RYOKAN KOUNOYU -Facilities & Hot Spring Reports(6)-
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Hot spring spout of a public bath | |
The hot spring used at "Ryokan Kounoyu" is a private source that gushes out on the premises. All bathtubs, including those in all guest rooms and the large public baths for men and women, are 100% free-flowing hot-spring water. The onsen is 100% free-flowing, meaning that the spring water is poured into the bathtubs as it gushes out without adding water or heating the water, and any overflow is disposed of as it is. Although it is a luxury, those who want to enjoy the power of hot spring water to the fullest must use only free-flowing hot spring water. In the case of a free-flowing hot-spring system, the standard for being able to bathe hygienically is that the amount of water gushing out must be "at least 1 liter per person per minute". When bathing, the water still gets dirty at a certain rate, so it is important that the dirt be properly flushed out along with the overflowing source and the water in the bathtub be replaced. The amount of water gushing out of the spring here is not certain, but the amount of spring water injected into the bathtubs indicates that the bathhouse has a very abundant supply of hot water. This abundance is probably the reason why all bathtubs are 100% free-flowing. It is said that only 1% of all hot springs (ryokan) in Japan are purely gushing hot springs that gush out from underground without any additions. That is why this hot spring is so valuable and the main attraction of "Ryokan Kounoyu". The spring quality is " Sodium, Calcium-Hydrocarbonate, Sulfate, and Chloride Hot Springs". It is a long name for a spring, but in short, it contains a good balance of various ingredients. Here is an explanation of each spring one by one. The bicarbonate ions combine with sodium ions to wash away dirt and unwanted dead skin cells on the surface of the skin in a soap-like effect. The cleansing effect will leave the skin refreshed after the bath. Sulfate ions combine with calcium ions to enhance skin metabolism. Once the excess keratin on the skin has been removed by bicarbonate ions, they activate the metabolism, which is thought to be very effective in beautifying the skin. Chloride ions combine with sodium ions to pack the skin. This pack plugs the sweat glands (organs that produce sweat and lower body temperature), so the skin will feel highly warm from bathing. Chloride ions also have a bactericidal effect on the skin, which helps to control a wide range of skin surface problems such as cuts. Although it does not appear in the name of the spring, it is also rich in "metasilicic acid". Metasilicic acid is said to be a natural moisturizer and is used in some cosmetics. After bathing, the skin will feel moist. This hot spring is not just a beautiful hot spring for beauty of the skin, it is a beauty of the skin that even moisturizes. Despite this abundance of ingredients, the pH value is neutral at 6.4. In other words, it is low-irritant, so people with sensitive or dry skin can bathe with peace of mind. Since men and women of all ages can bathe in peace, this is a good place for a hot spring trip for three generations, for example. |
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RYOKAN KOUNOYU Travel Journal
Articles
Ryokans in Kurokawa Onsen are not found in large buildings; many are small, family-run inns with around 10 rooms. Some ryokans offer unique baths, such as large open-air baths with large rocks, to entertain their guests.......
Private & Open-air Bath Reports
All guest rooms at "Ryokan Kounoyu" have a private open-air bath or half-open-air bath. All of them are 100% free-flowing from the high quality spring water......
Facilities & Hot Spring Reports
Kurokawa Onsen has become one of the most popular hot spring area not only in Kumamoto Prefecture and Kyushu, but also in Japan. The hot spring area stretches along the Tanoharu River in a valley, and is mainly a series of small-scale hot spring inns with less than 30 guest rooms......
Guest Room Reports
The guest rooms are designed with the highest regards for the privacy of each room. 4 rooms are in a detached style established after the new management, and 5 rooms are in a row-house connected on a step, although they are not detached......
Cuisine Reports
After relaxing in your room and enjoying the hot springs, it is time for dinner. The young landlady personally goes to the restaurant every day to stock up on seasonal ingredients for her creative Japanese cuisine......
