The historic hot spring town of Kurokawa Onsen sparkles with traditional Japanese inns that master authentic hospitality. The intimate Oyado Noshiyu caters perfectly to couples and solo travelers with its adults-only policy and private baths. I love Ryokan Ichinoi for its meticulous service and soul-soothing outdoor pools carved into the riverbank. Oku No Yu wins my vote for its spectacular mountain views and sublime seasonal kaiseki meals.
Several inns stand out for their dedication to Japanese traditions. The family-run Yamabiko Ryokan offers an immersive cultural stay with its tea ceremonies and garden views. Wafu Ryokan Misato impresses with its intimate size and personalized attention.
Let’s explore our carefully selected top accommodations in this therapeutic hot spring haven.
Good To Know
Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu is an adults-only ryokan with exceptional food, attentive staff, and a serene environment, rated 9.5/10 from 645 reviews.
Okyakuya is the oldest inn in Kurokawa Onsen, established in 1722, offering various Japanese-style rooms and high-rated kaiseki meals.
Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Ichinoi is a highly-rated ryokan within a 10-minute walk from the bus stop, offering Japanese-style rooms and traditional multi-course meals.
Kurokawa Onsen Oku No Yu is a highly-rated ryokan nestled along the Tanohara River, featuring an indoor swimming pool, public hot spring baths, and free WiFi.
Ryokan Wakaba in Minamioguni is rated 9.1/10 for its spacious hot spring baths, Japanese-style accommodations, and full-course seasonal dinners with optional horse sashimi.
Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu
Located just a 5-minute walk from the Kurokawa-Onsen bus stop, Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu is a highly-rated Japanese-style ryokan that offers guests a truly immersive onsen experience.
This adults-only accommodation boasts room amenities like tatami floors, low tables, and some with private baths. Guests can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, outdoor and indoor hot-spring baths, a shared lounge, and free WiFi.
With an overall rating of 9.5/10 from 645 reviews, Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu is praised for its exceptional food, attentive staff, and serene environment.
While tattoos may restrict access to public bathing areas, the ryokan provides free private parking and welcomes guests aged 13 and above.
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Okyakuya
Okyakuya stands as the oldest inn in Kurokawa Onsen, having been established in 1722. This historic inn was once the official lodging of the Higo Hosokawa clan, and it’s the only one in the area that’s retained its original name.
Guests can choose from various Japanese-style rooms, some with scenic riverside views. The inn boasts shared hot spring baths and a private tub available for reservation.
Visitors rave about the exceptional kaiseki meals made with local ingredients. Okyakuya’s high ratings for cleanliness, comfort, and facilities reflect the inn’s commitment to providing a memorable experience.
While the inn welcomes adult guests aged 18-80, it has a strict no-children policy. Overall, Okyakuya offers a charming, historic ambiance and a rewarding stay in the heart of Kurokawa Onsen.
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Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Ichinoi
Situated a mere 5-minute walk from the heart of Kurokawa Onsen’s hot spring district, Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Ichinoi offers guests a tranquil retreat.
This ryokan boasts a 9.3 rating based on 362 reviews, with guests praising its exceptional hospitality, clean facilities, and high-quality cuisine.
The accommodations feature Japanese-style rooms with tatami floors and futon bedding, along with private toilets and shared bathrooms.
Visitors can indulge in the indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, as well as savor traditional multi-course meals showcasing seasonal ingredients.
Conveniently located, the ryokan is a 10-minute walk from the Kurokawa Onsen bus stop and within a 30-minute drive of various local attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the Kurokawa Onsen area.
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Kurokawa Onsen Oku No Yu
Nestled along the Tanohara River in the renowned Kurokawa Onsen hot spring area, Kurokawa Onsen Oku no Yu boasts a 9.1 rating based on over 1,200 guest reviews.
This ryokan offers a variety of accommodation, including superior rooms with open-air baths, Japanese-style rooms with shared bathrooms, and houses with private outdoor soaking tubs. Guests can enjoy the indoor swimming pool, public hot spring baths, and free WiFi.
