Just as there are wine sommeliers, in Japan there are also qualified 'hot springs sommeliers'. This qualification is unique to Japan, a country brimming with natural hot springs in every place. This article comes to you from Kumamoto's number one onsen sommelier, Yukiko Imamura. 

Compared with the rest of Japan, Kyushu has many more onsen, and Kumamoto is a hot springs haven! In fact, Kumamoto has one of the highest concentrations of onsen in Japan. This plethora of freshly brimming spring water has made Kumamoto a hot topic amongst onsen geeks. Of these many springs, here are just a few family-style onsen picked out by sommeliers.

Of all of the styles of baths Kumamoto has on offer, family-style baths are what the area is really known for. It is said that the popularity of family onsen started with Yamaga Onsen, and they can now be found scattered across Kumamoto, from the north of the prefecture to Ueki-machi in the city.

Kazoku Onsen (family hot springs) are, in other words, private baths. Whether by yourself, with family or friends, you can have the bath all to yourselves, making these facilities popular with families and groups.

Family baths usually cost more that 1000 yen per time, but they can be used by groups of family or friends, and it's even ok to use them alone. The great atmosphere of these exceptional baths lets you while away the time bathing. Relax in Kumamoto City and its suburbs through this highly recommended experience.

Located in Kumamoto city's northern Ueki town, Onsen Yu-an offers family onsen that you can enjoy all by yourself.

From your room, listen to the bubbling sound of the onsen water as it gushes out in to the bath. The water in the family baths here is changed each time before use.

These baths are so enjoyable that you might find yourself unconsciously uttering the word heaven. The water quality, which includes hydrogen carbonate spring water, is said to promote beautiful skin. Entry to the onsen is half price between Monday and Friday, 10 am - 6 pm. (Please contact the onsen to confirm that the service is available before you arrive)

Onsen Yu-an

Kameko 1526-1, Ueki-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi

Tennen Onsen (natural springs) Batten no Yu is a super bathhouse, including large baths, a dining space and family baths, too. Including the main and annex buildings, the complex boasts a total of 15 family baths. There are also outdoor baths on offer, for an even more relaxed atmosphere.

Located 20 minutes away from Kumamoto's city center by car, these baths also contain the beautifying minerals of chloride and hydrogen carbonate.

As well as using the onsen, you can also indulge in beauty treatments for the perfect relaxation experience.

Come and enjoy some time alone at a family onsen during your solo trip to Kumamoto City and the surrounding area.

Tennen Onsen Batten no Yu

Ezu 3-5-17, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto-shi

The next onsen on our list is Toyomizu no Yu, located in Shisui-machi in Kikuchi City.

Inside the facilities, you can find baths made using Shigaraki ware - a kind of stoneware originating from the Shigaraki region. These baths give you the peculiar feeling that your body is being steeped in a bowl, but the experience is a thoroughly enjoyable one. 

The water quality is part hydrogen carbonate, part chloride, making it another great bathing spot for the beauty-conscious.

Tennen Onsen Toyomizu no Yu

Toyomizu 3575, Shisui-machi, Kikuchi-shi