【黒川温泉最奥 豊かな森に囲まれた秘湯】旅館 山河 黒川温泉 / 熊本県 南小国町

Ryokan Sanga - Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto, Japan I stayed at Ryokan Sanga in Kurokawa Onsen, located in Minami-Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. This inn is a "hidden hot spring" (hito) establishment that was once a member of the Association of Hidden Hot Springs of Japan. After visiting Nabegataki Falls—said to be the most beautiful in Kumamoto—and Manganji Onsen—known as "Japan's most embarrassing hot spring"—I took a stroll through Kurokawa Onsen for the first time. A five-minute drive takes you to the far end of the hot spring town, where Sanga stands alone amidst the forest. Set on vast grounds dotted with a main building and detached guest houses, the inn boasts seven different baths—a true paradise for hot spring enthusiasts. It was a must-visit destination when I planned my first-ever hot-spring-hopping trip to Kyushu. The charming main building exudes a sense of dignified history. However, the interior has been beautifully renovated into a comfortable, modern space where energetic staff offer a warm welcome. Although I was traveling alone, the staff—including the proprietress—were incredibly kind and friendly, even chatting with me while I was taking photos. Stepping outside, you find a row of detached guest houses and bathing facilities; the area also features cozy rest spots and footbaths, creating an atmosphere that truly reflects the inn's commitment to hospitality. Despite having only 16 guest rooms, the inn offers a large open-air bath, an indoor bath, and three private baths, creating an environment where you can enjoy the hot springs all to yourself. Many rooms also feature their own private baths; for someone like me who usually prefers large communal baths, it was wonderful to be able to enjoy a private soak almost anywhere. I spent a luxurious time immersed in the hot springs for most of my stay. You can casually enjoy two different source springs here: Spring No. 1, a simple sulfur spring, and Spring No. 2, which offers a blend of three different spring qualities. They differ in appearance as well; you might choose the bath fed by Spring No. 1 to enjoy the faint scent of sulfur and a hint of iron, or admire the beautiful, bluish hue of Spring No. 2 in the large open-air bath—each offers a unique experience. The meals, served in the privacy of your room, are beautifully presented; the wonderful arrangement keeps the dining experience exciting, making it a true treat for the body. I was served the famous Kumamoto horse sashimi in the morning, as I had missed out on enjoying it the previous day. Thank you very much. It is a wonderful inn that offers the atmosphere of a high-end ryokan while being a "hidden hot spring" (hito) retreat. I am truly looking forward to visiting again—perhaps during the season of lush green foliage next time. ■ Ryokan Sanga https://www.sanga-ryokan.com/ ■ Hot Spring Details Yakushi-no-Yu (Simple sulfur spring) Bihada-no-Yu (Sodium chloride, bicarbonate, and sulfate spring) Free-flowing source water (kakenagashi) Some information in the video is based on online research. Permission was obtained to film the hot spring facilities.