Meals are praised for their artful presentation and use of seasonal, high-quality ingredients. The staff are highly rated for their friendliness and helpfulness, though the ryokan has certain restrictions, such as a tattoo policy and limited dietary accommodations.
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Ryokan Wakaba
Located in the serene town of Minamioguni, Kumamoto, Ryokan Wakaba beckons travelers seeking a quintessential Japanese hot spring experience. Rated 9.1/10 for location, the ryokan features spacious indoor and outdoor hot spring baths surrounded by lush greenery.
Its Japanese-style accommodations offer comfortable seating areas and bedding options, whether traditional futon or Western-style. Theres some good a full-course seasonal dinner, with the option to request horse sashimi.
With an overall rating of 9.0/10, Ryokan Wakaba impresses with its attentive staff, well-maintained facilities, and excellent value for money.
Whether soaking in the therapeutic waters or savoring the delectable cuisine, this ryokan promises a truly immersive and rejuvenating stay in the heart of Kumamoto’s renowned onsen region.
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Kurokawa Onsen Yama No Yado Shinmeikan
Kurokawa Onsen Yama no Yado Shinmeikan stands in the heart of the renowned Kurokawa hot-spring area, boasting an excellent location rated 9.3/10 by guests.
This Japanese-style ryokan offers spacious rooms with tatami flooring, flat-screen TVs, and fridges. Theres some good five hot-spring baths, including a stunning 30-yard cave bath.
The on-site restaurant serves delectable Japanese cuisine, earning high praise for both breakfast and dinner. With a staff rating of 9.7, the ryokan provides exceptional service.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. While children aren’t allowed, and guests with tattoos may face restrictions, the ryokan’s overall rating of 9.1/10 from 333 reviews reflects its ability to deliver a truly relaxing and rejuvenating onsen experience.
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Ryokan Nanjoen
Ryokan Nanjoen stands as another premier accommodation option within the renowned Kurokawa Onsen area. This traditional Japanese-style ryokan boasts an excellent 9.5/10 location rating based on 151 reviews.
Guests rave about the attentive staff, delicious meals, scenic mountain views, and relaxing onsen facilities. The ryokan offers eight indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, as well as a family onsen room.
Room amenities include flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and yukata robes. Meals feature local produce served in a communal dining area.
Ryokan Nanjoen adheres to COVID-19 protocols and has a quiet hours policy from 8 PM to 8 AM. However, guests with tattoos may be restricted from the public bathing areas.
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Gekkoju Kurokawa
Gekkoju Kurokawa, a 5-star ryokan, stands nestled in the serene Minamioguni region, less than a kilometer from the renowned Kurokawa Onsen.
This ryokan boasts excellent facilities, including free parking, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi, and a bar. Guests rave about the world-class amenities, such as hot spring baths, open-air baths, and massage treatments.
The well-appointed guest rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen TV, fridge, and stunning mountain views. With a remarkable 9.8 rating for cleanliness and comfort, Gekkoju Kurokawa offers exceptional value for money.
Reviewers praise the attentive staff, delectable cuisine, and thoughtful accommodations, making it an ideal choice for couples and families seeking a luxurious getaway.
Fumoto Ryokan
Nestled in the serene Minamioguni region, Fumoto Ryokan offers a tranquil respite just a 15-minute walk from the renowned Kurokawa Onsen.
This traditional Japanese inn boasts an impressive 9.2/10 rating from 153 reviews, with guests praising its excellent location, top-notch facilities, and exceptional staff service.
Accommodations range from twin rooms with open-air baths to traditional Japanese-style rooms, all equipped with modern amenities.
Visitors can unwind in the ryokan’s various indoor and outdoor hot spring baths or indulge in a delectable Japanese dinner and breakfast.
With its 9.8/10 staff rating, Fumoto Ryokan is known for its attentive and hospitable service, ensuring a truly immersive and memorable experience for guests seeking the best of Kurokawa Onsen.
