FUMOTO RYOKAN
| Sodium, Calcuim - Hydrogen carbonate, Sulfate, Chloride springs | pH |
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| ナトリウム・カルシウム－炭酸水素塩・硫酸塩・塩化物泉 | ||
| (Hypotonic, Neutral, High temperature Springs) | ||
| 旧泉質名：含石膏・塩化土類－重曹泉 | ||
Ideal for people like this
- Who want to try the skin beautifying effect
- Who have dry skin
- Who are feeling stressed
- Who have sensitivity to cold
- Address
- 6697 Manganji, Minami-Oguni machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto, 869-2402, JAPAN
- TEL
- +81-(0)967-44-0918
Official Website
Travel Journal
Hot Spring Power Chart (5-point scale)
Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH)
- Comment
- Hot spring for beautiful skin that combines three types of spring quality
Hot spring Specification
※This is an easy-to-understand expression based on the indications for each type of spring in the "Standard Methods of Analysis for Mineral Springs" revised in July 2014 by the Ministry of the Environment.
| ①Mental recovery | ②Insomnia | ③Promote blood circulation | ④Sensitivity to cold | ⑤Dry skin |
| ⑥Cuts | ⑦Skin diseases | ⑧Hypertension (mild) | ⑨Heartburn (drinking) | ⑩Gastrointestinal disorders (drinking) |
| ⑪Constipation (drinking) | ⑫Lifestyle-related disease | ⑬Diabetes | ⑭Gout | ⑮Countermeasures against metabolic syndrome |
| ⑯Biliary system anxiety (drinking) | ⑰Anaemia | ⑱Arthritis rheumatica | ⑲Spinal pain | ⑳Improved immunity |
| ㉑Muscle pain・Neuralgia | ㉒Mild asthma | ㉓Hemorrhoidal pain | ㉔Recovery from an illness | ㉕Recovery from fatigue |
- ※Note①･･･Indications for each spring include autonomic instability and depression.(Simple springs・Chloride springs・Carbon dioxide springs)
- ※Note③･･･Indications for each spring include peripheral circulatory disturbance(Chloride springs・Carbonate springs・Carbon dioxide springs・Hydrogen sulfide type sulphur spring)
- ※Note④･･･Indications for each spring include sensitivity to cold (Chloride springs・Carbonate springs・Sulfur springs・Carbon dioxide springs) and Iron containing springs
- ※Note⑦･･･Indications for each spring include xeroderma, atopic dermatitis, plaque psoriasis, epidermoid suppuration, chronic eczema (Chloride springs・Carbonate springs・Sulfate spring・Acid springs・Sulfur springs)
- ※Note⑨･･･Indications for drinking each spring include reflux esophagitis (Carbonate springs)
- ※Note⑩･･･Indications for drinking each spring include atrophic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcerations (Chloride springs・Carbonate springs)
- ※Note⑪･･･For drinking, Chloride springs and Sulfate spring
- ※Note⑫･･･Indications for each spring include hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, gout (for bathing, Acid springs・Radioactive springs/for drinking, Carbonate springs・Iodine containing springs・Sulfur springs)
- ※Note⑮･･･Indications for drinking each spring include hypercholesterolemia (Sulfate spring・Iodine containing springs・Sulfur springs)
- ※Note⑱⑲･･･Indications for each spring include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis(Radioactive springs)
- ※Note⑳･･･Radioactive springs
- ※Note㉑㉔･･･Simple Springs is suitable for rehabilitation due to its low irritation, and is also called "Hot spring for Neuralgia" and "Hot spring for Stroke", although these are not listed as indications by spring quality.
| Applicable to indications by spring quality | Applicable to general indications |
7 Elements of Hot Springs for Beautiful Skin
Total4Points ※The number of points represents the quality of the "Hot spring for Beauty".
| Skin cleansing effect | Skin reviving effect | Skin whitening effect |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen carbonate springs | Sulfate springs | Sulfur springs |
| Skin smoothing effect | Skin coating and moisturizing effect | Skin moisturizing effect | Cleaning effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Weak) Alkaline springs | Chloride springs | Metasilicic acid(more than 100mg/kg) | Metaboric acid(more than 10mg/kg) |
- ※The "Four Best Beauty Springs" are said to be "Carbonate spring", "Sulfate spring", "Sulfur spring", and "(Weak) Alkaline simple hot spring".
