This article will provide a clear and concise overview of the characteristics and attractions of Hot springs resorts in each prefecture, recommended accommodations based on different purposes, and suggestions for how to spend your time there.
Table of Contents
- Reasons why Kyushu's Hot springs are chosen as a travel destination
- Hot springs resorts in Kyushu that you should visit at least once
- Hot springs resorts in Oita Prefecture
- Hot springs resorts in Kagoshima Prefecture
- Hot springs resorts in Kumamoto Prefecture
- Hot springs resorts in Fukuoka, Saga, and Nagasaki
- Recommended Hot springs inns to stay at in Kyushu
- [Oita Prefecture, Beppu] KAMENOI HOTEL BEPPU
- [Kagoshima Prefecture, Kirishima] Kirishima Kokusai Hotel
- [Fukuoka Prefecture, Kitakyushu] KAMENOI HOTEL GENKAINADA ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
- [Miyazaki Prefecture, Miyazaki] Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower
- [Kumamoto Prefecture, Aso] KAMENOI HOTEL ASO
- [Kumamoto Prefecture, Aso] KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
- [Fukuoka Prefecture, Yanagawa] KAMENOI HOTEL YANAGAWA
- [Nagasaki Prefecture, Sasebo] Hotel Lorelei
- [Nagasaki Prefecture, Matsuura] Matsuura City Hotel
- [Kagoshima Prefecture, Kagoshima] ART HOTEL Kagoshima
- How to make the most of your Hot springs trip in Kyushu
- Frequently Asked Questions about Hot springs in Kyushu
- Summary
Reasons why Kyushu's Hot springs are chosen as a travel destination
There are clear reasons why Kyushu continues to be a popular destination for Hot springs trips. Let's take a closer look at three key aspects: the abundance and variety of Hot springs, its convenient location for enjoying Hot springs, gourmet food, and sightseeing all at once, and its easy Access from urban areas.
The abundance of Hot springs and the variety of spring water types
The area around Mount Unzen, an active volcano, is home to Hot springs such as Unzen Hot springs and Obama Hot springs.
Kyushu isBoth the number of hot springs and the amount of hot spring water gushing out are among the highest in the country.This region boasts a wealth of Hot springs. One reason for this is that many areas are affected by volcanic activity. Due to differences in underground heat, geological layers, and the rocks through which the groundwater flows, the components of Hot springs vary greatly from region to region.
According to the Ministry of the Environment's "FY2024 Hot springs Utilization Status," Oita Prefecture ranks first in Japan for both the number of hot spring sources and the amount of hot spring water gushing out. Kagoshima and Kumamoto prefectures also rank highly in terms of the number of hot spring sources. In addition, the types of hot springs are incredibly diverse, including milky white sulfur springs, smooth-feeling bicarbonate springs, and rare natural carbonated springs.
The real charm of a Kyushu Hot springs trip lies in discovering different types of hot springs, each with its own unique character, in every location.
A location where you can enjoy Hot springs, gourmet food, and sightseeing all at once.
Hell-steamed dishes, a specialty of Hot springs
Hot springs trip in Kyushu isn't just about soaking in the hot springs. Its biggest appeal is that you can enjoy sightseeing and delicious food all in one place.
Kyushu is one of Japan's leading Hot springs regions, blessed with the resources of volcanoes and geothermal energy.You can encounter breathtaking scenery created by volcanoes and a food culture that makes use of the blessings of the land.There are Hot springs resorts in various locations.
For example, in Kannawa Hot springs in Beppu, you can enjoy the scenery of the "hells" (hot springs) with their rising steam, savor "jigoku-mushi" (hell-steamed food cooked using the steam from Hot springs), and relax in a soak. You can spend a fulfilling day like that.
Sightseeing, delicious food, and relaxing in hot springs. If you're looking to experience something out of the ordinary or simply refresh your mind and body, why not choose Kyushu as your next travel destination?
