
- Location is somewhat far/out of the way (often requires a car; not walkable to Kurokawa village/bus stop)
- Some maintenance/comfort issues: tight tap handle/dripping; some onsen water too hot; futon/duvet comfort issue mentioned
- Limited/awkward details: lack of slippers sizing; vending machine beer ran out; no bottled water provided in one review
- Connectivity/amenities: slow Wi‑Fi mentioned; desire for a water dispenser in a public bath; stargazing time window limited (30 minutes)
- Environmental/other nuisances: mosquitoes/bugs noted; smoke from nearby burning caused coughing/allergy; occasional frog appearance noted; one review found food quality could be improved / dinner course had insufficient meat; price described as expensive by some
Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu
9.4/10 (Based on 723 reviews )
869-2402 Kumamoto, Minamioguni, Manganji 6591-1, Japan
Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu is a traditional ryokan in the center of Kurokawa Onsen (Minamioguni, Kumamoto), set behind a gate in a wooded, garden-like setting. The onsen facilities include open-air baths surrounded by nature, indoor wooden baths, and private reservable baths for a more secluded soak; some room types also feature a private bath. Dining focuses on a Japanese seasonal creative course, highlighting local “mountain” ingredients such as vegetables, river fish, and game, served in an on-site dining space. Other on-site comforts typically include a lounge area, a terrace and garden spaces, and parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Very friendly, caring and helpful staff; good English communication mentioned
- Onsen experience highly praised; multiple private and public baths, well maintained and easy to access
- Food repeatedly described as fresh, delicious, high quality and beautifully presented (kaiseki dinner/breakfast)
- Beautiful, magical atmosphere and setting (garden/greenery, rustic old-style ryokan design, serene environment)
- Rooms described as spacious/comfortable/clean; futons warm and comfy; good amenities (e.g., coffee, heated mat, foot bath)
Negative reviews
- Some rooms/baths not hot enough or room/bath temperature issues (bath could be hotter; room cold; annex not heated)
- Shared-bathroom rooms: guests wished for an en-suite shower/bathroom; note about no showers in open-air onsen
- Bar/lounge selection: disappointment with beer choice (mostly international) and suggestion for more seafood at dinner; breakfast coffee mentioned as desired
- Property access/navigation issues: bumpy footpaths for luggage/mobility; place feels like a maze; a bit out of the way and town closes early; hard to get to (e.g., long bus ride)
- Payment/price concerns: described as pricey and wished for card payment instead of cash only
Kurokawa-So
9.4/10 (Based on 180 reviews )
869-2402 Kumamoto, Minamioguni, Manganji 6755-1, Japan
Kurokawa-So (Kurokawaso) is a traditional ryokan with hot-spring bathing in the Kurokawa Onsen area of Minamioguni, Kumamoto, set in a quiet, natural valley environment. The property offers multiple onsen bathing options, typically including shared indoor and open-air baths, plus private/family baths that can be reserved depending on availability. Some rooms are also described as having an open-air bath. Beyond bathing, the ryokan provides on-site dining with Japanese-style set meals (commonly multi-course dinner and breakfast). Practical facilities reported for guests include Wi‑Fi and parking, with additional wellness services such as massage and a sauna mentioned in public listings (availability may vary by area or guest access).
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Beautiful onsen facilities, including outdoor onsen with stunning views (e.g., rock face / nature) and many public bath options; private onsen rooms praised.
- Meals (kaiseki dinner and breakfast) frequently described as delicious/high quality/excellent; served in private rooms or private dining room; varied each day.
- Staff frequently described as friendly, helpful, welcoming; excellent hospitality and service (including English-speaking reception; umbrellas/luggage help at carpark).
- Property/facilities described as gorgeous/beautiful/serene/comfortable; modern design and beautiful landscape/gardens; peaceful location.
- Rooms described as spacious/comfortable/clean/luxurious; some suites with private indoor/outdoor onsen highly appreciated.
Negative reviews
- Noise in public onsens not controlled; loud/raucous crowds spoiled the experience for some guests.
- Issues with ordering hotel snacks (sold out at selected time; had to get it later).
- Musty smell noted in some rooms/older facilities; suggestion to provide room fragrance.
- Location/access issues: slightly off the beaten track/out of the way; need to drive; entrance difficult to find.
- Some guests felt the property/facilities were old/aging or not good value for the price; complaints about high/inacceptable price and annex aging.