- ※The "Chloride spring" coats the skin with a salt pack, keeping it warm and moisturized at the same time. It is also called "hot spring for finishing touch" to be taken after the "hot spring for beauty" in which exfoliation has been removed.
- ※Hot springs containing 100 mg/kg or more of metasilicicic acid have an excellent moisturizing effect and is said to be "hot spring for beauty".
- ※Hot springs containing 10 mg/kg or more of metaboric acid have a cleansing effect, is used in some eye drops, and is said to be effective in treating acne.
Water texture while bathing(5-point evaluation)
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Mushy | |
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| Powdery | |
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Chewy | |
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| Fizzy | |
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Tingling | |
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 Open-air Bath |
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Skin feeling after bathing(5-point evaluation)
| Silky | |
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Dryness | |
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| Powdery | |
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Sticky | |
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| Moistly | |
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Warmly | |
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| Open-air bath |
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View from the open-air bath (5-point evaluation)
 View |
Surrounded by bamboo trees, enjoying the feeling of soaking in an open-air bath deep in the mountains. |
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| Bath |
Women's Open-air Bath "Uen-Yu" |
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Point 4 |
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Hot Spring Source Usage
| Water added No |
Heated No |
Disin fected No |
Circulated No |
Bath additive No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ○ | △ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| ※All bathtubs are 100% free-flowing hot spring water ※In winter, the temperature is kept at a suitable level for bathing by exchanging heat with the shared source of Kurokawa Onsen (higher temperature) |
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| Percentage of hot spring source |
100％ | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement frequency of hot spring water | Once a day | ||||
| Yield of hot spring water |
Power-pumped hot spring drawn from 300 m underground | ||||
| Distance from the source to the bathtub |
About 700m (hot water piped from sister inn "Kounoyu") | ||||
| How hot spring water is drawn | Drawn by pipe | ||||
| Temperature adjustment | Adjustment of hot water volume | ||||
| Drinking spring | Cannot | ||||
| "Gensen-Kakenagashi" Bath | Large public bath (open-air bath) x 2, Private bath (including open-air bath) x 11, Guest room open-air bath x 3, Footbath x 1 | ||||
Hot Spring Composition TableHot Spring Analysis Report
| Spring Quality | Sodium, Calcuim - Hydrogen carbonate, Sulfate, Chloride springs(Hypotonic, Neutral, High temperature Springs) 旧泉質名：含石膏・塩化土類－重曹泉 |
|---|---|
| Color of hot spring | Slightly yellow, Clear |
| Scent of hot spring | Mild hydrogen sulfide odor |
| Dissolved substances | 1,180mg/kg (Sum of components (1) + (2) + (3), excluding gaseous substances) |
| Temperature of spring | 60.5℃ (9.1℃ at the time of the survey) |
| pH | 6.4 (Neutral) |
| Yield | Unclear ※The requirements to satisfy kakenagashi (flowing directly from the source) and amount of hot spring required for bathtub management are more than 1 liter/minute per person who enters the bathhouse (cited from "Gensen-Yuyado"). |
