Introducing Hage-no-Yu Onsen Kunugi-yu

Hello travelers! This is Suno, writer for sarukuma.

Today I’m introducing a wonderful spot in Oguni Town, Aso District:
Hage-no-Yu Onsen Kunugi-yu.From National Route 339 (the Milk Road), take Prefectural Route 12 toward Daikanbo, then turn onto National Route 212 and head onto Route 387 toward Kusu.

From Route 387, just follow the signs for Hage-no-Yu Onsen Kunugi-yu!
Once you spot the billowing clouds of steam, you’re almost there!

The parking lot is at the bottom of a steep slope, so please drive carefully.
At the reception, you can choose your favorite private bath.

Our family went with Bath No. 3 — a rock open-air bath for 60 minutes at ¥1,500!

Bath No. 6, the observation room (Kawasemi), was renovated and reopened on July 15, 2023, so be sure to check it out!
Cash only — no credit cards.

※ This is a 24-hour coin-operated private bath, so after 9 p.m. please have ¥500 and ¥100 coins ready.
There’s a cozy waiting area for busy times.
Kunugi-yu also offers self-catering lodging cottages that feel like your own private mountain retreat!

It’s the perfect place to recharge after a day exploring Aso.
There’s even a hand-washing area fed by spring water from Mt. Wakigama.
Right next to it are separate restrooms for men and women.
There are 5 indoor baths and 11 open-air baths in total.

Here’s how the baths are laid out.
Please note that pets are not allowed in the bath rooms.

Why Hage-no-Yu Onsen Kunugi-yu Is Worth a Visit

Alright — our turn came up, so off to our private bath room!

You’ll need to walk down a long staircase, so keep a close eye on small children.
Here’s what the room at the bottom of the stairs looks like.
There’s a restroom right here, too — handy!
First things first when you enter the room — plug the bathtub drain!

You’d be surprised how often people forget that step (lol).
Once you drop in your coin, the hot water starts flowing right away!

Because each session is coin-operated and the bath is fully refilled every time, you always get a fresh, clean soak.
You can also enjoy a beautiful view of the kunugi (sawtooth oak) forest!

The day we went was a cloudy day in early April, but on a clear day or in the fresh greenery of May, the view is even more spectacular.

I’ve also visited during a snowfall in winter, and the snowy landscape was absolutely breathtaking!
The changing room is simple but spotlessly clean.
※ No smoking inside the rooms.

※ Please take all diapers and any odor-producing items home with you.

※ Don’t toss anything out of the windows!
Just look at this!

The huge picture window gives such an amazing sense of openness — pure bliss.

I soaked slowly, listening to the birds singing in the trees.

A bath at home is nice and all, but soaking in an open-air onsen surrounded by nature is a true luxury — a real escape from the everyday!
The water comes out quite hot, so use the cold tap to adjust the temperature while the bath fills.
The 3 etiquette rules for enjoying a family bath!

Read them carefully so everyone has a relaxing time!
Body soap and shampoo are provided in the washing area.

After 60 luxurious minutes of soaking until your body is glowing warm, there’s still one more treat waiting for you.
Right in front of the reception is a charming, atmospheric rest area.
It’s divided into semi-private booths, like little cozy nooks.
And here’s what we came for — the steam cooker (mushi-gama) area!

The colorful tiled exterior is so cute, it’s impossible not to get excited!
Guests who use the bath can use the steam cookers free of charge (for up to 1 hour after bathing).Some ingredients our family likes to bring: sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, corn on the cob, eggs, cheese, sausages, and broccoli (just for inspiration!)

If you arrive empty-handed, no worries — eggs, okowa (steamed sticky rice), and nikuman (steamed pork buns) are sold at the reception!The hissing steam can look a bit intimidating at first…

But don’t worry — clear instructions are posted, so first-timers can use it with confidence!

※ Please be very careful that children don’t get burned by the steam!
There’s also a sink for washing your vegetables.

Scrubbing brushes, cloths, and basins are all provided — so thoughtful!

Be sure to take your trash with you and wipe down the table after use.
Brought your ingredients but forgot a steaming basket? No problem — they’re sold here for ¥200.Ajishio seasoning salt is also available for ¥200!

Toothbrushes and razors are sold here as well.Alright, time to set the ingredients in the steamer and get cooking!
While we waited, I dried the kids’ hair in the dryer room.

The mirror at the vanity is a really nice touch!
Ta-daaa — all done!

This time we only had sausages and eggs, so we took them out after about 7 minutes.
Fluffy, hot boiled eggs steamed in natural onsen vapor!

Eating them outdoors makes them taste even better!

Surrounded by the ever-changing beauty of the four seasons, Hage-no-Yu Onsen Kunugi-yu offers private baths and lodging cabins that you really shouldn’t miss. Add it to your Kumamoto travel list!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is current as of the time of our visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm details before your visit.