Mount Aso in Kumamoto prefecture is an active volcano. Recently, the volcano has been spewing gas and ash but that hasn’t stopped tourists from coming to get close up views of this titan of nature. Tourists don’t only come to see the volcano though, they also come to enjoy the by-product of this volcano. Mount Aso heats up pockets of water causing hot-springs to form. For thousands of years, the Japanese locals have been enjoying these onsens and have capitalized on them by building onsen ryokan where you can stay and get a taste of real Japanese life. Scroll down below for the list of the best tourist-friendly onsen ryokans in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 20, 2024.
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1. Syukubo Aso (from USD 191)
Reasonable pricing for traditional Japanese ryokan experience.
Cozy Japanese-style rooms, private and public hot springs, and warm hospitality.
Located in a quaint area, accessible by car, with some difficulty in finding the exact location.
Delicious and authentic Japanese meals, including homemade pickles and fresh vegetables.
Begin your day at this delightful ryokan with a delectable Asian breakfast that boasts an array of local and seasonal dishes, sure to tantalize your palate. Following a satisfying breakfast, take a moment to unwind and revitalize your senses in the serene onsen. Take advantage of the convenience of complimentary wifi, allowing you to keep in touch with your dear ones without hassle.
The accommodations are equipped with air conditioning to provide a comfortable stay. A flat-screen TV is available for your entertainment needs. The vending machine is a convenient option for those seeking a revitalizing beverage. Onsite private parking is provided, eliminating the inconvenience of searching for a parking spot.
Syukubo Aso
Address: Kurokawa 1076
7.33 km (4.6 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
2. Minshuku Asogen (from USD 78)
In this ryokan, you can rest well in one of the air-conditioned rooms, each equipped with a flat-screen TV, providing entertainment and a restful atmosphere to recharge. Stay connected with free wifi to remain up-to-date with the latest online happenings. The property offers the added convenience of complimentary onsite private parking, allowing guests to park their vehicles quickly and without additional charges.
Savor the delectable Asian breakfast to kickstart your day. Indulge in a serene and rejuvenating experience at this ryokan, where you can avail yourself of a range of massages for an extra fee. The onsen offers an ideal retreat for those seeking to alleviate their stress and concerns.
Minshuku Asogen
Address: Otohime1506
7.62 km (4.8 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
3. Gekkoji (from USD 501)
Gekkoji Ryokan is an Aso mountain onsen ryokan in Japan that is known for its large, beautiful rooms and helpful staff. The rooms are laid out in an authentically Japanese design. There are private baths in the rooms and the property has several outdoor onsens for guests to use. You can also reserve a private bath if you and your partner want to have a romantic soak as you look out at the gorgeous scenery and enjoy the tranquil vibes of the surrounding Kurokawa Onsen.
4. Ryokan Sanga (from USD 305)
A secluded and beautiful foreigner-friendly onsen. Ryokan Sanga offers traditional Japanese-style rooms with comfortable futons and tatami-mat floors. You can really feel the peaceful energy of traditional oriental features that decorate the rooms. There are shoji screen doors and classic Japanese-style tables where you can reflect on the day as you drink green tea. The Ryokan offers traditional-style Kaiseki meals that allow you to sample various local foods. The star attraction is the two open-air onsen. Guests can relax in the warm waters as they feel the fresh air against their naked skin. This is how these hot springs were originally enjoyed by ancient Japanese locals, Ryokan Sanga has recaptured this magic. The two Onsens are slightly different, one is filled with water that has medical properties. It is said to be good for joints, skins, and general health. The other onsen is simply pure water if you prefer a more natural experience.
Ryokan Sanga
Address: Manganji 6961-1
10.65 km (6.7 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
5. Kurokawa onsen ryokan wakaba (from USD 81)
Kutokawa onsen ryokan offers luxury baths that feel like they are out of an old Japanese folktale. They are all heated by the local volcanic activity and are thus colored a rustic brown by the natural elements in the water. These therapeutic elements reportedly help your skin, joints, and overall well being. Two of the baths are located outside, amongst the trees. Guests can bathe whilst looking outside, into the wilderness. The baths may be open but they are also roofed, meaning they are protected from the rain and falling leaves.
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Wakaba
Address: 6431 Manganji, Minamioguni-cho, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture
10.85 km (6.8 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
6. Tsuruya (from USD 295)
Expensive but worth it for spacious rooms and excellent meals.
Outdoor hot spring pool, traditional Japanese breakfast, individual dining rooms.
Centrally located, walking distance from Aso Shrine, good for excursions to Aso volcanoes.
Well-prepared, large portions, exquisite cooking, best tamago, and excellent service.
This ryokan is designed in a much more open and modern style than the others. You can choose from old-style Japanese futons or western beds. Some rooms are equipped with private outdoor hot tubs and large garden areas. The architecture style is like ancient Japanese meets modern Scandinavian. This trendy spot also boasts a connection to the local Aso milk ranch. So, as well as the traditional Japanese kaiseki meals, you can also enjoy the delectable taste of luxury dairy products all locally produced.