Hot Spring Composition (Amount contained in 1 kg of spring)
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|---|---|---|---|
| ①Cation | mg | mval | mval% |
| Sodium Ion (Na+)★ | 160.9 | 7.00 | 52.96 |
| Calcium Ion (Ca2+)★ | 54.0 | 2.69 | 20.39 |
| Magnesium Ion (Mg2+) | 27.5 | 2.26 | 17.10 |
| Potassium Ion (K+) | 42.6 | 1.09 | 8.24 |
| Manganese Ion (Mn2+) | 0.9 | 0.03 | 0.25 |
| Iron(Ⅱ) Ion (Fe2+) | 0.8 | 0.03 | 0.23 |
| Iron(Ⅲ) Ion (Fe3+) | 0.4 | 0.02 | 0.14 |
| Ammonium Ion (NH4+) | 0.4 | 0.02 | 0.15 |
| Lithium ion (Li+) | 0.4 | 0.06 | 0.48 |
| Strontium Ion (Sr2+) | 0.2 | 0.01 | 0.04 |
| Barium ion (Ba2+) | 0.1 | 0.00 | 0.01 |
| Cations Total(1) | 288.1 | 13.21 | 100.00 |
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| ②Anion | mg | mval | mval% |
| Hydrogen Carbonate Ion (HCO3-)★ | 288.8 | 4.37 | 37.01 |
| Sulfate Ion (SO42-)★ | 197.2 | 4.11 | 32.10 |
| Chloride Ion (Cl-)★ | 138.7 | 3.91 | 30.59 |
| Thiosulfate Ion (S2O2-) | 0.9 | 0.02 | 0.13 |
| Bromine Ion (Br-) | 0.7 | 0.01 | 0.07 |
| Fluoride Ion (F-) | 0.3 | 0.01 | 0.11 |
| Anion Total(2) | 626.7 | 12.79 | 100.00 |
| ③Undissociated Components | mg | mmol | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metasilicic Acid (H2SiO3)★ | 251.4 | 3.22 | |
| Metaboric Acid (HBO2)★ | 9.7 | 0.22 | |
| Meta-arsenic Acid (HAsO2) | 0.1 | 0.01 | |
| Undissociated Components Total(3) | 261.1 | 3.44 | |
| Dissolved Gas Components | mg | mmol | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free carbon dioxide (CO2) | 104.2 | 2.37 | |
| Free hydrogen sulfide (H2S) | Less than 0.1 | Less than 0.1 | |
| Dissolved Gas Components Total(4) | 104.3 | 2.37 | |
| Other Trace Components | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total arsenic 0.03 mg/kg, Hydrogen ion, Aluminum ion, Copper ion, Zinc ion, Total chromium, Hydroxide ion, Iodine ion, Hydrogen sulfide ion, Dihydrogen phosphate ion, Carbonate ion, Nitrate ion, Nitrite ion: Not detected |
★are the components related to the "spring quality" and the components that qualify conditions for "hot spring" and "therapeutic hot spring".
Indications by Spring Quality for Bathing (Revised on July 1, 2014)
Cuts, Peripheral circulatory disturbance, Sensitivity to cold, Depression, Dry skin
General Indications for Bathing (Revised on July 1, 2014)
Chronic pain or stiffness of muscles or joints (chronic phase of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains, etc.),
muscle stiffness by motor paralysis, sensitivity to cold, peripheral circulatory disturbance,
gastrointestinal hypofunction (slow digestion, intestinal gas formation, etc.),
mild hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), mild hypercholesterolemia,
mild asthma or emphysema, pains of hemorrhoidals, autonomic instability,
various symptoms from stress (sleep disorders, depression, etc.),
restorative phase from illness, recovery from fatigue, health promotions
Contraindications by Spring Quality for Bathing (Revised on July 1, 2014)
None
General Contraindications for Bathing (Revised on July 1, 2014)
Active stage of diseases (especially when fever is accompanied), active tuberculosis,
advanced malignant tumor, or the case of significant debility involving severe anemia,
severe cardiac or lung diseases involving suffocation feelings with a little movement,
severe kidney disease involving edema, gastrointestinal bleeding,
when there is visible bleeding, acute exacerbation stage of chronic diseases, etc.
Indications by Spring Quality for Drinking
Not drinkable
Date of Analysis (The above hot spring composition table is cited from the survey data of the following institution)
December 16, 2016 (Dojin Glocal Co. Ltd)
- ※Indications and contraindications for hot springs are in accordance with "Standard Methods of Analysis for Mineral Springs" revised on July 1, 2014.
