Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, is a hot spring haven with 35% of the country’s natural hot spring sources. This guide highlights seven remarkable onsen towns and 14 exceptional accommodations, all carefully curated by local Japanese experts, so you can trust and feel confident in your choices.
From lively Beppu to tranquil Yufuin, each destination offers unique charms and healing waters. Whether exploring multiple prefectures or seeking the perfect relaxation spot, Kyushu’s diverse onsen experiences cater to all preferences.
Discover your ideal hot spring getaway and enhance your Japan travel experience with peace of mind!
Best Hot Springs in Kyushu
The map above showcases Kyushu’s iconic hot spring destinations! While Beppu and Yufuin are the most famous, there are other incredible onsen gems waiting to be explored.
For optimal exploration, consider renting a car. Get ready to discover the unique charms and top-notch accommodations of each hot spring town in the upcoming sections.
Quick jump: Beppu, Yufuin, Aso, Ibusuki, Kirishima, Ureshino, Hitoyoshi
Beppu: The Hot Spring Paradise
Beppu is a must-visit hot spring paradise, boasting Japan’s highest concentration of thermal sources. With its rich history dating back to the 8th century, the city features eight distinct hot spring areas known as “Beppu Hatto,” each offering unique mineral compositions and healing properties.
For a comprehensive guide to this thermal wonderland, check out our in-depth article here too.
Best Places to Stay in Beppu:
Luxurious oasis with panoramic views
Perched above Beppu, this 5-star resort offers 89 spacious rooms with panoramic vistas. The infinity pool and open-air onsen provide stunning views of the city and bay below. 😎
Indulge in the “beauty hot spring” while watching the sunrise over Beppu Bay. Savor Oita beef at Atelier & Bar or enjoy diverse breakfast options. Immerse yourself in luxury at this modern Japanese retreat.
Skyline views from heavenly hot springs
Experience Beppu’s largest outdoor onsen with panoramic city vistas. Enjoy diverse dining options, including an extensive breakfast buffet featuring local and international cuisine.
Newly opened in 2023, the refined “Sora-kan wing“ offers elegant rooms and top-tier amenities. Families will love the spacious game center and kids’ playroom. Relax in Western Japan’s most renowned hot spring resort. ♨️
Infinity onsen pool with breathtaking views
Experience ultimate relaxation at the rooftop infinity hot spring pool, offering panoramic views of Beppu Bay. Located just 3 min walk from Beppu Station, immerse in Japan’s most abundant hot springs.
Indulge in the 14th-floor grand bath filled with skin-beautifying bicarbonate salt spring water. Savor a local-inspired breakfast buffet and unwind in rooms adorned with traditional bamboo craft motifs. Prepare for an unforgettable Beppu adventure!
Yufuin: Artistic Haven in a Mountain Valley
Yufuin, nestled next to Beppu, captivates visitors with its scenic beauty and traditional Japanese charm. Surrounded by lush nature, it offers serene experiences like strolling around the picturesque Lake Kinrin or taking a horse-drawn carriage tour through town, perfect for those seeking a tranquil getaway.
Best Places to Stay in Yufuin:
Secluded villas with private hot springs
Discover 14 unique villas, each featuring a private indoor or semi-outdoor onsen bath. Nestled in serene Japanese gardens, these accommodations offer 24-hour access to gentle, simple hot spring waters.
Savor exquisite seasonal kaiseki cuisine in private dining rooms overlooking Mt. Yufu. The modern Japanese-style rooms provide a perfect hideaway for discerning travelers. Experience Yufuin’s charm in this tranquil retreat, just a short stroll from the main street.
Nature’s embrace with luxurious hot springs
Nestled in a 33,000 m² (355,209 ft²) estate, featuring Kyushu’s only native water lily marsh. Enjoy seasonal beauty, including plum blossoms, cherry trees, and firefly-lit streams.
Indulge in fresh, flowing “beauty hot springs” rich in natural moisturizing elements. Choose from spacious public baths with Mt. Yufu views or two private family baths. Unwind in stunning Japanese-style rooms and savor traditional breakfasts. An unforgettable Yufuin escape awaits.
Mountain-view baths in every room
Experience privacy and luxury with in-room semi-outdoor hot spring baths overlooking majestic Mt. Yufu. All 30 rooms feature natural flowing onsen water, ensuring a genuine hot spring experience.
Enjoy complimentary shuttle service to Yufuin Station three times daily. Savor exquisite local cuisine for dinner and breakfast. Browse the on-site shop for souvenirs and sweets. An affordable Yufuin retreat awaits, complete with free parking for 30 cars.
Aso: Hot Springs with Volcanic Vistas
The Aso region, part of the Aso-Kuju National Park, offers a unique blend of hot springs and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Home to one of the world’s largest calderas, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, it features vast grasslands, pristine springs, and local culinary delights.
Just under an hour from Kumamoto Airport by bus, this destination is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Consider renting a car for easier exploration.
Best Places to Stay in Aso:
Gateway to Aso’s natural wonders
Situated next to Aso Station and Michi-no-Eki Aso, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the Aso Five Peaks. Explore the world’s largest caldera, volcanic craters, and picturesque grasslands.
Enjoy comfortable rooms with mountain vistas and convenient amenities. Experience local activities like hot air ballooning, canoeing, and horseback riding. Savor regional delicacies such as Akaushi beef and horse sashimi. An ideal base for unforgettable Aso adventures awaits.