Fumoto Ryokan
9.3/10 (Based on 184 reviews )
869-2402 Kumamoto, Minamioguni, Manganji 6697, Japan
Fumoto Ryokan (ふもと旅館) is a traditional ryokan in the Kurokawa Onsen area of Minamioguni (Kumamoto), set within the hot-spring village and surrounded by a quiet, natural landscape. Onsen bathing is central here: the property offers multiple private reservable baths, including outdoor-style options, plus a footbath area, all supplied by natural hot-spring water. Some annex rooms also include an open-air bath with continuously flowing spring water. Rooms are offered in Japanese-style and Western/Japanese layouts. Meals are served on site, typically Japanese cuisine in a dedicated dining area. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, an on-site souvenir shop, and free parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Beautiful location/setting; calming atmosphere (river sounds, soft lighting, bridge, evening lights)
- Friendly, warm, attentive and helpful staff (including help finding the ryokan, parking/driving car, luggage handling, photos)
- Many onsen/baths (indoor/outdoor), with many private options; relaxing and flexible to use
- Food praised highly (dinner and breakfast), including kaiseki-style meals; generous/high-quality ingredients; beautiful presentation
- Convenient/central location in Kurokawa; good for exploring town; pickup can be arranged
Negative reviews
- Difficult to find by car at night; narrow roads/access issues
- Guests wanted more information/explanations about the food and traditional ways to eat dishes
- Cockroaches reported in room/bathroom/private onsen
- Rooms not soundproof; corridor music playing all night (in one review)
- Room issues: small/average, minor damage to tatami; bedding not very comfortable; lighting could be brighter and window couldn’t be opened (one review each)
Ryokan Kono-Yu
9.3/10 (Based on 19 reviews )
869-2402 Kumamoto, Minamioguni, Manganji 6784, Japan
Ryokan Kono-Yu is a traditional ryokan in the Kurokawa Onsen area of Minamioguni, Kumamoto, set in a quiet natural environment. Hot-spring bathing is central here: guest rooms are separate and each includes a private open-air bath supplied with free-flowing onsen water from the premises. For shared bathing, the ryokan also has gender-segregated indoor and open-air baths, including a deep standing bath (tachiyu). A reservable private open-air bath is available for timed sessions, and a footbath is located near the entrance. Meals are served on site, with dinner and breakfast offered, highlighting ingredients from Kumamoto.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Welcoming, attentive, polite and accommodating staff; service described as impeccable/personal; staff spoke excellent English
- Rooms described as great, spacious and quiet; beautiful two-story apartment and generous Japanese house layout (two bedrooms/two bathrooms)
- Private in-room onsen/hot spring (indoor and outdoor) highlighted as huge and a standout feature
- Kaiseki breakfast and dinner described as well-prepared, quality and delicious; food praised as wonderful by some reviewers
- Overall atmosphere described as thoughtful, quiet, tranquil, low-key and elegant; excellent for relaxing
Negative reviews
- Food was “just okay” for one guest; requests for more variety in foods
- Only two-prong power outlets (issue if bringing a three-prong adapter)
- One guest felt the special suite’s construction/finish felt cheap for a special room
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Ichinoi
9.2/10 (Based on 549 reviews )
869-2402 Kumamoto, Minamioguni, Kurokawa Onsen 6630-1, Japan
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Ichinoi is a traditional ryokan in Minamioguni (Kumamoto), set slightly above the Kurokawa Onsen center and reached via a short, narrow access road. The property’s onsen is a natural sulfur hot spring (simple sulfur, hydrogen sulfide type), with indoor public baths and an open-air bath built with mountain stones; baths are separated for men and women, with no gender swapping. A reservation-only private bath is also available for a fee and limited evening hours. Dining is served at the on-site restaurant, focusing on local, seasonal ingredients such as river fish and regional beef, with Japanese set breakfast. Rooms are non-smoking, have private toilets but no in-room baths, and free Wi‑Fi is provided. Free on-site parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Clean rooms and facilities; cleanliness frequently praised
- Excellent onsen experience (indoor/outdoor), often described as private/peaceful; private onsen available
- High-quality meals (dinner and breakfast) often described as delicious/generous/well presented
- Staff are consistently described as friendly, attentive, helpful; some English/Chinese support mentioned
- Peaceful/secluded location with nature views (garden/forest/mountain) and relaxing atmosphere
Negative reviews
- Access can be difficult: narrow/steep road/drive up to the ryokan; can be tight for larger cars