- ※Data was provided by the ryokan.
20 qualifications for "hot spring" and 8 qualifications for "therapeutic hot spring"
| Conditions/Components (contained amount in 1kg) ※If even one of the conditions is cleared, it is a "Hot spring" or "Therapeutic hot spring" |
A【Hot Springs Act】 Conditions of the "Hot spring" |
B【The Guideline for analysis of Kosen】 Conditions of the "Therapeutic hot spring" |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Temperature (when collected from source) | 25℃ or more | |
| 2 | Dissolved substances (excluding gaseous) | Total amount 1,000mg or more | |
| 3 | Free carbon dioxide (CO2) | 250mg or more | 1000mg or more(Carbon dioxide springs) |
| 4 | Lithium Ion (Li+) | 1mg or more | ― |
| 5 | Strontium Ion (Sr2+) | 10mg or more | ― |
| 6 | Barium Ion (Ba2+) | 5mg or more | ― |
| 7 | Total Iron Ion［Fe2+（Iron(Ⅱ) Ferro ion）＋Fe3+（Iron(Ⅲ) Ferri ion）］ | 10mg or more | 20mg or more(Iron containing springs) |
| 8 | First Manganese Ion (Mn2+) | 10mg or more | ― |
| 9 | Hydrogen Ion (H+) | 1mg or more | 1mg or more (Acidic springs) |
| 10 | Bromine Ion (Br-) | 5mg or more | ― |
| 11 | Iodide Ion (I-) | 1mg or more | 10mg or more (Iodine containing springs) |
| 12 | Fluoride Ion (F-) | 2mg or more | ― |
| 13 | Hydro Arsenate Ion (HAsO42-) | 1.3mg or more | ― |
| 14 | Meta-arsenic Acid (HAsO2) | 1mg or more | ― |
| 15 | Total sulfur (S) [HS-(Hydrogen sulfide ion)+S2O32-(Thiosulfate Ion)+H2S(Free hydrogen sulfide)] | 1mg or more | 2mg or more (Sulfur springs) |
| 16 | Metaboric acid (HBO2) | 5mg or more | ― |
| 17 | Metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) | 50mg or more | ― |
| 18 | Bicarbonate soda (NaHCO3) | 340mg or more | ― |
| 19 | Radon (Rn) | 20 or more (unit: ten ppb curie) 20×10-10Ci(curie) or more 20 or more(ten ppb curie) =74Bq(becquerel) / 5.5mache or more |
30 nanocurie or more (Radioactive springs) 30×10-10Ci(curie) or more 30 or more(ten ppb curie) =111Bq(becquerel) / 8.25 macheor more |
| 20 | Radium salt (as Ra) | 10-8mg or more 1/100 million mg or more |
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| Number of conditions cleared this "hot spring" or "therapeutic hot spring" is: | 5 (out of 20) | 2 (out of 8) | |
| Total 7 Points | |||
Hot Spring Legends and More
Traditionally documented efficacies
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Historical figures who bathed in this hot spring
Haiku poet Takano Soju (1893-1976)
Celebrities who bathed in this hot spring
Numerous cultural and celebrity visitors, not mentioned due to private use
Hot Spring (Onsen) Report
The total amount of dissolved substances in a hot spring (the sum of (1) Cations + (2) Anions + (3) Dissolved components) is 1,180 mg/kg (more than 1,000 mg/kg), which is considered a "therapeutic spring" one rank higher than the "hot spring" status. In such cases, when naming the spring, the ion with the highest millivalent percentage (more than 20%) of (1) Cations and (2) Anions will appear in the spring name (less than 1,000 mg will be named as "Simple hot spring"). The rule is that the ions are listed in order from the ionic name with the highest number. The ion name reveals the characteristics of the hot spring. The most concentrated ions are (1) Sodium ions for the cations and (2) Hydrogen carbonate ions for the anions. These ions combine to form a Sodium - Hydrogen carbonate spring (Sodium bicarbonate spring), which is the main quality of the spring. It is called "Hot spring for beautiful skin" because it softens the surface of the skin, making it easier to remove dead skin cells and making the skin smooth and silky. It is also known as a "Hot spring for cooling off", as it causes the skin to release more moisture after bathing in it. The indications for the hydrogen carbonate spring include Cuts, Peripheral circulatory disturbance, Sensitivity to cold, and Dry skin.
