Enjoying a Perfect Onsen and Famous “Hell Steamed Chicken” at Aso, Oguni’s Waita Sansou!

Enjoying a Perfect Onsen and Famous “Hell Steamed Chicken” at Aso, Oguni’s Waita Sansou!
Kyoko
Kyoko 
Published
| 3 min read

At the foot of Mt. Waitasan AKA Oguni Fuji, in Waita Onsen in Oguni, Aso district of Kumamoto Prefecture, there are 6 different onsen areas, Yamagawa Onsen, Okanoyu Onsen, Hagenoyu Onsen, Jigokudani Onsen, Asozuru Onsen and Suzugadani Onsen.

Because of the many attractive inns, onsen facilities, and gourmet cuisine spots, many are choosing this as a destination for travel.

“I want to fully enjoy local delicacies as well as onsen baths”

For those that feel this way we recommend Waita Sansou, which can make those wishes come true for a reasonable price.

Hagenoyu Onsen Waita Sansou

enjoying a perfect onsen and famous “hell steamed chicken” at aso, oguni’s waita sansou! | hagenoyu onsen waita sansou

In the steamy scenic Hagenoyu Onsen stands a small inn of only 7 rooms, Waita Sansou. There are 6 rooms in the main building and 1 cottage that has an outdoor bath, all of which are easy to relax in.

With many plans that allow you to enjoy Kumamoto cuisine and onsens at a reasonable price, it is very satisfying destination. There are also specially priced plans and anniversary plans so please check the link in the memo section below.

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“Hell steamed chicken” a Waita Onsen delicacy

enjoying a perfect onsen and famous “hell steamed chicken” at aso, oguni’s waita sansou! | “hell steamed chicken” a waita onsen delicacy

Of course the food at an inn is one of the most anticipated parts of travel.

Dinner here is made with an abundance of local ingredients, and depending on the plan you can have wagyu steak, or black hair pork shabu shabu, or horse sashimi all produced in Kumamoto Prefecture.

The Waita Onsen specialty “hell steamed chicken” is something you should definitely try. In a large basket steamer is a whole bird for 2 people! It comes with a knife and fork that the waitress quickly portions the chicken with.

The chicken is steamed from natural hot spring steam that billows out for 2 hours making the meat very tender and juicy retaining all the juicy goodness which goes well with the special ponzu sauce with grated daikon.

Breakfast is a very healthy affair full of local vegetables and tasty sun dried rice and jersey cow milk.

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Chikurin no Yu’s beautiful milky blue onsen

enjoying a perfect onsen and famous “hell steamed chicken” at aso, oguni’s waita sansou! | chikurin no yu’s beautiful milky blue onsen

After such a wonderful meal what better way to top it off than with a bath. The 5 baths they have are available only by reservation and free of charge for guests. There are two types of hot spring water here a clear one and one that is milky blue.

Each bath has a different design, but the one we recommend is the Chikurin no Yu.

The small path to the bath is lined with greenery and seasonal flowers. Once in the bath house a tub of milky blue water awaits. It is popular with fresh hot spring enthusiasts.

A bamboo forest can be seen next to the bath and is lit up at night for a totally different atmosphere from the day. The washing area is covered in tatami mats making the floor non-slip which you can even sit down on without any pain.

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A 180 degree panoramic view from the scenic bath

enjoying a perfect onsen and famous “hell steamed chicken” at aso, oguni’s waita sansou! | a 180 degree panoramic view from the scenic bath

The scenic bath is popular as well, both tubs are very spacious. From here you have a 180 degree panoramic view of Mt. Waitasan and the Aso mountains and the steamy onsen mountain town.

If you head here before 7am you are surrounded by a sea of clouds. It is a phenomenon that happens in special circumstances but when it does and the mountains become the birds flying above an ocean of clouds. During this writers trip the nature provided me with this show but it only lasted for 15 min. If you are lucky you will be able to bathe while watching this spectacle.

The slightly hot water is also beautiful with a slight blue tinge to it.

The other reserved baths are the indoor Iwanyu, and Waitanyu, and the half outdoor bath Sasanyu. Bath hopping within the inn while resting in between and replenishing fluids is one activity that is really enjoyable here.

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A visitor bath we recommend. Hourei no Yu

a visitor bath we recommend. hourei no yu

There are many onsen facilities around Waita Sanso, with the nearby Okanoyu Onsen Hourei no Yu being a popular one. On the grounds are the reserved bath, the men and women separate large bath house, and guest rooms.

The large bath house is a half outdoor bath with a very scenic view, and lots of light cloudy blue water. The color actually changes depending on the day from a very clear blue to a milky blue.

The reserve bath has a system where you insert a coin and the onsen water fills the tub, allowing guests to always enjoy a fresh bath.

One thing to try here is the hot spring steam cooker “Jigoku mushi”. For staying guests and onsen bathers this is free to use and you can bring your own ingredients. They also sell chicken wings and eggs at the reception desk.

Set your food in the steam cooker before your bath and by the time you get out the tasty snacks will be ready.

[Hourei no Yu] Visitor bath fee large bath house 500 JPY, reservation bath 800 JPY per hour per room

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In closing

We introduced Waita Sanso where you can fully enjoy an onsen and the hell steamed chicken, to your hearts delight.

If you extend your journey try out nearby Kurokawa Onsen and its famous outdoor baths. Enjoy a steamy hot spring town, great onsen water, and the local sights and gourmet delights here.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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