Ease of Access from urban areas
Four airlines operate direct flights between Haneda and Fukuoka: JAL, ANA, Skymark, and StarFlyer.
It is often thought that Kyushu is far from Tokyo,It takes less than half a day by air.It's also accessible by land, Access it a surprisingly easy travel destination.
Direct flights operate from Haneda and Narita airports to almost all prefectures in Kyushu, including Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Oita, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima airports. These direct flights are operated by airlines such as JAL and ANA, with the flight time between Haneda and Fukuoka being approximately 2 hours.
By land, the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines take you from Tokyo to Hakata in about 5 hours. From there, you can transfer to the Kyushu Shinkansen or the West Kyushu Shinkansen to Access various destinations.
No matter which Hot springs resort you choose, you can plan a stress-free trip. This ease of Access is a major advantage of traveling in Kyushu.
Hot springs resorts in Kyushu that you should visit at least once
Kyushu boasts countless Hot springs resorts, from well-known destinations to hidden gems. Here, we'll explore the characteristics and ways to enjoy Hot springs in each prefecture.
Hot springs resorts in Oita Prefecture
"Umi Jigoku" (Sea Hell), one of the "Beppu Hell Tours"
Oita Prefecture boasts the highest number of hot springs and the largest volume of hot spring water in Japan. It is home to two famous Hot springs resorts: Beppu and Yufuin, both bustling Hot springs cities enveloped in steam and stylish towns surrounded by nature where you can enjoy a stroll.
Beppu is a Hot springs town where steam rises from the streets.Boasting an abundant supply of hot spring water, it features seven of the world's ten main types of hot spring water.Beppu is known for its diverse range of hot springs. The main tourist attraction, "Beppu Hell Tour," allows visitors to experience the impressive scenery of hot springs such as the blue "Sea Hell" and the red "Blood Pond Hell," and the local specialty, "Hell Steaming," where ingredients are steamed using the steam from Hot springs, allows you to savor the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Yufuin, on the other hand, is a tranquil Hot springs resort located at the foot of Mount Yufu.The spring water is a simple Hot springs that is gentle on the skin.The tranquil Hot springs town is dotted with cafes and art galleries. In between strolls, you can enjoy visiting sweet shops, such as stopping by "B-speak," a specialty roll cake shop whose signature product is the "P Roll."
If you want to enjoy a hot spring tour and sightseeing, choose Beppu; if you want to enjoy cafes and art in a quiet town surrounded by nature, choose Yufuin. Being able to choose Hot springs resort that suits your travel purpose is one of the unique charms of Oita, which boasts two Hot springs resorts with distinct characteristics, Beppu and Yufuin.
Hot springs resorts in Kagoshima Prefecture
Ibusuki's "sand bath Hot springs" retain heat well, allowing you to stay warm for a long time after getting out of the bath (Image source: Ibusuki City Tourism Division)
Kagoshima Prefecture boasts the second-highest number of hot springs in Japan, following Oita Prefecture. It offers Hot springs resorts with distinct characteristics, situated in both mountainous and coastal areas.
The Kirishima Onsenkyo Hot springs area, located at the foot of the Kirishima mountain range, offers cool hot springs at an altitude of approximately 600 to 850 meters.Nine Hot springs are scattered throughout the plateau region.The quality of Hot springs varies from place to place, with some featuring milky white, cloudy water. There are also plenty of attractions nearby, such as Kirishima Shrine and Maruo Falls. For local cuisine, you can enjoy Kagoshima's unique brand meats, such as "Kagoshima Black Beef," "Kagoshima Black Pork," and "Kuro Satsuma Chicken."
Ibusuki Hot springs, located at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, is known for its bathing tradition of burying one's entire body in the sand on the beach and working up a sweat.A rare type of hot spring in the world: "sand bath Hot springs"It is a local specialty. The surrounding area also boasts spectacular scenery such as Mt. Kaimon, known as "Satsuma Fuji," and Lake Ikeda, Kyushu's largest caldera lake. Don't miss the local delicacy, "Ontamaran Don," which features a soft-boiled egg on top of Hot springs.