The second spring quality is a "Calcium - Sulfate spring (Gypsum spring)". This Sulfate spring is called "Hot spring for anti-aging" because of its skin reviving and wrinkle stretching effects, and like "Sodium - Hydrogen carbonate spring (Sodium bicarbonate spring)", it is also called "Hot spring for beautiful skin". In addition, it is also called "Hot spring for cuts" because of its ability to revive the skin. Sulfate ions also have a dilating effect on blood vessels and are said to be good for hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Calcium - Sulfate spring (Gypsum spring) is said to have a calming effect due to the calcium ions, and the indications for this type of spring are the same four as those for Hydrogen carbonate springs, plus the additional indication of Depression.
The third spring quality is "Sodium - Chloride spring (Salt spring)". It is called "Hot spring for warmth" or "Hot spring for heat" because the salt content covers the sweat glands of the skin, preventing evaporation of sweat and making it difficult to cool down. In addition, because of the coating effect of the hot spring components, it is also effective as a finishing bath (moisturizing effect) after bathing in "Hot spring for beautiful skin". It is also called "Hot spring for cuts" because of its salt content, which has a antibacterial effect. The indications by spring quality for the Chloride spring are the same as for the Sulfate spring: Cuts, Peripheral circulatory disturbance, Sensitivity to cold, Depression, and Dry skin.
As mentioned above, in addition to the 3 characteristics of the spring, the pH of the spring is 6.4 (neutral), which means that the water is also low-irritant. Also, the Sodium and Hydrogen carbonate ions are notable once again. When the sum of these two (millivalent %) exceeds 80%, a "smooth feeling" is produced, and this hot spring has 52.96% Sodium ions + 37.01% Hydrogen carbonate ions = 89.97% in total, which can be experienced when bathing. It should also be added that the amount of Sodium hydrogen carbonate (Bicarbonate soda), one of the qualifications for a "hot spring", also exceeds the standard value of 340 mg (397 mg/1 kg). Incidentally, according to the Guidelines for Mineral Spring Analysis Methods, sodium hydrogen carbonate is calculated by multiplying the lower of the equivalent amount of Sodium ion and Hydrogen carbonate ion (mval/kg) by the molecular weight of Sodium hydrogen carbonate (84.01). In other words, since the Hydrogen carbonate ion is less in this case, multiplying the millival of Hydrogen carbonate ion by the molecular weight of Sodium carbonate (84.01) yields "397", which is over 340, and thus qualifies as a "hot spring".
In addition, Undissociated Components Total(3) of Metasilicic Acid, a moisturizing component, contains more than five times the standard value for hot springs, so it can be called "Hot spring for beautiful skin" in this point as well. By using this free-flowing luxurious hot spring water, you can directly feel the original efficacy of the hot spring on your skin. Another secret of the inn's popularity is that guests can enjoy three types of hot spring baths, including the open-air bath in the large public bath, a private open-air bath with an excellent view, and a guest room open-air bath where they can bathe at any time of the day using the abundant private hot spring water.
