Aso Onsen in Kumamoto: Enjoy Hot Springs, Scenic Spots and Outdoor Activities

Get to know Aso City

Listed as a World Agriculture Heritage site, Aso City is a popular destination for tourists from all across the world.

Mount Aso—Japan’s largest active volcano

Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan, often described as double coned, but it’s more like a complex of active vents in the middle of a vast caldera. It’s made up of five peaks—Mt. Nakadake, Mt. Nekodake, Mt. Takadake, Mt. Eboshidake, and Mt. Kishimadake—collectively called "The Five Mountains of Aso."

For those looking for a thrilling experience, the rumbling ground and plumes of smoke surrounding the crater of Mt. Nakadake makes for an exciting adventure amidst the breathtaking scenery. It’s one of the only places in the world where you can view the crater of an active volcano up close.

Experience fun activities in nature

The Aso Caldera offers an abundance of outdoor activities, such as horseback riding through the vast grasslands, hot air ballooning, paragliding, and more, so pick a good day to visit and enjoy nature to your heart’s content.

Get to know Aso Onsen

The abundance of hot springs in Aso Onsen is due to the influences from the Aso Volcano and the nearby Kuju Volcano. However, the springs consist mainly of underground water as the percentage of magma substances is relatively low.

Uchinomaki Onsen—Aso’s largest hot spring resort

Only a 30-minute drive from JR Aso Station on the Hohi Main Line, Uchinomaki Onsen is the largest hot spring resort in Aso, with seven public hot spring baths, and about 20 inns and hotels each having their own natural source of springwater.

The region boasts one of the richest amounts of springwater in Japan, and some inns even have two springwater sources for guests to compare and enjoy. There are some inns where you can just visit during the day as well, so this place is a must-see if you plan on taking a relaxing soak without staying overnight.

Best places to stay during your visit to Aso Onsen

Here are our top five hotel picks in Aso Onsen, where you can immerse yourself in the expansive natural surroundings, enjoy high-quality hot springs, and soak in the open-air baths. Come and experience Japanese hospitality and relax to your heart’s content.

Aso no Tsukasa Villa Park Hotel and Spa Resort

This resort hotel features a botanical garden, massage parlor, the indoor spa Homère, and a soccer field. You’ll also find two onsen baths with views of "The Five Mountains of Aso." The large public bath Yurari offers an open-air bath, a sauna and a family bath. Since the atmosphere here changes with the seasons, you can come and enjoy the onsen anytime throughout the year.

Aso no Tsukasa Villa Park Hotel and Spa Resort
Address: 1230 Kurokawa, Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: 60-minute bus ride from JR Higo-Ozu Station (Hohi Main Line) and a 5-minute walk from Aso Cuddly Dominion bus stop
Official website: https://kamenoi-hotels.com/en/asoparkresort/

Yumeoisou

Yumeoisou offers 15 private baths, free of charge for overnight guests. Free rental of yukata (light cotton kimono) and kids-sized floating rings is available as well. Furthermore, indulge in the lavish buffets featuring cuisine made from seasonal ingredients, and end the night with a bang at the hotel’s bingo tournaments.

Yumeoisou
Address: 385-1 Uchinomaki, Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: 15-minute shuttle bus ride from JR Aso Station (Hohi Main Line); reservations required
Official website: https://yumeoisou.com/ (in Japanese only)

Aso Plaza Hotel

This historical inn has two hot spring sources within its facility. Here, you can enjoy different bathing experiences, such as a rooftop open-air bath, a large communal bath on the top floor, an open-air bath surrounded by a Japanese garden, and private baths. Choose from a selection of spacious Japanese and Western-style rooms with views of either Aso City or the surrounding mountains.

Aso Plaza Hotel
Address: 1287 Uchinomaki, Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: 7-minute taxi ride from JR Aso Station (Hohi Main Line); a shuttle bus is available from Aso Station (reservations required)
Official website: https://www.asoplaza.co.jp/en/

Sozankyo

This hot spring inn is known for its concept of offering an authentic onsen experience without adding water or heat, focusing on the natural flow of the source’s hot spring water. Unwind in the large communal bath, private open-air and barrel baths.

Treat your partner to delicious wine and a wonderful view of the starry night sky at the rooftop bar. The hotel was even mentioned in the "Special Edition: Michelin Guide Kumamoto and Oita 2018," with English-speaking staff available at all times.

Sozankyo
Address: 145 Uchinomaki, Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: Take a bus to Uchinomaki Onsen from JR Aso Station and get off at Aso-Shi Shoukoukai-Mae bus stop; from there it’s a short walk
Official website: https://sozankyo.com/en/

Taka-no-Sho

The ten guest rooms of Taka-no-Sho are all equipped with hot spring baths, which double as open-air baths when opening the large windows. Take in the views of the hotel’s Japanese garden from the lounge while enjoying a cup of coffee, or experience a moment of relaxation at the hotel’s irori, a traditional Japanese sunken hearth.

Taka-no-Sho
Address: 686 Ozato, Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: 10-minute car ride from JR Aso Station (Hohi Main Line); shuttle service is available
Official website: https://takanosho.com/

Explore the best of Japanese culture and nature at Aso Onsen

Aso Onsen is easily accessible from Kumamoto City, and the perfect place to experience the local culture, food, and hot springs. Don’t miss the many activities, such as horseback riding or hot air ballooning. Immerse yourself in the bountiful nature and create some unforgettable memories in one of Japan’s top hot spring resorts.

*When staying at a hotel or ryokan, you may be charged an accommodation tax and/or a hot spring tax depending on the area. Please pay directly at the hotel.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.