This hot spring resort is near enough to Kumamoto city that its possible to visit for a day trip, but why not make the most of your time with an overnight stay at this luxurious facility? 

Around 40 minutes by car from Kumamoto City is Ueki Onsen. The pride and joy of Kumamoto, the onsen baths situated at each inn have their own natural hot spring sources. Thanks to the resort being so close to the interchange, it's a popular spot for onsen lovers from outside the prefecture, too.

Of all of the hot springs available in the area, "Yayanoyu" is particularly special because each room is fitted with its own private open air bath.

It is situated in an immaculately kept garden. Cross a stone bridge to the bathhouse, where you can enjoy bathing in a relaxing space.

The origin of the inn's name, "Yayanoyu", comes from the word, Aka-chan, meaning baby.

The onsen was named to invoke the image of bringing bathers "skin like a newly born baby", and the water quality is so rich and soft, that you'll find yourself wanting to stay submerged in it forever.

In April of 2020, this restaurant, which had only served traditional Japanese cuisine, was reworked into an Italian restaurant. The vegetable-centric menu places emphasis on pesticide-free organic vegetables, featuring rare Italian as well as locally produced seasonal vegetables, whose growers can be identified.

The Okami (hostess) here has an unparalleled love of cats. Taking under her wing any strays that happen to pass through, means that you can find whole families of cats basking in the sun all around the inn. Furthermore, the Okami has affectionately given each cat its own funny name, and hearing the stories behind these names is another part of the Yayanoyu experience that you may look forward to.

Ueki Onsen Ryokan Yayanoyu

Yonetsuka 366, Ueki-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi

Located in Ueki hot springs resort, Ryokan Hirayama is visited by onsen lovers from all over Japan for its reputation of having a water quality said to be like skincare lotion. The separate male and female springs have both indoor and outdoor bathing, and the temperature is perfect for taking a long soak.

You can buy bottled spring water to take home with you, and there is a Teyu (hand bath) at the entrance of the inn for you to enjoy freely. Instead of an appetiser before your meal, at Hirayama you can enjoy a "bath-etiser" with a pre-dinner bath!. The food is also made using water from the springs, including the onsen Shabu-Shabu (hot pot). It really is the perfect place for onsen lovers!

Ueki Onsen Ryoka Hirayama

Yonetsuka 178, Ueki-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi

Wafuno Ryokan Taka no ya (Japanese Inn Hawk House) was first opened in 1970 as sushi restaurant Yakko-zushi, and was converted in to the ryokan it is today in 1989. Because of its roots as a sushi restaurant, this place has a reputation for being an inn with delicious cuisine.

Taking advantage of Kumamoto's geography, the cuisine features food from the sea and mountains, as well as locally produced vegetables straight from the farm. Fresh produce is for sale in the lobby, too, so you can also take something nice home to give as a gift. Japanese chefs use the seasonal produce to make traditional Japanese Kaiseki dishes. Sushi, of course, is part of the menu.

Apart from the large bathing areas, there are both indoor and outdoor family onsen. They also have children's toys you can borrow, so why not come and enjoy bathing together as a family in your own private space?

Ueki Onsen Wafuno Ryokan Taka no ya

Yonetsuka 26-2, Ueki-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi