A Forest Resort Reborn: Welcome to Kataru no Mori

Hi, I’m Aikero, a writer for SaruKuma — your local guide to family-friendly spots across Kumamoto!

Today’s destination is Jounan Tennen Onsen Kataru no Mori, a natural hot spring and camping complex tucked into the hills of Jonan-machi, Minami-ku, on Kumamoto City’s southern edge. Grand Reopening: March 20, 2025! The facility has been completely reimagined as a hybrid destination — a natural onsen (Japanese mineral hot spring) combined with a full campground, creating one of the most versatile outdoor escapes in the Kumamoto region.

Whether you want to unwind in mineral-rich spring water, spend a night under the stars, or enjoy a meal surrounded by greenery, Kataru no Mori delivers on all fronts. And it’s far more accessible than it sounds: just 30 minutes from central Kumamoto, and only 10 minutes from Jounan Smart IC or Matsubashi IC.

Take Prefectural Route 313 and turn uphill at the Koboyama intersection near Matsubashi-cho. A large roadside sign appears on your right almost immediately — follow the road for another 5 minutes and you’ve arrived.

Parking is plentiful — the lot remains the same generous size as before the renovation, so finding a space is rarely an issue.

Step inside and you’re immediately greeted by a bright, open space that feels more like a stylish outdoor lifestyle shop than a traditional bathhouse. To the left, a camp corner and wood-burning stove set an adventurous, cozy mood from the very first moment.

Inside the Complex: Camp Gear, Kids’ Corner, and Hot Spring Vibes

Keep your shoes on and head straight to the check-in counter on the left. At many Japanese onsen, you remove footwear at the entrance — here, you keep them on until after paying and reaching the shoe storage area just beyond the desk.

Entry Fees:
Adult (junior high school age and up): ¥750
Child (elementary school age and under): ¥400
Pre-school children: Free

Family Private Bath — 60 minutes: ¥2,500
Premium Family Bath: ¥4,000 (under renovation at time of visit)
Phone reservations are accepted for the family private bath — recommended if you’re visiting on a weekend.

A drinks corner near the front desk keeps you refreshed. There’s also a vending machine in the parking lot if you want something cold on the way out.

Once you’ve paid, stow your shoes in the rack provided and you’re ready to explore.

The wood-burning stove is the centerpiece of the lobby — chairs arranged around it let you enjoy the warmth and crackling flames from indoors. Note that this area is a doma (a traditional Japanese-style concrete or earthen entryway floor), so wear shoes or slip on the provided slippers.

The walls are lined with camping gear — and here’s the highlight: all of it is available to rent. No need to haul equipment from home.

Portable power banks, lanterns, Dutch ovens — it’s all here for rent. If you only camp a few times a year and can’t justify buying full gear, this is a genuine game changer.

A children’s corner stocked with picture books and toys keeps younger visitors happily occupied — many of the books cover nature, wildlife, and the outdoors, perfectly in tune with the spirit of the place.

Table seating is available if you’d like to sit down, relax, and have a drink before or after your soak.

Behind the reception, WOODS — a popular outdoor goods retailer that relocated from Kikuchi City — has set up shop and was already drawing a steady crowd of gear enthusiasts during our visit.

The Star Attraction: A Private Hot Spring Room All to Yourselves

The kazoku-buro (family private baths) are located down the corridor opposite the main public bath. A kazoku-buro is a hot spring room reserved exclusively for your group — ideal for families or couples who’d prefer total privacy over the communal setting of a traditional onsen.

Currently 2 private rooms are available (the premium suite remains under renovation). Advance phone reservations are accepted — a smart move for weekend visits.

The restroom is directly adjacent to the bath room — a seemingly small detail that parents with young children will deeply appreciate.

The changing room is spacious enough for a family of four to get ready in comfort — no awkward squeezing.

Air conditioning and a hair dryer are both provided — no need to pack your own.

Two showerheads make bathing with children far easier. The water temperature sits around 40°C (104°F) — on the gentler end for Japanese hot springs, which means it’s comfortable even for young kids. Open the window and the fresh air and forest sounds transform the bath into an almost open-air experience.

Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are all supplied, so you can drop in spontaneously after a day of sightseeing without needing to pack a thing.

Hot springs, campfire evenings, rentable outdoor gear, and a peaceful forest setting — Jounan Tennen Onsen Kataru no Mori is one of Kumamoto’s most versatile family escapes. Whether you come for a quick 60-minute soak or a full camping-and-onsen overnight, this place earns a return visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is current at the time of our visit. Prices and hours are subject to change — please confirm before heading out.