Extra Reports
Before you leave, be sure to check out the souvenirs lined up in front of the reception. Unique items that remind you of nature, such as preserved flower decorations made in the neighborhood and sake cups made from bamboo tubes......
Keywords for this ryokan | |||
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Located on the outside of Kurokawa Onsen, overlooking the valley from a hill | |||
All rooms are equipped with an open-air bath with free-flowing hot-spring water | |||
All rooms are detached, private and surrounded by nature. | |||
Private open-air bath with a great view, for guests only | |||
Created Kaiseki with a modern arrangement of Kumamoto flavors | |||
People like this are OK | |||
Those who want to spend time without worrying about their surroundings in a detached guest room Those who want to enjoy a pleasant view of nature |
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People like this are NG | |||
Those seeking the convenience of a location where you can be in a hot spring area as soon as you step out of the ryokan. |
RYOKAN KOUNOYU Basic Information
Accommodation Information
Check-In | 3:00PM | ||
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Check-Out | 10:00AM | ||
Card usage | Allowed | ||
Room Views | Mountain Each room has a different open-air bath and location from the room | ||
In-room Meal | None | ||
Dinner | Modern Japanese creative cuisine | ||
Breakfast | Japanese-style meal |
Room Rates ※Rates are for 1 person when 2 people stay in 1 room (tax not included)
Official website's online reservation benefits | The most economical rates are available for reservations through official website. One drink + "Patisserie Roku" cream puff ticket |
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Special Packages | Marbled Higo Beef shabu shabu plan, Higo Beef steak plan, etc.Check theOfficial Website for details★ | ||
【Row-house】2 story type(Capacity of 2 to 5 persons) | from ¥28,600 Up charge on days before holidays from ¥2,000 All 5 rooms ※10 tatami mats room+Spacious veranda+Living room+Open-air bath+Indoor bath+T |
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【Annex】2 story type(Capacity of 2 to 5 persons) | from ¥30,800 Room "Asebi" ※10 tatami mats room+Spacious veranda+Living room+Open-air bath+Indoor bath+T |
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【Annex】1 story type (Japanese/Western-style room)(Capacity of 2 to 5 persons) | from ¥33,000 All 3 rooms ※10 tatami mats room+Twin Bedroom+Half open-air bath+Shower room+T |
Facility Information
Establishment / Reconstruction | Established in 2002 / Reconstructed in 2016 | ||
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Number of Rooms | All 9 rooms (6 Japanese-style rooms, 3 Japanese/Western-style rooms) | ||
Number of People Accommodated | 45 persons | ||
Private Bath | Private open-air bath×1 Fee: Free for overnight stay Usage time: 50 min. between 3:00PM~10:00PM, 7:00AM~9:00AM How to reserve: At Check-in |
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Public bath / Other | All 9 rooms with open-air baths, separate men's and women's large baths, 1 private open-air bath | ||
Parking Area | Available for 20 cars | ||
Pets | Not Allowed | ||
Barrier Free | Supported(One-story type guest room) | ||
Esthetics / Massages | Available | ||
Internet | Free Wi-Fi Enabled | ||
DVD | None | ||
TV Channels | NHK: 2 stations, Private Broadcasting: 4 stations, NHKBS: 2 stations | ||
Facilities | Sales shop & Footbaths | ||
Refrigerator System | Declare only what you use (cannot be brought in) Refrigerator drinks: canned beer and juice |
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Vending Machine | Drinks, cigarettes | ||
Sales shop | Ice cream available (Local Aso Jersey milk ice cream) |
Yukata | ◎ | Bath towels | ◎ |
Towels | ◎ | Soap | ◎ |
Body wash | ◎ | Shampoo | ◎ |
Conditioner | ◎ | Rinse in shampoo | ◎ |
Shower cap | ◎ | Toothbrushシ | ◎ |
Hair dryer | ◎ | Brush | ◎ |
Comb | ◎ | Razor blade | ◎ |
Cotton bud | ◎ | Toilet with washer | ◎ |
Other Service / Rental Information