| Private bath "Tachiyu" | Open-air bath "Momiji-no-Yu" |
|---|---|
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| It is the largest of the private baths. The depth increases as you move from the front to the back, reaching a maximum depth of 150 centimeters, and you can stretch your legs by holding onto the wooden pillar in the center. Stretching your arms and legs to the fullest in a natural, comfortable posture puts no strain on your back or knees. | The open-air bath "Momiji-no-Yu" is basically for men, but from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. it is for women only. Bathing while listening to the murmuring of the Tanohara River that flows below the open-air bath will provide a strong tipping point effect. |
| Private bath "Ichi-no-Yu" | Private bath "Go-no-Yu" |
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| The bathtub is constructed of stone and stands on a slope, providing an excellent view. It is interesting to note that the thriving trees provide just the right amount of shade. | The private baths are full of the atmosphere of the outdoors. Although not as large as the standing baths, small groups can enjoy a relaxing soak in the baths. Of course, the source of the water is free-flowing. |
Facility Report
Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture is now playing a textbook role for all hot spring areas in Japan. Although it is a small hot spring resort located in the mountains, the individuality of each hot spring area is not compromised, and yet the overall impression of the hot spring area is one of uniformity.
As a finishing touch, Kurokawa Onsen sold "Onsen hopping pass" that allowed visitors to bathe in three baths for the purchase of one bill, and led visitors to tour the entire hot spring area while wearing yukata, which became very popular.
The entire town was captured as a single onsen ryokan, giving it a sense of unity, which won the sympathy of onsen fans.
It was the president and landlady of Fumoto Ryokan who came up with the idea for the "Onsen hopping pass", which is now commonplace in hot spring areas throughout Japan.
The inn is located on Kawabata-dori, the main street of Kurokawa Onsen, and has a total of 17 baths (2 open-air baths for men and women, 11 private baths including open-air baths, 3 open-air guest baths, and 1 footbath) for a total of 14 guest rooms, making it a true department store of hot springs.
The guest rooms are mainly rustic Japanese-style rooms, but there is also a guest room with an open-air bath and a bed in the annex.
The cuisine includes Kumamoto's famous horse sashimi and Higo beef, and is reasonably priced, so everything is highly rated.
You can truly feel the reason for the nationwide popularity of Kurokawa Onsen at this inn.
Travel Journal
Rates Data
| 1 night/2 meals fee | From 16,650 yen (tax included) |
|---|---|
| 1 night/Breakfast fee | From 11,150 yen (tax included) |
| Stay without meals | No settings |
| Staying alone | From 16,650 yen (tax included) |
| Private bath fee when overnight stay |
Free |
| Day stay | Available with the purchase of "Onsen hopping pass" ￥1,500 (tax included) |
| Private bath for day-stay |
No settings |
Facility Data
| Establishment | 1955 |
|---|---|
| Check-In | 3:00 p.m. |
| Check-Out | 10:00 a.m. |
| Location and Environment | Hot spring area |
| Number of Rooms | All 14 rooms (Japanese-style room 11/Japanese-Western style room 2/Western-style room 1) |
| Number of People Accommodated |
50 persons |
| Parking Area | Available for 20 cars |
| Facilities | Banquet hall, Shop |
| Internet | Wi-Fi available |
| Barrier Free | Not supported |
| Toilet with washer | Equipped |
Transportation Access
| By bus | ○From Fukuoka: Express buses are available via Hakata Station, Tenjin Station, and Fukuoka Airport (Nishitetsu Express Bus) ○From Kumamoto: Highway buses available via Kumamoto Station, Aso Kumamoto Airport, and Aso Station (Trans Kyushu Bus) ※For Trans Kyushu Bus, there are two types of buses: one includes sightseeing in Aso and the other does not. Also available from Beppu area. ※Sanko Bus is also available from Kumamoto area. Nishitetsu Express Buses are available for Hita Station (many services, transfer at Hita Station) and for Tsuetate Onsen (few services). |
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| Shuttle bus | None |
| By car | Exit at the Hita Interchange or Yufuin Interchange on the Oita Expressway or at the Kumamoto Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway. |
| Address | Kumamoto / Kurokawa Onsen / FUMOTO RYOKAN 6697 Manganji, Minami-Oguni machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto, 869-2402, TEL: +81-967-44-0918 |
- Data
- Dec. 4, 2024