Historical ryokan with thousand-year-old cedar
Experience 70 years of tradition at this authentic Japanese inn, once visited by renowned poets Tekkan and Akiko Yosano. Immerse in the “Cedar Room” crafted from a 1000-year-old Aya cedar.
Relax in rooms blending traditional charm with modern comfort, including outdoor bath suites and newly opened suites. Savor kaiseki cuisine featuring local organic vegetables. Enjoy natural hot springs with stunning Aso views. A timeless Uchinomaki Onsen retreat awaits.
Mountain retreat with healing hot springs
Reopened in Oct 2022, this beloved local inn offers stunning views of the vast Aso caldera. Indulge in the skin-beautifying “red water” hot springs of Akamizu Onsen.
Savor diverse buffet meals featuring local Aso specialties, steak, and spiny lobster. Enjoy comfortable rooms with mountain vistas and complimentary cotton wear. Free pickup from JR Akamizu Station available. Experience tranquility and rejuvenation in this Aso highland haven.
Ibusuki: Seaside Relaxation and Sand Baths
Ibusuki’s charm lies in its unique “Sand Bath Onsen” culture and stunning landscapes, including Mount Kaimon and Chiringashima Island. The Kirishima volcanic range blesses the city with rare hot springs, attracting three millions of visitors yearly.
Sweetly nostalgic, Ibusuki was once a beloved honeymoon spot known as the “Hawaii of the East” in the 1960s and 1970s, where senior couples now return to relive cherished memories.❤️
Best Places to Stay in Ibusuki:
Luxurious oasis with famous sand baths
Experience Ibusuki’s renowned sand bath and 100% natural hot spring waters known for beautifying skin. Enjoy diverse bathing options, including outdoor baths with stunning views.
Indulge in monthly-changing seasonal cuisine showcasing local ingredients. Choose from various room types, including spacious suites with magnificent vistas. Unwind in the complimentary bar near the onsen area. A perfect blend of tradition and luxury awaits in this Ibusuki gem.
Heavenly baths with panoramic sea views
Experience three unique hot springs, including a celestial outdoor bath overlooking Ibusuki’s sky and sea. Enjoy private baths amidst clouds and a second-floor public bath for ultimate relaxation.
Savor innovative dining at “hot spring tables” with bubbling springs at the center. Create unforgettable memories with bamboo sake warming and onsen egg cooking. Indulge in fresh Satsuma-age fish cakes and local delicacies. An extraordinary Ibusuki adventure awaits.
Kirishima: Hot Springs in the Highlands
Kirishima, easily accessible from Kagoshima Airport, offers a refreshing highland escape with its hot springs, volcanic peaks, and lush forests. Part of a national park and recognized as a Japanese Geopark, it boasts diverse thermal waters, stunning views of Mt. Sakurajima across Kinko Bay, and delicious local cuisine nurtured by its rich natural environment.
Best Places to Stay in Kirishima:
Panoramic volcano views from private onsens
Experience Southern European charm in the heart of Kirishima, with all rooms featuring private hot spring baths overlooking Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.
Indulge in three unique, complimentary private baths: cypress, rock, and barrel. Unwind in the public bath with Japanese garden views. Enjoy ice pops at night and complimentary drinks in the morning. A perfect blend of luxury and natural beauty awaits.
Ureshino: Green Tea and Silky Waters
Ureshino Onsen in Saga, renowned as one of Japan’s “Three Great Beautifying Hot Springs,” boasts exceptional water quality. Its clear, sodium-rich bicarbonate springs are famous for skin rejuvenation. Located just an hour by train from Hakata Station, it’s a perfect side trip for visitors to Fukuoka seeking a relaxing and beautifying hot spring experience.
Best Places to Stay in Ureshino:
Nostalgic blend of European and Japanese
Experience a unique fusion of British architecture and Japanese hospitality atop a serene hill. Indulge in the silky-smooth hot springs renowned for beautifying skin and soothing ailments.
Unwind in spacious tatami rooms or by the fireplace in the reception hall. Savor Italian cuisine and original cocktails at the bar. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of lantern-lit baths with bamboo floors. Discover Ureshino’s charm at this distinctive retreat.
Hitoyoshi: Historic Town with Riverside Hot Springs
Hitoyoshi offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past, complemented by soothing hot springs. The town is famous for its numerous public baths, known as “machiyu,” with over 20 scattered along the Kuma River.
Many of these nostalgic Showa-era bathhouses, beloved by locals, are within walking distance of JR Hitoyoshi Station.
Best Places to Stay in Hitoyoshi:
Historic ryokan with three unique springs
Established in 1910, this venerable inn offers three distinct natural hot springs in a luxurious flow-through system. Enjoy private semi-outdoor baths, reservable baths, and a new sauna for ultimate relaxation.
Savor exquisite cuisine prepared with homegrown vegetables and seasonal local ingredients. Admire Kuma River views from rooms and terraces. Indulge in the on-site Italian dining experience. Immerse in Hitoyoshi’s rich hot spring culture at this timeless retreat.
Embark on Your Kyushu Hot Spring Adventure
Ready to explore Kyushu’s hot spring treasures? From bustling Beppu to serene Yufuin, each town offers unique charms and high-quality onsen experiences. Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich bathing culture, stunning landscapes, and local cuisines as you discover the diverse hot spring destinations across Kyushu.
For those interested in exploring more of Japan’s renowned hot spring destinations, be sure to check out the guides on Hakone, Atami, and Hokkaido available on the Locals in Japan website. Happy soaking! ♨️😊
Written and updated by:
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