Overview

Hidden along the tranquil banks of the Tanohara River, Oku no Yu offers a peaceful escape into the heart of Kurokawa Onsen. Surrounded by forested hills and the soothing sounds of flowing water, this riverside ryokan invites you to relax, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy the colors of the seasons in every direction.

With a wide 1.6-acre property, you’ll find yourself immersed in nature, whether you’re walking between baths, enjoying rustic meals, or gazing at the garden from your room. This is a place where time slows down—and where the seasons reveal their quiet magic.

Accommodation

You can choose from 26 rooms spread across the main building, new building, and a series of peaceful annexes surrounded by trees. Each room embraces a different mood, from riverside elegance to private hideaways in the forest.

Bamboo Annex

Step into a quiet world in one of the standalone annexes. Surrounded by bamboo and set apart from the main buildings, these rooms offer full privacy in a natural setting. Accommodates 2–8 people.

Separate Japanese-Style Rooms

Located near the source of the Chikugo River, these 10-tatami mat rooms let you enjoy the view from a private terrace while immersed in bamboo forest atmosphere. Suitable for 2–4 people.

Japanese/Western Rooms (New Building)

These rooms feature a mix of tatami space and Western-style beds, plus a small outdoor bath on the wooden terrace. All rooms in this category are wheelchair accessible. Sleeps 2–5 people.

Each room includes wireless internet, a peaceful view of nature, and the soft sounds of the nearby river.

Dining

At Oku no Yu, the food reflects the region’s natural bounty. Each meal is thoughtfully crafted using ingredients from the local morning market. You’ll enjoy rustic, seasonal menus that shift daily with what’s freshest—from slightly sweet local vegetables to rich Higo beef and delicate river fish.

Dinner Sample Menu Includes

• Seared Higo beef
• Savory egg custard
• Sweetfish grilled with salt
• Seasonal tempura
• Red miso soup and Hinohikari rice
• Soy milk pudding

Breakfast Sample Menu Includes

• Grilled fish
• Simmered hijiki seaweed
• Fresh fruit
• Homemade yogurt
• Japanese pickles and rice

Meals are served in the main building’s dining rooms, where you’ll sit at tables made from local Aso wood. You can select your breakfast start time—either 8:00 or 8:30.

Special Kumamoto dishes, like horse meat sashimi, can be ordered in advance. Child-friendly meals are also available. However, the kitchen may not be able to accommodate certain dietary restrictions or allergies.

Onsen and Wellness

Oku no Yu features nine different bath types spread across the grounds, including rare mixed-gender outdoor baths and private family baths. All baths use 100% natural spring water drawn straight from the source.

Mixed Outdoor Bath

Set beside the river and shaded by a straw roof, this bath has a peaceful atmosphere and is open 24 hours. It becomes female-only from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

River Bath

Soak beside the Tanohara River as the breeze and flowing water soothe your senses. Open 24 hours, with the same female-only hours as above.

Cave Bath

Bathe in dim light and soft echoes in a unique cave setting. Mixed bathing, with a mystical, secluded feeling. Also available 24 hours.

Female-Only Open-Air Bath

Enjoy privacy and quiet as you unwind in a secluded setting, available 24 hours a day.

Private Family Baths

Choose from three options:

• Ajisai (Hydrangea) Bath
• Momiji (Maple) Bath
• Take (Bamboo) Bath

Each bath is surrounded by nature and available from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and again from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Hinoki (Japanese Cypress) Bath

Relax in the warmth of fragrant hinoki wood. Available exclusively to overnight guests, 24 hours a day.

Stone Sauna and Cold Bath

Located in the new building, this mist-style sauna uses limonite ore and operates from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. It’s gentle on the body and open to all overnight guests.

Hot Spring Pool

A rare feature in Kurokawa, this hot spring-fed pool is open to all ages year-round. You’ll need to wear swimwear to enter. Open from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Spring Quality

Chloride sulfate sodium spring

• Spring temperature: 95°C
• Helps relieve muscle pain, neuralgia, joint stiffness, fatigue, and poor circulation
• Water is clear and free of deposits
• Drinking is not permitted

Guests with Tattoos

If you have tattoos, consider using the private family baths or calling ahead to confirm current guidelines.

Facilities

Oku no Yu is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a complete retreat in nature. Facilities are spread across the main building, new building, and peaceful gardens:

• 9 different hot springs including mixed, indoor, and private options
• Stone sauna and hot spring pool
• Vending machines
• Smoking area
• Garden paths lined with seasonal flowers and fruit trees
• Reception area and banquet hall
• Wheelchair-accessible ramps and rooms

The property includes a parking lot with 25 spaces and one EV charging outlet.

Activities

Stroll through the garden, soak in multiple hot springs, or relax in the quiet of your room. Seasonal blooms and mountain views make every corner of the property worth exploring.

You can also try the local specialty: Hell Steam Cuisine—vegetables and eggs steamed using natural hot spring steam. It’s available on-site at select times.

Additional Features

Day-use bathing available from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Internet available in the lobby and guest rooms

Payments accepted by credit card or cash

Check-in: from 3:00 p.m. (latest by 5:00 p.m.)

Check-out: by 10:00 a.m.

Oku no Yu invites you to enjoy the healing power of nature, the warmth of seasonal cuisine, and the calm of riverside life—all within the quiet beauty of Kurokawa Onsen.