Wheelchair | Barrier-free guest room (one story type) | ||
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Child | - | ||
Foreign Languages | - |
Extra Information
Recommended Souvenirs | Kurokawa Supamisto | ||
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Nearby Convenience Store | 10 min. by car | ||
Cellular Antennas | ◎docomo | ◎au | ◎softbank |
RYOKAN KOUNOYU Hot spring Information
Spring quality | Sodium・CalciumーCarbonate・Sulfate・Chloride springs(Hypotonic, Neutral, Hyperthermal spring) | ||
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Temperature of the source | 60.5℃ | ||
Output rate | ― | ||
Hydrogen ions | pH 6.4 | ||
Total dissolved substances (excluding gases) | 1.18g/kg | ||
Gushing of the source | Private source of spring water (power pumping) gushing on the premises | ||
Add water / Circulation Filtration | No using 100% free-flowing hot-spring water | ||
Water heating | No using | ||
Sterilization of bath | None | ||
Replacement of hot water in bathtub | Once per day | ||
Bath Additive | No using | ||
Indications by Spring Quality(Revised on July 1, 2014) | Cuts, Peripheral circulatory failure, Cold sensitivity, Depression, Dry skin | ||
General Indications for Bathing(Revised on July 1, 2014) | Chronic pain or stiffness of muscles or joints (chronic phase of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains, etc.), muscle stiffness in motor paralysis, excessive sensitivity to cold, peripheral nerve disorder, decline of gastrointestinal function (slow digestion, intestinal gas formation, etc.), mild high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), mild hypercholesterolemia, mild asthma or emphysema, hemorrhoid pain, autonomic instability, various symptoms from stress (sleep disorders, depression, etc.),convalescence stage of illness, recovery from fatigue, promotion of health. | ||
Color of hot water | Weak yellow and colorless | ||
For drinking | Cannot ※Non-submission of application for drinking to the health department | ||
Indications for drinking | ― | ||
Smell / Taste | Astringent taste・Weak hydrogen sulfide smell |
RYOKAN KOUNOYU Access & Nearby Information
Access
By Train | ○From Fukuoka area:
Hakata Sta., Tenjin Sta., Fukuoka Airport: Highway buses available(Nishitetsu Highway Bus) ○From Kumamoto area: Kumamoto Sta., Aso Sta., Kumamoto Airport, : Highway buses available (Kyushu Crossing Bus) ※For Kyushu Crossing Bus, there are two types of buses: one includes sightseeing in Aso, and the other does not. Buses are also available from Beppu area. ※Sanko Bus is also available from Kumamoto area. ※Nishitetsu highway buses are available to Hita Sta. (many services, transfer at Hita Sta.) and to Tsuetate Onsen (few services). |
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Shuttle bus | None | ||
By Car | 60 min. on Route 212 from the Hita Interchange of the Oita Expressway, 70 min. from Yufuin Interchange, 90 min. from Kumamoto Interchange on Kyushu Expressway | ||
Nearby Information
Nearby Sightseeing Spots | Mt. Aso, Kuju Flower Park, Kurokawa Hot Spring Area | ||
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Recreation (tourist farms, parks, etc.) | Hot spring tour with bath passes | ||
Sports | - | ||
Staff messages | Comment from young landlady Mrs.Yuko Ren This quiet ryokan is located on high ground, a little away from the center of Kurokawa. There are many services here that women can enjoy. We hope you will learn more about Kurokawa, Aso, and Kumamoto through your stay here. |
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Date of Interview | April 2019 | ||
※When making a reservation, please mention that you saw "kashikiri-onsen.com" |
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Article creator of this ryokan

CEO of Onsen.com, Inc.
For more than 30 years, he has been visiting hot spring ryokans all over Japan, persuading innkeepers of the need for "private baths". He is still a traveler who spends half of the year at a hot spring.In addition to being a article creater, photographer, and drone pilot, he also designs websites and provides consulting services.