Whether you prefer the milky-white hot springs of the Kirishima Mountains or the sandy beaches of Ibusuki, Kagoshima offers a unique Hot springs trip where you can fully experience the wonders of nature.
Hot springs resorts in Kumamoto Prefecture
Kurokawa Hot springs 's winter tradition: "Yuakari" (hot spring lights)
Kumamoto Prefecture boasts a variety of Hot springs with diverse water qualities throughout the region. When people think of Kumamoto, many immediately picture the magnificent natural beauty of Aso. In fact, Aso itself is a treasure trove of excellent hot springs, with Kurokawa Hot springs, which can be enjoyed on foot, and Hot springs around Aso that can be explored by car being widely known.
Kurokawa Hot springs is Hot springs inns are clustered along a valley at an altitude of 700m. Based on the philosophy that "the entire town is one inn, the streets are corridors, and the inns are Guest rooms," a unified Japanese Hot springs is preserved.With a hot spring pass, you can choose three of your favorite open-air baths and enjoy a hot spring tour at a great price.In between strolling around town, you can also enjoy Aso delicacies such as Akaushi beef dishes and Jersey milk sweets.
Meanwhile, around Aso,Hot springs Hot springs such as Uchimaki Hot springs and Minami Aso Onsenkyo are scattered both inside and outside the caldera.。Aso五岳を望める露天風呂が多く、大観峰や草千里ヶ浜、中岳火口などをめぐるドライブ旅の拠点に最適です。
Kurokawa Hot springs offers the chance to enjoy a variety of hot springs while strolling through Hot springs, while the surrounding Hot springs of Aso are explored by car amidst the magnificent natural beauty of Aso. Although the travel experiences differ, whichever you choose, you'll encounter the unique charm and Hot springs of Aso.
Hot springs resorts in Fukuoka, Saga, and Nagasaki
"Unzen Jigoku" (Unzen Hell) is located in the center of Hot springs town.
Fukuoka, Saga, and Nagasaki prefectures are connected by rail, with Hakata as the starting point. These three prefectures in northwestern Kyushu also boast attractive Hot springs in coastal areas, mountainous regions, and highlands, respectively.
A hidden gem in Fukuoka Prefecture is Wakamatsu Hibiki Hot springs, which overlooks Genkainada.Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour by car from the city centers of Hakata and Kitakyushu.Its convenient location makes it easy to combine with city sightseeing. The salty water retains heat well, relieving travel fatigue, and after your bath, you can enjoy fresh seafood from Genkainada.
My recommendation for Saga Prefecture is Ureshino Onsen, a hot Hot springs with a charming rural atmosphere.A Hot springs town that flourished as a post town on the Nagasaki Kaido road during the Edo period.The area is lined with long-established inns. Ureshino Hot springs is famous for its hot springs with a smooth, silky texture. A local specialty is "Hot springs yudofu," which is tofu boiled in Hot springs water. It is also known as a tea-producing area, and "Ureshino tea" is a popular souvenir.
Unzen Hot springs in Nagasaki Prefecture is a hot Hot springs resort located on a plateau surrounded by the Unzen Mountains. Upon entering the town,Unzen Hell, where white steam rises from the ground.They will welcome you. The acidic hot spring water, which contains sulfur, may turn milky white depending on the inn.
Fukuoka, with its views of Genkainada; Ureshino, with its beautiful rural landscapes; and Unzen, a plateau shrouded in rising steam. The real charm of northwestern Kyushu lies in being able to escape the hustle and bustle of urban areas and enjoy the unique hot springs of each region.
Recommended Hot springs inns to stay at in Kyushu
Once you've decided on Hot springs resort, the next step is choosing accommodation. Whether you want to enjoy a famous hot spring, admire the ocean view, or find a convenient location for sightseeing, we'll introduce 10 recommended accommodations based on your purpose.
