[2025 Minamioguni Stay] Travel Guide for Kurokawaonsen Yamamizuki (Updated Apr)

Tucked away in the lush mountains of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kurokawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, known for its rustic charm, serene ambiance, and connection to nature. Among the many ryokan (traditional inns) in this picturesque town, Sansuimu (山水木) stands out as a tranquil retreat where guests can experience the perfect blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and Japanese hospitality. The name “Sansuimu” translates to “Mountain, Water, and Wood,” embodying its peaceful surroundings and harmony with nature. The ryokan features traditional Japanese architecture, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and gently flowing rivers. The highlight of Sansuimu is its onsen (hot springs). Guests can soak in open-air baths (rotenburo) surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. The hot spring waters are rich in minerals, believed to have therapeutic properties that relax muscles, improve circulation, and rejuvenate the skin. For those seeking privacy, the ryokan also offers secluded baths with breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. Beyond the baths, the ryokan delights guests with kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the region. Each dish is a work of art, showcasing the flavors of Kumamoto while celebrating the changing seasons. Kurokawa Onsen, with its charming cobblestone streets and ryokan-lined riverbanks, invites visitors to explore its peaceful environment. Guests can stroll through the town, stopping at other hot springs or enjoying the local cafes and shops. A stay at Sansuimu in Kurokawa Onsen offers not just relaxation, but also a deep connection to Japan’s traditional culture and natural beauty. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to unwind and experience the tranquil heart of Kumamoto. #japantrip

🚪 Ever dreamt of a room where the rustling river and chirping birds are your soundtrack? Nestled in Kumamoto, Yamamizuki offers that and more! With a mix of modern and traditional Japanese design, every room is a serene retreat, some boasting personal hot springs with lush green vistas. 🍵 Gastronomy lovers, rejoice! The kaiseki cuisine is a parade of delicate flavors served in petite dishes. From bamboo shoots in May to the hearty dango soup, local ingredients take center stage, transforming countryside staples into chic, gourmet experiences. 🍜 Can't get enough of breakfast? Imagine a room flooded with morning light, where the side dishes are so compelling, seconds aren't just an option—they're a necessity! And with a coffee maker in each room, lounging until checkout is a blissful affair. 📍6392-2 Manganji, Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, 869-2402, Japan Ready to indulge in tranquility and taste? Yamamizuki awaits! 🛀✨

#HotelAccommodationEvent I went to the hot springs that day, but personally, it was not that great. It was far from the information center. Even considering that it was a natural hot spring, there was a lot of floating objects. There are good points like a small natural waterfall, but there was more floating objects than I thought, so I gave it one star.

Kurokawa Onsen Yamamizuki. What's great about it is that you can enjoy the view of greenery while bathing in the large public bath. The hot spring in your room is also close to greenery, and the sound of the babbling river and the chirping of birds serves as background music. ・ The best part of a ryokan is the kaiseki cuisine. A lot of food in small dishes. It's great that they change the taste one after another. ・ The May menu uses a lot of bamboo shoots, and that alone makes me want to get excited. It's my favorite taste. The dumpling soup at Yamamizuki is impressively served in a large pot. This country cuisine has become much more stylish. Ingredients that are usually supporting roles, such as bracken, potatoes, burdock, leeks, carrots, and radishes, became the main dish. ・ It's also nice that the portions are so large that you feel like you could eat more even though you're full. ・ I love the breakfast at inns. The room is filled with morning light. The side dishes require you to ask for a second helping of rice, so it's scary to feel like you can eat two bowls in the morning. There's also a coffee maker in the room, so the best part is being able to relax until check-out. #TravelingWithMe

Yamamizuki in Kurokawa Onsen Village, which I visited in 2023, is a place that I will remember for a long time. If I have time in 2024, I definitely want to visit and heal. The reason I recommend it as a place suitable for this wish event is because it is a place that shows the essence of a ryokan. Yamamizuki is the best in everything from the food to the surrounding environment and hot springs. #2024WishEvent

#JapanTravel ✨️Miyamasanso✨️ is a high-class ryokan operated together with Yamamizuki. All rooms have a nice interior that appropriately mixes modern and Japanese styles. Some rooms have private bathrooms, and the large public bath can be shared with Yamamizuki guests. 🎯6393 Manganji, Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-2402 Japan #Miyamasanso #Hot Springs #Fukuoka

Visit Kurokawa Onsen again, which is known as the secret place of Kyushu hot springs♨️ This time we chose to stay at Yamamizuki Hot Spring Hotel 📍The hotel is relatively far from the hot spring shopping street After reaching the shopping street, you need to drive for about 5 minutes to reach More suitable for self-driving travelers🚗 But it is precisely because the hotel is far away from the shopping street This hotel makes people feel more away from the hustle and bustle👍 🏨 This time I stayed in a Japanese-style room, which was spacious and clean The room is equipped with a private bath But the private bath is not big, suitable for one or two people👫 ♨️ The hotel has a large public bath and open-air bath Guests can also use the hot spring baths at the sister hotel Miyama Sanso. All the baths are spacious, so you don't have to worry about being crowded. 🍽️ One night and two meals Dinner and breakfast are served in a private room. The receptionist will serve and introduce the dishes one by one. All are beautifully presented and delicious. Contains many dishes, no need to worry about not being full 😋 All in all, it was a very satisfying stay. I highly recommend it to everyone💯 - YAMAMIZUKI Address: 6392-2 Manganji Temple, Minamioguni-cho, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan Price per person - about HKD 1,200 (four people per room | off-peak season) #Hot Spring Hotel #hotspringtrip #Kurokawa Onsen #Jiuzhou

#JapanTravel #HotSpring If you take a bus from Fukuoka for about two hours, you can find Kurokawa, the most beloved travel destination for Japanese people 🥹 I visited a ryokan called #Yamamizuki. There aren't many pictures because photography is not allowed due to the nature of the hot springs, but the scenery was a work of art! After the hot springs, eat a cream puff at #PaserotiRoku and you're in heaven 🥹