Kyushu is widely celebrated as one of Japan’s leading hot spring regions, with a rich variety of inns scattered across the landscape. From secluded mountain retreats to luxurious resort-style accommodations, the range is unmatched. This guide highlights truly exceptional onsen inns that excel in water quality, scenic views, and hospitality—complete with details on access and the best seasons to visit.
Yufuin – Misty Tranquility at the Foot of Mount Yufu
A symbol of onsen excellence, Yufuin in Oita Prefecture offers an elegant blend of nature and serenity. Just a short taxi ride from JR Yufuin Station, this area is home to inns with free-flowing natural hot spring baths and private villa-style rooms. Guests can enjoy open-air baths overlooking Mount Yufu, especially enchanting on autumn or winter mornings when fog, foliage, and frost create a dreamlike harmony.
Beppu – Diverse Springs and Steamed Culinary Delights
Also in Oita, Beppu Onsen stands out for its variety of spring types. In the Kannawa district, travelers can enjoy “Jigoku Mushi” cuisine—meals steamed using natural geothermal heat—making for a stay that blends bathing with local flavor. Easily accessed by a 30-minute bus ride from Oita Airport or JR Beppu Station, Beppu’s rising steam in winter adds a surreal, painterly quality to the town’s atmosphere.
Kurokawa – A Hidden Mountain Village Steeped in Onsen Culture
Tucked away in the mountains of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kurokawa Onsen is a charming hot spring town where traditional wooden inns line quiet paths. Guests can purchase a special pass to enjoy a “rotenburo tour,” soaking in open-air baths across multiple inns. A rental car from Aso Kumamoto Airport is the best way to reach the area. Spring and autumn offer ideal weather for walking and enjoying the harmony between the townscape and nature.
Ureshino – Silky Waters and Cultural Encounters in Saga
Ureshino Onsen in Saga Prefecture is renowned for its skin-softening hot springs, featuring clear, velvety waters. Just 40 minutes by bus from Shin-Omura Station on the Shinkansen line, the area is also known for refined ryokan where guests can experience local ceramics and regional cuisine. Winter is especially popular, as the soothing waters provide long, warming soaks without the chill—making it a perfect escape into wellness and cultural refinement.
Aoshima Onsen – Beachside Relaxation Meets Hot Spring Comfort in Miyazaki
Aoshima Onsen in Miyazaki Prefecture is a rare destination where a tropical beach resort atmosphere blends seamlessly with traditional Japanese hot spring culture. Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, this coastal area offers inns with open-air baths overlooking the sea—ideal for those who wish to unwind in the onsen after a day of surfing. From summer into autumn, the ocean breeze adds to the comfort, making it easy to balance leisure and relaxation.
Unzen Onsen – Highland Serenity in Sulfur-Scented Air
Unzen Onsen in Nagasaki evokes the feeling of a highland retreat, enveloped in the soft scent of sulfur. Due to its elevation, the area remains pleasantly cool even in summer, making it a popular escape from the heat. Accessible within about 90 minutes via the Shimabara Peninsula from Nagasaki Airport, its open-air baths, framed by mountains and mist, offer a deeply tranquil and restorative experience.
Kirishima Onsen – Volcanic Views and Seasonal Splendor in Kagoshima
Kirishima Onsen in Kagoshima Prefecture features spectacular open-air baths with sweeping views of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay. Easily reached via taxi or bus from Kirishima Jingu Station on the Shinkansen line, it is particularly striking in spring with fresh greenery and in autumn when the foliage turns vivid. With a variety of spring types, including sulfur and bicarbonate waters, the area also invites visitors to enjoy a leisurely hot spring-hopping experience.
The hot spring inns of Kyushu promise more than relaxation—they offer moments immersed in nature’s rhythms. With convenient access and rich seasonal charm, choosing the right stay tailored to your travel purpose can elevate the entire journey. In Kyushu, soaking in a bath is not just about the water; it’s about the landscape, the air, and the stillness that surrounds you. This harmony of experience is the essence of onsen culture at its finest.