Accommodations where you can enjoy popular hot springs
If you're visiting Kyushu, you'll definitely want to soak in its famous hot springs. First, let me introduce two accommodations where you can enjoy Beppu Hot springs and Kirishima Hot springs, two of Kyushu's most renowned hot springs.
[Oita Prefecture, Beppu] KAMENOI HOTEL BEPPU
You can also enjoy the fresh air in the large Hot springs bath on the 3rd floor.
"KAMENOI HOTEL BEPPU" is a hotel located about a 5-minute walk from Beppu Station. It's also about a 5-minute drive to "Takegawara Hot springs," a symbol of Beppu Hot springs.Ideal as a base for visiting hot springs and sightseeing.is.
Hot springs facility is equipped with a spacious public bath, open-air bath, and sauna.A simple Hot springs with a gentle feel on the skin.However, it helps to soothe the fatigue of travel.
The views from Guest rooms are exceptional. Boasting one of the highest elevations among hotels in the city, the upper floors offer panoramic views of Beppu city with its rising steam from the hot springs.
Food, we recommend the buffet where you can enjoy Beppu's specialty, "Jigoku-mushi" (hell-steamed). You can savor the natural flavors of vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients steamed using the steam from Hot springs.
| Name | KAMENOI HOTEL BEPPU |
|---|---|
| Location | 大分県別府市中央町5-17 |
| Official website URL | https://kamenoi-hotels.com/beppu/ |
[Kagoshima Prefecture, Kirishima] Kirishima Kokusai Hotel
You can enjoy a sand Hot springs inside the building.
Kirishima Kokusai Hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Kagoshima Airport. It is located in Maruo Onsen, the heart of the Kirishima Hot springs Hot springs area.It's conveniently located near Kirishima Shrine and Maruo Falls, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.is.
Our pride and joy is Hot springs, a simple sulfur Hot springs with water flowing directly from the source. You can enjoy the milky white, cloudy water in a variety of baths, including an open-air bath surrounded by forest.
In June 2026,Kirisuna, the first sand bath Hot springs in Kirishima City.It's now open. You can experience a moment of sweating while burying your whole body in silica sand derived from volcanic ash inside the facility.
Dinner is a buffet offering approximately 90 kinds of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. You can enjoy carefully selected Kagoshima ingredients such as Kurobuta pork and Kurogyu beef.
| Name | Kirishima Kokusai Hotel |
|---|---|
| Location | 3930-12 Takachiho, Makizono-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Official website URL | https://www.kirishima-kokusai.com/ |
Accommodations where you can enjoy ocean views
Kyushu is a land surrounded by the sea on three sides. Here, we introduce two accommodations where you can enjoy views of Genkainada and the Hyuga Sea, respectively.
[Fukuoka Prefecture, Kitakyushu] KAMENOI HOTEL GENKAINADA ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
An order-buffet Restaurant where you can enjoy freshly prepared dishes.
KAMENOI HOTEL GENKAINADA ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT is about a 30-minute free shuttle bus ride from Orio Station. Located within Genkai Quasi-National Park, it is a hotel with spectacular views perched on a cape jutting out into the sea.
In July 2026,Kitakyushu-shi 's first all-inclusive hotelRenovated and updated. All Food, drinks, and Activity during your stay are included in the accommodation price.
The baths include a large public bath and an open-air bath, both supplied with hot spring water from our own source, which gushes from 1,500 meters underground. Bathing while watching the sunset over Genkainada or the glow of fishing lights is a truly special experience.