- A bit uphill / a short walk from town center; can be hard with luggage or without a car (especially in winter)
- No shower/bathroom in some rooms (toilet only); some guests wished for an in-room shower for quick rinses
- No lift/elevator and stairs/spiral stairs to rooms/meals/onsen; not suitable for guests with mobility issues
- Private onsen costs extra fee; some wanted clearer information or booking guidance before check-in
Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu
9.1/10 (Based on 1644 reviews )
869-2402 Kumamoto, Minamioguni, Minamioguni-machi Manganji Kurogawa 6567, Japan
Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu is a traditional ryokan in the Kurokawa Onsen area of Kumamoto, set in a quiet natural setting along the Tanohara River. Its onsen facilities are a core feature, with multiple bath styles across the grounds, including mixed-gender open-air bathing by the river, a distinctive cave bath, and separate large public baths. Private family baths are also available at set hours, alongside a hinoki (cypress) bath and a mist sauna. Beyond bathing, the ryokan offers a hot spring-heated pool and a simple “hell steam” corner for steaming local produce. Meals focus on seasonal, rustic-style kaiseki using local ingredients, served in dedicated dining areas. On-site parking is provided.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Great atmosphere
- Friendly/helpful staff and hospitality (welcoming greetings, luggage forwarding, shuttle help)
- Onsens/hot spring facilities praised (multiple options incl. private and riverside/outdoor; great views)
- Clean rooms; some mention rooms are spacious/comfortable with river/forest views
- Food often praised (dinner and breakfast described as delicious/fantastic, good variety)
Negative reviews
- Bedding issues (blanket too bulky; futon/mattress too firm/thin/old causing back pain)
- Food complaints in some stays (cold food; breakfast weak/poor; dinners/breakfasts left guests hungry; kaiseki dinner not tasty/overly sweet)
- Location/access drawbacks (a bit far from town/other onsens; narrow/dark roads, no sign posts; difficult driving/parking)
- Onsen-related issues for some guests (mixed bath is nude with limited women-only hours; private baths first-come-first-serve/busy; private bath water smell; water not hot enough)
- Room/facility shortcomings (no shower in some rooms / no shower head & hose in in-room onsen; no laundry machine nearby; some rooms had unpleasant drainage smell; no clock in private onsen)
Hotel Yumeshizuku
9.1/10 (Based on 154 reviews )
869-1411 Kumamoto, Minami Aso, Kain Ono 5-56, Japan
Hotel Yumeshizuku is a small ryokan-style property in the Minami Aso hot spring area of Kumamoto Prefecture, set in a natural mountain environment. The onsen facilities focus on communal bathing, with separate areas and an open-air section, plus indoor baths at different temperatures. The women’s bath is described with an open-air bath and individual “tsuboyu” tubs, alongside a sauna and cold-water bath; access rules may apply (e.g., tattoos not permitted in the public baths). Some rooms also feature a private open-air bath on the terrace. Meals highlight local Aso ingredients, including rice cooked with local natural water and regional Japanese black beef served in styles such as lava-grill or shabu-shabu. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi and free on-site parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Friendly, caring, helpful staff; some speak excellent English; warm and personal yet professional service (including special meal accommodations).
- Beautiful setting with breathtaking views of Mount Aso (from rooms, onsen, restaurant, lookout/observation deck, footbath area).
- Onsen facilities highly praised: private in-room/open-air baths and public indoor/outdoor baths; relaxing; clean; sauna mentioned positively; foot spa/footbath available.
- Food often described as delicious/excellent (kaiseki dinner and breakfast), well prepared/served, high quality and good quantity.
- Rooms described as spacious/big, comfortable beds/quilts; renovated/new and clean; Japanese-style/tatami experience; ample car park; good base for visiting/hiking around Mt Aso.
Negative reviews
- Remote/isolated location: need your own transport/drive; distances mentioned to train station (4 km) and 7-Eleven (7 km).
- Some guests found the food disappointing/ordinary/“so so” or low quality; one review complained the advertised wagyu dinner was a small portion and not as expected.
- Housekeeping/maintenance issues reported in some rooms: cleanliness and upkeep problems; sink drain clogged; some rooms described as old/dirty compared with renovated areas.
- Facility issues: public bath locker key malfunction; toilet in room too small/difficult to enter; washbasin far/awkward; one note that beds are preferable to futons and another that the bed was small.
- Amenities/value: request for free drinks/snacks; one review noted no greeting from a female receptionist; one review said they were served food they had explicitly asked not to receive despite prior communication.
