Hitoyoshi Onsen Nabeya in Hitoyoshi Onsen, Kyushu

Overview

Nabeya blends over 190 years of history with bold, modern design. Facing the Kuma River, this ryokan invites you to experience a space shaped by tradition but refreshed through innovation. Whether the river rushes or glides gently, Nabeya has stood through it all. Rebuilt after the 2020 floods, the new wing reflects resilience and renewal. As you step inside, you enter a story of heritage and inspiration.

Accommodation

You’ll choose from four room types, each offering beautiful river views and different levels of comfort:

Suite Room: A fully private space with its own hot spring bath and sweeping river vistas.
Semi‑Suite Room: Spacious and refined, designed for your comfort.
Superior Room: A generous area that balances tradition and ease.
Standard Room: Classic Japanese style blended with thoughtful conveniences.

Check‑in begins at 3:00 PM and check‑out is until 10:00 AM. All 37 rooms are non‑smoking and feature free Wi‑Fi. You may connect via wireless LAN; wired access is not available.

Dining

Nabeya’s restaurant, CRESCENT – “Hope,” sits in the new wing overlooking the river. It offers innovative cuisine that merges tradition and creativity using local ingredients. Choose from three dinner courses—“New Moon,” “Waxing Crescent,” and “Three‑Quarter Moon”—each reflecting the ryokan’s namesake themes.

Chef Koji Tomiyama draws on 31 years of culinary experience, including serving at the Russian consulate in Vladivostok, to design dishes that surprise and delight.

Dinner takes place in the main dining space, but you can also book one of seven private dining rooms for 2 to 12 people—ideal for celebrations or ceremonies. For breakfast, enjoy a buffet-style spread—mainly Western—with around twenty dishes. Sit at the terrace to enjoy the river breeze and morning sunlight.

A dedicated café and Kumashochu bar opens throughout the day and evening, serving around 30 local shochu varieties. Relax over a drink by the river’s gentle sounds.

Onsen and Wellness

Nabeya taps into Hitoyoshi Onsen, whose history dates to 1492 and features over 50 sources. Its alkaline bicarbonate spring is gentle and soothing, ideal for all ages, and supports relief from nerve and muscle discomfort.

You can soak in public baths, a sauna, or private family baths. The new wing’s top-floor baths offer panoramic views of the Kuma River and the nearby castle ruins. Bathing hours run from 3:00 PM to midnight, and again from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Suite and semi‑suite rooms include private in-room baths, so you can enjoy the hot spring at any hour. Amenities include body soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

Guests with tattoos

You’re welcome to use private or in-room baths. Feel free to let the ryokan know during booking if you’d like guidance on options.

Facilities

Entrance & Lobby: Featuring a traditional stone installation that welcomes you into a space flooded with natural light and river views.
Café & Kumashochu Bar: Relax on sofas or at the counter while enjoying local shochu.
Large Public Bath & Sauna: Located on the top floor of the new wing with expansive views.
Private Family Baths: Bookable for your exclusive use.
Gift Shop: Select local Kumamoto crafts and confectionery.
Footbath: Enjoy the river breeze while soaking your feet.
Kids’ Space: Designed for safe family fun.
Private Dining Rooms: Seven rooms for 2–12 people—great for intimate meals or ceremonies.
Banquet Halls: Four rooms named after lunar phases, ranging from small gatherings to larger parties.
Smoking Area: Located on the 6th floor; the rest of the property is non‑smoking.
Additional conveniences: Vending machines, paid laundromat, massage service, fax access, wake-up call, courier drop-off, free parking for 30 vehicles, and full credit-card acceptance.

Activities

Let the concierge guide you through Kumagawa Valley’s rich culture and scenery:

River Cruises: Ride traditional wooden boats steered by local boatmen along one of Japan’s great rapids.
Rafting, Canyoning, and SUP: Choose your pace on the river—thrilling or calm.
Kumashochu Distillery Tours: Discover local rice-based shochu tradition at nearby breweries.
Golf: Three golf courses lie within half an hour by car.
Cycling: Ride along 29 km of riverside trails from Hitoyoshi to Yunomae.
Local Temple Visit: Walk along the Kuma River to Aoi Aso Shrine, a 1,200-year-old national treasure just 10 minutes away.

Additional Features

Concierge service in the lobby for arranging local experiences and hidden gems.

Flexible bath and use arrangements for families, children under 3 stay free (without amenities), kids 3 and up pay a small usage fee.

Lockup after 1:00 AM—if your departure is before 7:00 AM, please let them know in advance.

Clear cancellation policy based on days before arrival; no-shows incur full charges.