For dinner,Order-made buffet with each dish prepared individually in the live kitchen.You can enjoy freshly prepared dishes using fresh seafood from Genkainada and Hakata Wagyu beef.
| Name | KAMENOI HOTEL GENKAINADA ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT |
|---|---|
| Location | 福岡県北九州市若松区大字有毛2829 |
| Official website URL | https://kamenoi-hotels.com/genkainada/ |
[Miyazaki Prefecture, Miyazaki] Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower
Enjoy a wide range of leisure activities within the vast Seagaia Resort, including swimming pools, golf, Hot springs, spas, and various Activity.
Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower is about a 30-minute ride from Miyazaki Station on a free shuttle bus.A high-rise hotel located in the heart of one of the prefecture's largest resort areas.is.
All Guest rooms face east and offer ocean views.Below, the blue sea and a vast black pine forest stretch out, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of your room.
For your bath, head to "Shozenkyo," a Hot springs facility surrounded by pine trees. The mineral-rich water, gushing from 1,000 meters underground and dating back 10 million years, will soothe your travel fatigue.
For Food, you can choose from a variety of over 10 Restaurant, including buffets, Italian restaurants, and teppanyaki restaurants. After dinner, why not fully enjoy your resort stay in the spacious cocktail lounge, which reopened in March 2026 after renovations?
| Name | Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower |
|---|---|
| Location | Hamayama, Yamasaki-cho, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture |
| Official website URL | https://seagaia.co.jp/hotel/oceantower/ |
A hotel where you can enjoy bathing in magnificent nature.
Imagine soaking in a hot spring surrounded by the magnificent nature of Aso. Here are two Hot springs inns that will make that dream a reality.
[Kumamoto Prefecture, Aso] KAMENOI HOTEL ASO
The "Superior Room" is themed around "mountain resort + relaxation & chic."
KAMENOI HOTEL ASO is about a 15-minute free shuttle bus ride from Aso Station. It is a mountain resort hotel located at the foot of Aso Five Peaks.All rooms offer mountain views.From the windows of your Guest rooms, you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery of Aso Five Peaks from the comfort of your room.
The bath isThe hotel features a large public bath, an open-air bath, and two types of saunas, all using water from its own hot spring source, "Sensuikyo Hot springs."Not only does it soothe fatigue, the bathwater, rich in the skin-beautifying ingredient silica, leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Food are served at a buffet Restaurant featuring a live cooking counter designed to resemble a traditional Japanese hearth. You can enjoy Aso 's local specialties, such as Akaushi beef, horse sashimi, and dango soup.
| Name | KAMENOI HOTEL ASO |
|---|---|
| Location | 熊本県阿蘇市一の宮町宮地5936 |
| Official website URL | https://kamenoi-hotels.com/aso/ |
[Kumamoto Prefecture, Aso] KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
Guests can use the indoor heated pool free of charge.
"KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT" is a resort hotel where you can spend the whole day on-site, located about 5 minutes by free shuttle bus from Aso Station.Conveniently located as a base for sightseeing Aso, including Kusasenrigahama, Aso Shrine, and Sensuikyo Gorge.is.
The baths include a large public bath and an open-air bath using the hotel's own hot spring source, "Tsukasa Aso Hot springs." From the observation Hot springs, you can enjoy magnificent views of Aso, including Mt. Nekodake and Mt. Takadake. Inside the hotel,Indoor heated pool where you can enjoy yourself in your swimsuitThis means you can play without worrying about the weather.
For dinner, head to the buffet Restaurant, which offers a wide variety of approximately 90 dishes. You can enjoy Aso 's local cuisine, including freshly prepared dishes served at the live kitchen.
| Name | KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT |
|---|---|
| Location | 1230 Kurokawa Aso-shi Kumamoto |
| Official website URL | https://kamenoi-hotels.com/asoparkresort/ |
Accommodation where you can enjoy the traditional townscape
In addition to enjoying Hot springs, you'll also want to experience the unique streetscapes of the area. Here, we introduce Hot springs inns in Yanagawa, a castle town nestled in the waterways.
[Fukuoka Prefecture, Yanagawa] KAMENOI HOTEL YANAGAWA
A plan that includes a river cruise is something you'd only find in a town with many waterways.