Shinwaen
9/10 (Based on 195 reviews )
869-2301 Kumamoto, Aso, Uchinomaki 1354, Japan
Shinwaen (Shinwa-en) is a traditional ryokan in Uchimaki Onsen, Aso (Kumamoto Prefecture), set in a quiet, garden-like environment. The bathing facilities are a core feature: guests can use natural hot-spring baths with continuous-flow water, including an open-air rotenburo, and there is also a family/private bath option; some room types are described as having a private open-air bath. In addition to onsen time, the ryokan focuses on Japanese cuisine, with dinner and breakfast available and in-room dining options mentioned in local listings. Practical services include free Wi‑Fi, an on-site shop, and parking, making it a calm base for exploring the wider Aso area.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Very friendly, courteous, pleasant and helpful staff (some fluent English / Chinese assistance); flexible service and special requests handled seriously
- Excellent, high-quality traditional meals (kaiseki dinner and breakfast), often described as outstanding or delightful
- Beautiful traditional ryokan atmosphere: lovely interiors, wood design, gardens; clean, comfortable and spacious rooms
- Onsen experience praised (public and private baths, outdoor onsen); tattoo-friendly; relaxing setting
- Convenient location in town/close to amenities while feeling peaceful and quiet inside
Negative reviews
- Some fixtures and fittings look a little worn
- Can hear activity/noise from staff or other guests in the main building (noted up to about 10pm)
- Hard to get a taxi / no regular taxi stand; transport can be inconvenient (also buses not very frequent)
- Onsen/bath facilities: too few public baths; private onsen temperature sometimes too hot; suggestion for a barrier due to cold weather; one review wanted a lock for a family bath room; sometimes couldn’t use indoor bath when wanted
- Location issues mentioned: near a cemetery (and also noted next to hospital and grave) scared some guests
Summary Table
| Position | Hotel | Rating | #Reviews | Stars | Staff | Cleanliness | Comfort | Location | Value for money | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gekkoju Kurokawa | 9.8▲ | 53 | 5▲ | 9.8 | 9.9▲ | 10.0▲ | 9.6▲ | 9.4▲ | 10.0▲ |
| 2 | Yamashinobu | 9.6 | 669 | 4 | 9.9▲ | 9.7 | 9.8 | 9.1 | 9.4▲ | 9.7 |
| 3 | Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu | 9.4 | 723 | 4 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.0 | 9.6 |
| 4 | Kurokawa-So | 9.4 | 180 | 4 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.7 | 9.1 | 8.8 | 9.5 |
| 5 | Fumoto Ryokan | 9.3 | 184 | 4 | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 8.9 | 9.3 |
| 6 | Ryokan Kono-Yu | 9.3 | 19▼ | 4 | 9.7 | 9.3▼ | 9.3 | 8.8 | 8.7 | 9.5 |
| 7 | Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Ichinoi | 9.2 | 549 | 3▼ | 9.8 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.3 |
| 8 | Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu | 9.1 | 1644▲ | 3▼ | 9.5▼ | 9.3▼ | 9.3 | 9.1 | 8.7 | 9.2▼ |
| 9 | Hotel Yumeshizuku | 9.1 | 154 | 3▼ | 9.5▼ | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 8.5▼ | 9.3 |
| 10 | Shinwaen | 9▼ | 195 | 3▼ | 9.6 | 9.3▼ | 9.1▼ | 8.4▼ | 8.9 | 9.2▼ |
FAQ
Gekkoju Kurokawa is a strong choice if you want maximum privacy, as each guest room comes with both an indoor bath and an open-air bath fed by natural hot spring water. The property is villa-style and set in the forested hills, creating a quiet, secluded feel. You can also soak in a panoramic open-air bath on the grounds with sweeping mountain views.
Yamashinobu stands out for bath variety, with multiple onsen areas including indoor and open-air options plus private baths you can reserve. The setting is calm and wooded in the Oda Onsen area, making it easy to relax between soaks. Meals focus on seasonal local ingredients, including regional specialties and house-made soba.
Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu is well placed in the center of Kurokawa Onsen, tucked behind a gate in a garden-like, wooded setting. It offers open-air baths surrounded by nature, indoor wooden baths, and private reservable baths for a more secluded soak. Dining features a seasonal Japanese course that highlights local mountain ingredients.
Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu is known for its distinctive bathing options, including a cave bath and outdoor bathing by the river. You will also find separate large public baths, private family baths at set hours, and extra wellness features like a hinoki bath and a mist sauna. The setting along the river keeps the experience closely connected to nature.
Hotel Yumeshizuku in the Minami Aso hot spring area is a great pick for mountain scenery, with views of Mount Aso highlighted from several parts of the property. The onsen setup includes communal bathing with an open-air section, plus sauna and cold-water bathing, and some rooms have a private open-air bath on the terrace. Dinner spotlights local Aso ingredients, including regional Japanese black beef prepared in styles such as lava-grill or shabu-shabu.