Introducing Jonan Natural Hot Spring Kataru no Mori

Hello! This is Aikero, writer for [SaruKuma].

Today I’m introducing a wonderful spot in Jonan-machi, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City
[Jonan Natural Hot Spring Kataru no Mori].＼Newly reopened on March 20, 2025!／
This facility has been reborn as a unique complex combining natural hot springs and a campground!

Whether you want to be soothed by the onsen, enjoy camping in the mountains, or savor delicious food, [Jonan Natural Hot Spring Kataru no Mori] has it all.
Plus, it’s just 30 minutes from central Kumamoto City and only 10 minutes from Jonan Smart IC and Matsubashi IC — super easy to get to!

[KATARIBA Gono-Yonju (Minami Ward Jonan-machi, Kumamoto City)] The long-awaited relocation from Higashi Ward Kengun to Minami Ward Jonan! Enjoy delicious udon in a peaceful traditional house.

I’ve been a regular at the onsen and family baths here, so I know many of you have been eagerly waiting for this reopening!
Today, I’ll be focusing on the family bath experience (^^)/
Drive along Prefectural Route 313 and head up from the Matsubashi-machi Kohoyama intersection.
You’ll spot the sign in the photo on your right almost immediately, and after about 5 minutes following the road, you’ll arrive at [Jonan Natural Hot Spring Kataru no Mori].
The parking lot is the same generous size as before — plenty of room for everyone.
Step inside and you’re greeted by a bright, open space!
On the left, there’s a camping corner and a wood-burning stove — the excitement is already building!
But hold that excitement — head to the reception desk first (^^)/
Keep your shoes on and head to the reception just inside on the left.
〈Bath Fees〉
Adults: 750 yen (junior high school and up)
Children: 400 yen (elementary school and under)
Preschoolers: Free

Family Bath: 60 min / 2,500 yen
Special Family Bath: 4,000 yen
(The Special Family Bath is currently under construction.)

★ Family baths can be reserved by phone.
There’s a beverage corner near the reception desk.
Vending machines are located in the parking area.
Once payment is done at reception, store your shoes and let’s explore! ♫
First up, this gorgeous wood-burning stove.
Chairs are arranged around the fire, so you can enjoy that cozy bonfire feeling indoors.

By the way, in this dirt-floor (doma) area, please keep your shoes on or use the slippers provided (^^)/
The walls are lined with camping gear.
And guess what — it’s all available to rent!
Handy portable power stations, dreamy lanterns, that Dutch oven you’ve always wanted to try…

We camp too, but only a few times a year.
I always end up asking my husband, “Will we really use it enough to buy it?” — but if I can rent it right at the campground, I’d love to give these tools a try!
There are also picture books and toys, so it’s not just camping-loving moms and dads who can enjoy this place — kids will too. So thoughtful!
The books include nature encyclopedias and outdoor-themed titles.
How about flipping through them with your little ones, then heading out to find the plants and flowers you read about? ♫
There are also table seats where you can take a break.Behind the reception, the outdoor goods shop WOODS has relocated from Kikuchi and is now open!
It was bustling with customers when we visited. ♫

Why You’ll Love Jonan Natural Hot Spring Kataru no Mori

The family baths are down the corridor opposite the main public bath (^^)/

Besides the Special Family Bath that’s currently under construction, there are 2 family bath rooms available.The toilets are right next to the rooms.
For families with kids, that short distance is a quiet but huge convenience! ♪The dressing room is spacious enough for a family of four.
Air conditioning and a hairdryer are also provided!
And here’s the bath itself!
With two showers, it’s perfect for families with multiple kids.

The water temperature was around 40°C — comfortably warm enough that the kids could hop right in (^^)/

The window opens, too.
With it open, you get a half-open-air feel — so refreshing! ♫
Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are all provided.
You can drop in casually on your way home from a day out without bringing anything! ♫

Onsen, camping, and great food — [Jonan Natural Hot Spring Kataru no Mori] truly has it all.
Being able to enjoy hot springs and a sauna while camping is the ultimate combination! ♡
We’re already planning to come back and try the camp-and-onsen combo ourselves (●＾o＾●)

[KATARIBA Gono-Yonju (Minami Ward Jonan-machi, Kumamoto City)] The long-awaited relocation from Higashi Ward Kengun to Minami Ward Jonan! Enjoy delicious udon in a peaceful traditional house.

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please check before visiting.