KAMENOI HOTEL YANAGAWA is about a 15-minute drive from the west exit of Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station.A hotel adjacent to the canals, a symbol of the castle town of Yanagawais.
We also offer a plan that allows you to depart directly from the boarding area on the premises for our famous river cruise.It is also located nearby, along a walking path that has been selected as one of "Japan's 100 Best Roads," allowing you to enjoy a charming stroll through the town.
The baths include a panoramic bath and an open-air bath, both supplied with hot spring water from Yanagawa Hot springs, as well as a sauna. Looking down from the baths, you can see the canals and the scenery unique to this water town, with traditional boats plying the water.
Dinner is a multi-course kaiseki meal featuring the restaurant's specialty, "steamed eel in a bamboo steamer." You can enjoy dishes made with seafood from the Ariake Sea and Yanagawa beef.
| Name | KAMENOI HOTEL YANAGAWA |
|---|---|
| Location | 福岡県柳川市弥四郎町10-1 |
| Official website URL | https://kamenoi-hotels.com/yanagawa/ |
A convenient base for sightseeing.
If you want to enjoy not only Hot springs but also sightseeing, here are three conveniently located accommodations in Nagasaki and Kagoshima that can fulfill that desire.
[Nagasaki Prefecture, Sasebo] Hotel Lorelei
Located next to Huis Ten Bosch, it's in a very convenient location for sightseeing. (© Huis Ten Bosch C-10515)
Hotel Lorelei is about a 1-minute walk from Huis Ten Bosch Station.It's about a 10-minute walk to the Huis Ten Bosch Welcome Gate.This hotel is ideally situated as a base for exploring the park. It's also only about a 30-minute drive to the Kujukushima area, where aquariums, zoos, and botanical gardens are located, making it convenient for sightseeing by car.
The bathing facilities include a large public bath with natural Hot springs, an open-air bath, and two types of saunas.From the open-air bath, you can enjoy views of Huis Ten Bosch, and at night, you can relax in the bath while admiring the illuminations..
On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, dinner is a buffet featuring 50 kinds of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, including steaks grilled in the live kitchen and Nagasaki champon noodles. On other days, you can enjoy the "Hotel Lorelei Original Sasebo Burger," certified by the Sasebo Burger Association, and more.
| Name | Hotel Lorelei |
|---|---|
| Location | 449 Minamifuzaki-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture |
| Official website URL | https://lorelei.co.jp/ |
[Nagasaki Prefecture, Matsuura] Matsuura City Hotel
The fried horse mackerel tastes exquisite when enjoyed in its place of origin.
Matsuura City Hotel is located about a 7-minute walk from Matsuura Station and about a 5-minute drive from the Matsuura Interchange on the West Kyushu Expressway.Convenient base for driving tours to Hirado, Imari, and Sasebo.It's in a great location.
The hotel is equipped with a large public bath and an open-air bath.Radium hot springs are expected to have fatigue-relieving and health-promoting effects.However, it pleasantly soothes away the fatigue of travel.
Matsuura is known as the mecca of fried horse mackerel, boasting the largest catch of horse mackerel in Japan. You can enjoy exquisite fried horse mackerel, made with plump, thick horse mackerel coated in a crispy batter, as well as dishes that focus on seasonal local ingredients.
| Name | Matsuura City Hotel |
|---|---|
| Location | 1782-1 Uramen, Shisa-cho, Matsuura City, Nagasaki Prefecture |
| Official website URL | https://matsuura-cityhotel.com/ |
[Kagoshima Prefecture, Kagoshima] ART HOTEL Kagoshima
Deluxe Family Triple Sakurajima View with balcony/terrace
ART HOTEL Kagoshima is about 30 minutes by bus from Kagoshima Chuo Station and about 60 minutes by car from Kagoshima Airport. It is a hotel that offers views of Sakurajima across Kinko Bay.It's a great base for sightseeing in the city, as well as for road trips crossing from Kamoike Port to the Osumi Peninsula.It's perfect for that too.