AsoTsuruya
Address: Ichinomiyamachi Miyaji 1873
6.98 km (4.4 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
7. Yumerindo (from USD 112)
Dine on fine Kaiseki meals and Japanese sake at Yumerindo ryokan onsen. This building is located alongside the river so that you can look out at the natural flow of the water whilst you relax in their sleek and stylish outdoor baths. The water is heated up by the natural volcanic activity of the area and thus it is rich in earth elements. These are said to be good for the skin, joints and hair. Once you’ve had your fill of the warm, relaxing waters, you can meditate over your day in the soothing zen garden that is maintained by the staff.
8. Shinmeikan (from USD 180)
Built into the riverside, Shinmeikan Ryokan Onsen looks like a ninja hideout. The traditional ryokan likes to think of its self as countryside-y and is very into classic Japanese culture. Because of the image that they have cultivated for themselves, the staff has made sure that all of the rooms look like you are stepping into a samurai drama. The floors are fitted with high-quality tatami mats that match the Japanese futon beds and low-down coffee table. The Ryokan is perched above the river, meaning that the view from all of the rooms is superb. To access the building you have to cross a beautifully maintained bridge that is very much in keeping with the aesthetic of the old Japanese style Ryokan. There are several Onsen to choose from, the most famous being the cave bath. This natural hot spring is surrounded by a cave formed by ancient volcanic activity. The ryokan has built walkways and wooden panels so that guests can get around the cave easily.
Shinmeikan
Address: 6608 Manganji, Minamioguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture
10.77 km (6.7 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
9. Shinwaen (from USD 212)
Shinwaen ryokan onsen wants you to have the most picturesque stay possible. Not only does the ryokan look like a hidden paradise from a manga but the staff also maintain a gorgeous flower garden. The flowers are all carefully and lovingly preened. Every week, a new bouquet of flowers is chosen to show to the guests. They change with the season and highlight naturally growing flowers. Their beautifully prepared meals, including desserts, are perfect for your taste buds and your social media accounts. They are created with love and care by the ryokan chefs and arranged for your aesthetic pleasure. In-room massages are available as well as indoor onsen and private rental onsen, both in and outdoors.
Shinwaen
Address: Uchinomaki 1354
3.7 km (2.3 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
10. Yumeoi-so (from USD 121)
Reasonable pricing for a traditional Japanese inn experience.
Private onsen rooms, KTV, table tennis, and buffet dinner.
Convenient location with access to local restaurants and a river for morning walks.
Fantastic breakfast and dinner buffet with a wide variety of Japanese and international dishes.
Enjoy a modern, but unmistakeably Japanese atmosphere at Yumeoi-so. The Ryokan has all of the classic Japanese accouterments along with karaoke rooms and kids rooms full of traditional toys to occupy the younger guests. The property serves a traditional Japanese breakfast with local specialty foods, like sweet potatoes, and they take a lot of pride in Kumamoto prefecture. There are large public onsens that guests can use, or 12 smaller onsens that are available for private bookings. If you are looking for a delightful ryokan that can keeps the kids happy and gives you the opportunity for an intimate, relaxing bath with your loved one then look no further.
Yumeoi-so
Address: Uchinomaki 385-1
4.22 km (2.7 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
11. Sozankyo (from USD 79)
This next one is an amazing place for the views alone. You can have a romantic meal on the rooftop and look out at the entire hot spring area. Aso Uchinomaki Onsen Sozankyo is well-known. The ryokan offers traditional Japanese-style Kaiseki meals that you can take to the roof or have in your room. Rooms are decorated in a rustic Japanese style with Tatami floors, luxurious futon beds and sliding shoji paper doors. There are both indoor and outdoor onsens that are free for guests to enjoy, along with wifi, flat-screen televisions and other modern day necessities.
Sozankyo
Address: Uchinomaki 145-1
3.82 km (2.4 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
12. Yamamizuki (from USD 294)
Yamamizuki onsen prides itself on its helpful staff and breathtaking views. From the moment you arrive, they promise to do everything possible to help your stay be the best it can possibly be. The ryokan has two outdoor onsens that make you feel like you have retreated to a secret natural paradise. The onsens are surrounded by trees and plant life as well as a river that runs right next to them. This and the nearby waterfall create an amazingly picturesque atmosphere. The ryoken has kaiseki meals that are made by the highly trained ryokan chefs. They also have delicious coffee that is made at the onsite coffee house, and it is a must try for guests.
Yamamizuki
Address: Manganji 6392-2
11.92 km (7.5 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
Relax, Kumamon-style
Home of Japan’s favorite mascot, Kumamon, Kumamoto prefecture offers some of the best hot springs in Japan. Aso is a fantastic place to experience a Japanese onsen and the town’s southern Japanese culture. Just being in Aso will lead to a good trip but choosing your preferred ryokan is very important.
Frequently asked questions about tourist-friendly onsen ryokans in Aso
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