Ryokan Kounoyu

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.

Kurokawa Onsen has become one of the most popular hot spring areas not only in Kumamoto Prefecture and Kyushu, but also in Japan. The hot spring town stretches along the Tanoharu River in a valley, and is mainly made up of small-scale inns with 30 or fewer guest rooms. The exterior of the inns, all with clay walls and kawara tiled roofs, combined with the surrounding countryside, creates an atmosphere that is truly worthy of being called the "Japanese countryside". Many tourists enjoy strolling through the hot spring town on weekdays and weekends, and it has become a typical sight in this town.
Located the center of this hot spring area are "Jizo-do" and "Jizo-yu" (the first site of hot spring gushing in Kurokawa). Next to these is the "Ryokan Kounoyu", which is the detached building of the "Fumoto Ryokan".
The small inn is located on a hill about 1 km from the center of the hot spring area, about a 10 min. walk away, and was originally run by a different company. In 2002, Fumoto Ryokan purchased the inn and reopened it. The inn is popular among travelers who want to enjoy the atmosphere of Kurokawa Onsen in a quieter setting, as there are no other lodging facilities nearby, while maintaining the "Kurokawa-ness" of the rural atmosphere and sense of oneness with nature. The buildings are scattered among the trees and look as if they blend in with the greenery. In the fall, the autumn leaves add color and create a more elegant atmosphere.
The inns in Kurokawa Onsen are not relatively large buildings. Some inns offer unique baths, such as vast open-air baths with large rocks or cave baths, to entertain guests. Another feature is the large number of family baths (private baths). The quiet environment is wonderful due to its location a little away from the central area of Kurokawa, but this inn offers a higher grade of relaxation.
This inn is a "detached" style inn, approached from the front building through a corridor with access to the outside air, and is luxurious in that it has a "guest room open-air bath" with "free-flowing hot spring water". The wooden architecture and rustic furniture and furnishings are typical of Kurokawa Onsen, rather than going the route of modern designer ryokan, and the hotel has all the elements that make it popular with people of all ages. Many guests use the inn for anniversary events such as wedding anniversaries and birthdays. The reason for this must be the well-balanced mixture of a somehow relaxing atmosphere and a high-quality, extraordinary atmosphere.
Travel Journal