From the Sakurajima-view Guest rooms, which come in a wide variety of types,You can experience Kinko Bay and the majestic Sakurajima volcano up close.There is no large public bath, but there is an outdoor spa with natural Hot springs water at 57.6 degrees Celsius (additional charge applies). Swimsuits are permitted for bathing.
Restaurant has three restaurants: a buffet, a Japanese restaurant, and a teppanyaki restaurant, where you can enjoy local delicacies such as Kagoshima Black Beef and Satsuma eel.
| Name | ART HOTEL Kagoshima |
|---|---|
| Location | 22-1 Kamoike Shinmachi, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Official website URL | https://osaketo-washoku.xyz/hotel-art-hotel-kagoshima-kagoshima |
How to make the most of your Hot springs trip in Kyushu
If you're making the effort to visit Kyushu from far away, you'll want to enjoy more than just bathing, right? Here are four ways to make the most of your Kyushu Hot springs trip.
Strolling through Hot springs town in a yukata
The charm of a Kyushu Hot springs trip isn't limited to just bathing. Stepping out into Hot springs town in a yukata (traditional Japanese robe) further enhances the travel experience. Changing into geta (wooden clogs) or setta (traditional sandals) naturally slows your pace, creating a sense of calm and allowing you to notice sights and shops you might normally overlook.
For example, in Beppu Hot springs or Yufuin Hot springs, where there are shops that rent out yukata,Just gazing at the steam rising from the hot springs and the scenery of the mountains while wearing a yukata (summer kimono) is enough to evoke a strong sense of travel.In between, you can enjoy local specialties and sweets, or browse for handicrafts at souvenir shops. These are also great ways to enjoy your trip.
Walking around in a yukata, a different outfit from everyday clothes, creates a special feeling. Don't just end your trip with a soak in Hot springs; strolling through the town at your own pace will make your Kyushu Hot springs trip even more memorable.
Enjoy local cuisine
Kyushu is a treasure trove of food, boasting a wide variety of local delicacies such as Bungo beef, Seki horse mackerel, Seki mackerel, Akaushi beef, Kurobuta pork, and Satsuma-age (fried fish cake). Because it has so many famous specialties,Enjoy local cuisine in addition to Food at your accommodation.I recommend this.
For example, in Oita, how about having sashimi of Seki horse mackerel and Seki mackerel for lunch, and a Bungo beef kaiseki dinner at your accommodation? By changing the main dish from seafood at lunch to meat at dinner, you can enjoy both specialties in a well-balanced way.
Enjoy it at your accommodation, and enjoy it in town. By varying where you eat and what you order, you're sure to enjoy the diverse flavors unique to Kyushu even more deeply.
Stay for multiple nights and enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area at your leisure.
For Hot springs trip in Kyushu, we recommend staying at one inn for multiple nights. This way, you can enjoy both sightseeing and Hot springs at your leisure.
What you need each time you change accommodationsCutting back on packing and travel will give you more flexibility in your itinerary.You'll have plenty of time to relax at scenic spots or head back to your accommodation early to soak in Hot springs.
For example, in Beppu, you can enjoy a leisurely trip, such as exploring the "hells" (hot springs) on foot or by bus on the first day, and then renting a car to Oita City on the second day. In the evening, you can return to your accommodation and relax in Hot springs.
Using one inn as your base, you can enjoy the scenery and food during the day and soothe your fatigue in Hot springs at night. Leaving some flexibility in your itinerary is the secret to enjoying Hot springs trip in Kyushu.
Enjoy the changing scenery with each season.
Even in the same Hot springs area, the scenery you see will be completely different depending on the time of year you visit. It's recommended to choose your destination and how you spend your time according to the season.