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Kurokawa-So
Situated in the serene Minamioguni region, Kurokawa-So is a traditional Japanese-style ryokan that offers guests a tranquil respite just a 20-minute drive from the renowned Kurokawa Onsen.
This 9.2/10 rated ryokan boasts an excellent location, with easy access from Kumamoto Airport and nearby attractions like Kuju Flower Park.
Guests can choose from a variety of room types, all featuring tatami flooring and garden views. The highlight is the ryokan’s 6 different hot spring baths, including private and family options.
Kurokawa-So also impresses with its exceptional Japanese cuisine and exceptional service, earning high marks from reviewers for its friendly staff and cleanliness.
Whether seeking a peaceful getaway or a soothing onsen experience, Kurokawa-So delivers a quintessential ryokan stay in the heart of Kumamoto.
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Yumerindo
Although nestled in the heart of the Kurokawa Onsen area, Yumerindo stands out as a highly rated ryokan that offers guests an authentic traditional experience.
Located in Minamioguni, Kumamoto, this ryokan boasts an impressive 8.9/10 rating based on 170 reviews. Guests praise the excellent location, attentive staff, and exceptional meals.
The ryokan features traditional amenities like yukata robes and on-site hot spring baths, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Japanese culture.
While some guests noted room comfort issues, the overall consensus is that Yumerindo provides a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere with beautiful garden views.
With its central location and comprehensive facilities, Yumerindo is an excellent choice for those seeking a genuine ryokan stay in the renowned Kurokawa Onsen.
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Yamabiko Ryokan
Yamabiko Ryokan stands out as another highly-rated option for those visiting the Kurokawa Onsen area.
Situated just 5 minutes from the Meotodaki Falls, this traditional ryokan offers Japanese-style rooms with tatami floors and futon bedding, as well as Western-style rooms and deluxe suites.
Guests can enjoy the public indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths, sauna, and table tennis facilities.
The ryokan’s culinary offerings include a traditional multi-course dinner and Japanese set-menu breakfast served in private dining rooms.
While massages are available at an additional cost, the highlight is the exceptional personalized service, spacious rooms with stunning views, and variety of private onsen options, all of which have earned Yamabiko Ryokan an impressive 8.9/10 rating from over 130 reviews.
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Wafu Ryokan Misato
Wafu Ryokan Misato is another highly-rated option for travelers exploring the Kurokawa Onsen area.
Located 25 miles from Mount Aso and 30 miles from Kinrinko Lake, this traditional Japanese inn boasts an impressive 8.3 rating based on 61 reviews.
Guests praise the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the tasty breakfast.
The inn’s amenities include free private parking, shared bathroom facilities, and various spa services like public baths and hot springs.
However, some guests found the room comfort lacking, with concerns about hard tatami mattresses and soundproofing.
Wafu Ryokan Misato follows standard ryokan house rules, including check-in and check-out times and a no-cash, credit cards only policy.
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Satonoyu Waraku 13 Years or Older
Satonoyu Waraku 13 Years or Older is an adults-only ryokan situated in Minamioguni, Kumamoto, offering a serene retreat for guests seeking a traditional Japanese lodging experience.
Boasting an 8.4 rating, the property features an open-air bath, hot spring, and wellness services. Guests can enjoy in-room amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.
The ryokan’s restaurant and bar provide dining options. With free private parking and WiFi, it’s conveniently located within 45-56 km of popular landmarks like Mount Aso and Kinrinko Lake.
However, the ryokan has strict policies, including an adults-only requirement and no pets or children allowed. Guests must comply with quiet hours and indicate their gender and transport mode during booking.
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The Sum Up
Kurokawa Onsen offers a range of high-quality ryokans to suit various preferences and budgets. Visitors can choose from traditional inns like Ichinoi and Wakaba or more contemporary options such as Oku No Yu and Yumerindo. Each ryokan provides a unique onsen experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty and cultural traditions of this renowned hot spring destination.