Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Yuzu, your SaruKuma writer ♫

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a hidden gem in Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
《Take-no-yu Jigokudani Onsen Yuka》 ⭐︎

Tucked deep in the mountains of Oguni!

The forest air here is absolutely loaded with negative ions ♫

I’ve been visiting hot springs in this area for over 20 years 😆
That’s how addictive these onsen are — I just keep coming back ♨️

No need to worry about parking — there’s even a second lot available 🚗

You’ll often spot cars with license plates from outside the prefecture,
so clearly people travel from afar to enjoy this little onsen getaway ♨️

Check in for your hot spring at the entrance of this building 😀

To the left of the entrance, you’ll find a display of seasonal vegetables for sale 😀

Just look at those plump, thick-capped shiitake mushrooms — you can practically see the freshness through the screen 😆

Fresh, local, and absolutely delicious ❤️

Inside the reception area, you’ll also find Aso-region souvenirs for sale 👍

Ice cream, sake, amazake (sweet rice drink), ramune soda, and miso are all on offer 🍺
Nothing beats a fizzy drink after a hot bath 😋

And here’s the showstopper I absolutely have to introduce you to!!!!

Anyone who bathes here can steam their own vegetables using natural hot spring steam ♨️

Wait, what?! 💦

Let me explain ( •̀ω•́ )✧

Please use the steamers thoughtfully so everyone can enjoy them 🤲

The stone cylinders behind you are where the magic happens 👍

Place your vegetables in a bamboo basket like this

Cover with the special net on top, and you’re all set 👍
Different foods take different times to steam, so I recommend starting the longer-cooking items before you head into the bath 😆

Just look at the gorgeous color of these sweet potatoes!!

The eggs are exquisite too!!

The hint of sulfur from the volcanic steam takes them to a whole new level — completely different from regular boiled eggs 😆

This time, I steamed taro, sweet potato (we’d picked up three different varieties at the Ozu roadside station on the way to do a taste test 😆), shiitake mushrooms, regular potatoes, and eggs 😃

You’ll taste the pure essence of each ingredient — I can’t recommend it enough 👍

Don’t forget to bring a bamboo basket and salt 😋

Why You’ll Love It

The hot springs include both open-air baths and private family baths ⭐︎

This time we chose a private family bath ♨️
Family baths are accessible 24 hours a day, although staff aren’t on-site after 10:00 PM 😃

You’ll walk down a charming little path like this to reach the family baths ♨️

Today we got the “Kaze-no-yu” (Wind Bath) for 1,300 yen ♨️

You can either pick a specific bath and wait, or simply hop into whichever one is free!
We took the first available bath this time 😃

The changing room is nice and spacious 😀

Since it’s a private family bath,
you can relax with small kids without worrying about other guests 👍

Once you arrive at your room, call the front desk and they’ll fill the bath for you 😃
The water is completely changed out for every guest 😆

Shampoo, body soap, and hairdryers are all provided 😄

The bath fills up beautifully with fresh hot spring water flowing in continuously — pure bliss ♨️

Since some visitors come at night, here’s some useful information for after-hours bathing too 😃

I sometimes head out spontaneously for a late-night soak —
the quiet atmosphere has a totally different charm 😄

Just be careful driving back, since the relaxation might make you sleepy 🚗

Please review the usage instructions before bathing 😊
An onsen experience that delights both adults and kids ♨️

Bring a bamboo basket, fresh vegetables, eggs, and salt — you won’t regret it 💕

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Information

Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before your visit.