Many Hot springs resorts in Kyushu are located in mountains, plateaus, valleys, and along the coast, and the surrounding nature changes dramatically with the seasons. From spring to early summer, enjoy walks and drives amidst the fresh greenery; in autumn, admire the autumn foliage in the plateaus and valleys; and in winter, savor the warmth of an open-air bath to your heart's content in the crisp winter air.
Where you go is important, but what you see and how you spend your time during that season is also crucial.Combining the scenery of the four seasons with Hot springs, you'll discover new charms every time you visit.That is the real charm of a Kyushu Hot springs trip.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hot springs in Kyushu
Finally, I will answer three questions about Hot springs in Kyushu.
Which three Hot springs are considered the best in Kyushu?
Hot springs resorts listed as the "Three Great Hot springs of Kyushu" vary depending on the source. Among them, the ones most frequently mentioned are:Beppu Hot springs, Yufuin Hot springs, Kurokawa Hot springsis.
Beppu Hot springs is a representative Hot springs resort of Oita Prefecture, Japan's number one "onsen prefecture." It consists of eight Hot springs and has plenty of attractions, such as the "Hell Tour." Yufuin Hot springs is a highland Hot springs resort that spreads out at the foot of Mount Yufu. You can enjoy strolling through scenic spots such as Lake Kinrin and visiting art installations. Kurokawa Hot springs is a mountain Hot springs resort where inns are clustered along a valley. Its specialty is visiting open-air baths using a bathing pass.
Which Hot springs resorts in Kyushu are the largest?
The largest Hot springs resort in Kyushu is,Beppu Onsen, Oita Hot springsBeppu boasts the largest number of hot springs and the highest volume Hot springs water in Japan. Within the city, there are eight Hot springs known as "Beppu Hatto," including Beppu, Kannawa, and Myoban, where you can enjoy some of the world's most diverse range of hot spring waters.
Next in scale is Yufuin Hot springs, also located in Oita Prefecture. In addition, there are large-scale Hot springs resorts scattered throughout Kyushu, such as Kirishima Hot springs and Aso Hot springs in Kagoshima, and Aso Hot springs in Kumamoto.
What's a recommended itinerary for a 3-night, 4-day trip to visit Hot springs in Kyushu?
Kyushu is large, so if you have a 3-night, 4-day itinerary...Focus on a specific area for your tour.I recommend doing that.
For those who want to enjoy Hot springs and nature, the Oita/ Aso route is a classic choice. Stay the first night at Beppu Hot springs, the second night at Yufuin Hot springs, and the third night at Kurokawa Hot springs. If you plan to visit nearby tourist spots, renting a car will allow you to get around efficiently.
For a trip enjoying hot springs known for their skin-beautifying properties and strolling through towns, the West Kyushu route is ideal. Spend two nights in Ureshino Hot springs, and then spend the third night in Unzen Hot springs. Since the trip focuses on exploring Hot springs towns, it's easy to plan a trip using public transportation such as trains and buses.
Summary
This time, we introduced the charms of Hot springs resorts in each prefecture of Kyushu, recommended accommodations, and ways to spend your time there. Kyushu boasts one of the highest numbers of hot springs and the largest volume of hot spring water in Japan, and is home to famous hot springs with unique charms, such as Beppu and Yufuin in Oita, Kirishima and Ibusuki in Kagoshima, and Kurokawa in Kumamoto. When choosing accommodation, there are various options depending on your purpose and the number of days you are staying: do you want to enjoy a famous hot spring, encounter spectacular scenery such as the sea or mountains, or prioritize convenience for sightseeing?
With direct flights to various airports and a well-developed rail network, Kyushu is easily Access from the Kanto region. If you're overwhelmed by the many famous Hot springs resorts, use this article as a guide to plan the perfect Kyushu Hot springs trip for you.
Related article: Six hidden gem tourist spots in Kyushu that adults should visit at least once.
Published 2026.10.9
*Please check the official website of each facility for the latest information.