Kurokawa Onsen is a town you will easily fall in love with. The place is a hot spring lovers’ paradise where tradition and culture are raised high on a pedestal. You won’t see any concrete buildings here, only those made of wood and designed in a minimalist fashion. These traditions can be seen in numerous onsen ryokans that sit almost beside each other. Onsen ryokans are hot spring inns that are mostly found along the banks of the Tanoharu River. A number of these have outdoor public baths and special features like grottos and waterfalls. Scroll down for a list of the best onsen ryokans in Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto, Japan.
Travel tip:
- Do you love to explore everything at once? Then, I'd suggest experimenting with the rotating style of accommodation. Stay at a different inn each night and explore different parts of the onsen town. Get additional information on this unusual form of lodging on the official website of Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Association Information Center.
Event to look out for:
- Don't miss the Yu Akari Illumination festival if you're visiting in winter. This annual event involves lighting unique bamboo lanterns throughout the town. The locally made lanterns are kept lit from sunset to 10 pm every night. The best part? The festival is free for everyone!
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 June 28, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Ryokans | Onsen Access | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ryokan Sanga | Private and public; indoor and outdoor | from USD 456 |
| Okyakuya | Public, but can be reserved for private use; indoor and outdoor | from USD 337 |
| Ryokan Wakaba | Public; small baths can be reserved for private use; indoor and outdoor | from USD 124 |
| Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu | Public, but can reserve for private use; indoor and outdoor | from USD 181 |
| Kurokawa Onsen Yama no Yado Shinmeikan | Public and private; outdoor | from USD 287 |
| Kurokawa-So | Public and private; indoor and outdoor | from USD 399 |
| Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu | Private and public; outdoor | from USD 243 |
| Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Ichinoi | Public and private; indoor and outdoor | from USD 295 |
| inn NOSHIYU | Public and private; outdoor | from USD 107 |
| Fujiya | Public and private; outdoor | from USD 188 |
1. Ryokan Sanga (from USD 622)
This Kurokawa Onsen hotel provides a scenic setting that makes it perfect for an onsen vacation. The hot spring baths are located in open-air gardens and decks, which I feel sets the tone for a totally relaxing experience that invigorates and refreshes the mind and body. The lobby welcomes you with a comfortable seating while being warmed by a fireplace. A historic allure and appeal run throughout the ryokan, especially the rooms where you will find traditional tatami floor settings coupled with futon mattresses.
These traditional features are paired with modern conveniences like flat-screen televisions and refrigerators. Added amenities are unobstructed Wi-Fi, free parking, and an in-house souvenir shop.
What guests are saying about the onsen:
“…Onsen: They had PRIVATE onsen! If you are like us that are not comfortable getting stripped down in front of strangers, Ryokan Sanga comes with private onsen where you can book to use. Private onsen typically comes with higher priced Ryokans. And did i tell you they also have outdoor onsen and some good winter snowy view?…” - by Google reviewer, Danny Ang
Ryokan Sanga
10.64 km (6.7 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
2. Okyakuya (from USD 324)
Byakuya opened its doors in the town of Kurokawa Onsen back in 1722 and it offers a traditional onsen experience perfected through the centuries. The hot-spring bath is the ryokan’s main attraction and it serves as a leisurely way to relieve your body and relax your mind. Nearby is a public bath that can be reserved for private use. Rooms here are of top-notch design and minimalism is the main theme.
Once you step inside, you will be greeted by a tatami floor that signifies the traditions and history of the ryokan. Each room comes with a refrigerator, a flat-screen television, an en-suite toilet, and an air-conditioning unit. All baths are shared with other guests.
What guests are saying about the onsen:
“…Both the private and public baths are very nice. The outdoor onsen is quite hot and needs a bit getting use to, but it was a bit chilly outside when I went, so it was perfect…” - by Google reviewer, Deborah Cheng
Okyakuya
11.01 km (6.9 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
3. Ryokan Wakaba (from USD 129)
At Ryokan Wakaba, guests like you are welcome to enjoy their onsen facilities to no end. The ryokan has indoor and outdoor baths, both of which are surrounded by beautiful greens. Aside from these, the inn also has a stone sauna that helps you invigorate your body and calm your mind. Around the property are several smaller baths that you can occupy in private.
Rooms here are so relaxing and comfortable that they supplement the onsen experience to the hilt. These come with seating areas with low tables, flat-screen televisions, and refrigerators. A few of these are fitted with futon mattresses while others come with full beds. I’d suggest trying the futon ones to experience an authentic Japanese way of life.
What guests are saying about the onsen:
“…The onsen was also one of the best we visited and guests had the option of using one of the private onsens each day of their stay (when I believe you have to pay at most other places)…” - by Google reviewer, Tom Hordle
Ryokan Wakaba
11.0 km (6.9 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
4. Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu (from USD 397)
Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu dazzles both in beauty, service, and amenities. Simply stunning, this ryokan has a tea house where you can relax and sip Japan’s favorite drink. Within the property are a lounge, a lovely garden, and a scenic terrace. It has easy access to Kurokawa Onsen’s nearest bus stop. Accepting only adults, guests at the ryokan have a choice of unwinding in a shared onsen or booking one for private use.
Seasonal Japanese cuisine is served in the open-kitchen dining room. The rooms at this ryokan come replete with low tables, tatami floors, flat-screen televisions, coffee makers, and safety boxes.
What guests are saying about the onsen:
“…The range of onsen options surprised me and surpassed our expectations, we planned to buy the multi site ticket visiting the famous ones but in the end we didn’t bother because the options here were so good. Especially liked the Moon one and the Standing onsen, also nice that the private ones can be shared as a couple…” - by Google reviewer, Robert Cobb
Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu
11.15 km (7.0 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
5. Kurokawa Onsen Yama no Yado Shinmeikan (from USD 303)
Kurokawa Onsen Yama no Yado Shinmeikan ryokan has no less than five onsens for you to indulge in. I think the main attraction is the elongated cave onsen. The others are either indoor or outdoor type. The latter has one that can be reserved for private use.
All rooms at this ryokan provide a tranquil space to stay, where tatami floors provide a traditional Japanese look. Each room comes complete with a refrigerator, a flat-screen television, a seating area, and a private bathroom. Aside from these, the ryokan is known to leave no stone unturned to make your experience a memorable one by focusing even on the little things. This includes free parking, continuous Wi-Fi at the lobby, and vending machines to nourish your thirst.
What guests are saying about the onsen:
“…Onsen here are top notch - we loved the one up the hill in the trees! Having private options for us as a couple was nice too…” - by Mark (United Kingdom)
Kurokawa Onsen Yama no Yado Shinmeikan
10.95 km (6.9 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
6. Kurokawa-So
Onsen lovers will rejoice in the thought that Kurokawa-So has six hot-spring baths to choose from. The impressive rooms are done in Japanese traditional designs mixed with a few modern features. Here, you will find tatami floors, futon mattresses, and chabudai tables (low tables) that go perfectly well with refrigerators, air-conditioning units, and flat-screen televisions. Western-designed rooms come with everything mentioned but in place of futon mattresses, these are fitted with full beds. For a fully relaxing experience, get yourself an in-room massage done by a professionally trained masseuse. Dinner is presented in kaiseki style at the guest room while breakfast is served at the ryokan’s main dining area.
What guests are saying about the onsen:
“…Private onsen is small but nice, the public one (for hotel guests) is large with a lovely view.” - by Google reviewer, David Cerenius
Kurokawa-So
10.88 km (6.8 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
7. Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu (from USD 160)
Elaborate and delicious kaiseki dinner and breakfast. Pescatarian and Western meal options available. Excellent quality and variety of food.
Great value for money with dinner and breakfast included. Private onsen available for free.
Located next to a river in a tranquil, natural environment. Walking distance to Kurokawa town with beautiful scenery and lantern-lit river.
Numerous onsen options, including mixed onsen and private outdoor baths. Spacious rooms with beautiful views of the river and forest.
Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu is one of the best ryokan in Kurokawa. The staff here is well-trained to assist you with everything you need. The food has always been exceptional, ao, I’m sure foodies will love this property. However, the main attraction remains the onsens where you have a choice of outdoor and cave settings.
Either way, you cannot go wrong with what you choose and the Japanese-style rooms offer the utmost comfort and restful sleep with comfortable futons. You will also find refrigerators, living areas, and flat-screen televisions in these. All bathrooms are on a shared basis.
What guests are saying about the onsen:
“This is my favorite of three onsens I visited in Kurokawa Onsen. It has beautiful view for a big waterfall and it has super cold bath which I love to combine with hot onsen sessions…” - by Google reviewer, Mikolaj P
Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu
11.41 km (7.1 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
8. Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Ichinoi (from USD 277)
Located close to the center of Kurokawa Onsen, this ryokan offers a peaceful retreat where you can fully unwind. You’ll love the indoor and outdoor onsen baths, perfect for soaking in the healing hot springs while surrounded by nature. After your bath, retreat to your room with tatami mats and soft futon bedding giving you a quiet space to unwind. If you want to treat yourself, book a soothing massage. And when it’s time to eat, you’ll enjoy delicious, multi-course meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, served in a cozy dining room.
What guests are saying about the onsen:
“…We went to the public and private onsen, the public one being outside, and the private one being inside and you can book a specific time at the reception upon arrival. You have a kimono and socks that you can wear after the baths for dinner…” - by Valentine (France)
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Ichinoi
11.33 km (7.1 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
9. inn NOSHIYU (from USD 110)
At Inn NOSHIYU, you’ll feel completely at ease with all the comforts of home. The inn is surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful and calming atmosphere. Each room is equipped with a Bluetooth speaker, TV, and work desk so you can both work and stay entertained. There’s a mini kitchen for quick meal preps. To top it off, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast and have tea or coffee ready in your room.
I think the highlights of the ryokan are the private indoor bath and beautiful open-air onsen for relaxation.
What guests are saying about the onsen:
“…The highlight of this property is the variety of hot spring baths you can enjoy and many of them are private so you can have them all to yourself without needing a reservation. The outdoor bath at night was amazing under the autumn foliage with the steam floating above the hot water. It was like a dream…” - by Gregory (Australia)
inn NOSHIYU
11.14 km (7.0 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
10. Fujiya (from USD 402)
If soaking in hot springs is your idea of bliss, then I’d recommend Fujiya in Kurokawa Onsen for you. Set by a tranquil river, this ryokan invites you to unwind with a range of bathing options, from semi-open-air baths where you can hear the gentle flow of water to private indoor baths for a more intimate experience.
The rooms are charming too, whether you prefer Japanese-style accommodations with tatami mats and river views or cozy Western-style units. This amazing inn also has a spa!
What guests are saying about the onsen:
“…The indoor onsen was well-maintained with a nostalgic “Showa” vibe…” - by Nelson (United States)
Fujiya
11.01 km (6.9 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
11. Ryokan Yamanoyu (from USD 150)
Ryokan Yamanoyu offers elegant accommodations where you can sleep well, and onsens that cater to your wellbeing. It has indoor and outdoor baths where you can soak your tired body until you feel invigorated by the soothing hot-spring water. The former provides a touch of privacy while the latter gives you the chance to commune with nature. Done in traditional Japanese design, rooms at Ryokan Yamanoyu are huge and come with tatami floors and futon mattresses that offer comfort and assure you of sound sleep during your entire stay. To help you start your day right, tasty Asian breakfast options are served. This ryokan is easily accessible as it is located near a bus station.
Ryokan Yamanoyu
10.96 km (6.9 mi) from Daikanbō Lookout
The best ryokan experiences in Kurokawa Onsen
Ryokans never fail in providing a rejuvenating experience that relaxes your body and mind. Traditionally designed rooms, perfect surroundings, exceptional cuisine, and relaxing hot-spring baths make a ryokan experience the perfect vacation. The ones listed above are just waiting for you to book a stay.
Frequently asked questions about onsen ryokans in Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto, Japan
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
