Kurokawa Onsen Shinmei-kan

8.6
Excellent
(593 reviews)

Japan, 〒869-2400 Kumamoto, Aso District, 南小国町黒川温泉

+81 967-44-0916

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Hotel Description

Kurokawa Onsen Shinmei-kan, located beside the picturesque Tanoharu River in Kumamoto, Japan, offers an unforgettable retreat for travelers seeking relaxation and immersion in Japanese culture. This charming hot spring inn is situated off Route 442, just 4 km from the Yoshiwadarai Shrine and 13 km from the beautiful Fuju Flower Park. The serene environment, surrounded by lush greenery, creates a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere. The design of the inn is understated, with traditional Japanese architecture that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The inn’s minimalist aesthetic and calming ambiance make it a perfect destination for those seeking a serene getaway in a tranquil setting.
The rooms at Kurokawa Onsen Shinmei-kan offer the ideal setting for a relaxing stay. The tatami-matted floors, futons, and traditional short-legged tables create a cozy and authentic atmosphere. Each room is thoughtfully furnished to enhance comfort and provide a restful experience. Flat-screen TVs are provided for entertainment, and the overall ambiance encourages unwinding after a day of exploring the area.
Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities that make their stay more enjoyable. The hotel features gender-segregated bathhouses, with both indoor and outdoor soaking pools filled with natural hot spring water, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the therapeutic benefits of the onsen. The natural onsen is a highlight of the hotel, offering relaxation and rejuvenation with views of the surrounding mountains. There is also a quaint dining room with a traditional hearth, where guests can savor local cuisine in a cozy setting.
For those interested in transportation, Kurokawa Onsen Shinmei-kan is conveniently located with easy access to public transport. There are several bus and walking options nearby, making it easy to get to popular attractions and landmarks such as the Yoshiwadarai Shrine, Kuju Flower Park, Nabegataki Falls, and Kokonoe Yume Otsurii. Additionally, major airports such as Kumamoto Airport and Oita Airport are within reasonable driving distance, allowing for quick connections to the hotel.
The hotel takes guest health and safety seriously, providing essential measures to ensure peace of mind. With gender-segregated baths, clean facilities, and attentive service, guests can feel assured that their well-being is a top priority. The hotel is kid-friendly and features private baths, adding an extra layer of convenience and comfort for families.
At Kurokawa Onsen Shinmei-kan, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Guests can indulge in the relaxing hot springs or take part in nearby hikes to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The nearby Kurokawa Onsen is famous for its picturesque hot spring villages, offering a chance to stroll through the charming streets and enjoy authentic local experiences.
Some of the top sights near the hotel include the breathtaking Nabegataki Falls, the scenic Kokonoe Yume Otsurii suspension bridge, and the colorful flower fields at Kuju Flower Park. For those interested in cultural experiences, the Yoshiwadarai Shrine and Hozantei are must-see spots, offering glimpses into the rich history and spirituality of the region.
In addition to the local sights, the area surrounding the hotel offers a variety of dining options. Guests can enjoy a range of authentic Japanese cuisine, from sushi and sashimi to tempura and regional delicacies. Some of the top recommended restaurants near the hotel include local favorites that highlight the area’s gastronomic culture. Whether it’s a quick bite or a full-course meal, guests can enjoy the best of local dining experiences.
In conclusion, Kurokawa Onsen Shinmei-kan offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, traditional Japanese hospitality, and modern comforts. It’s an ideal destination for guests looking to unwind, explore, and experience the best of Japan’s hot spring culture. With its beautiful location, exceptional amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, this charming inn invites guests to create lasting memories in one of Japan’s most serene regions.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. 4 min walk to Kurokawa Onsen

2. Guests liked the service

3. Guests praised the restaurant

4. Guests mentioned 'caves' 189 times

5. Guests liked the breakfast

6. Gender-segregated bathhouses with natural hot spring water

7. Traditional Japanese rooms with tatami floors and futons

8. Private baths available for families

9. Kid-friendly hotel with family-oriented amenities

10. No air conditioning but open-air bath available


9.4 Exceptional

Location rating

Top sights

Kurokawa Onsen
4 min
Hozantei
6 min
Kuju Flower Park
16 min
Nabegataki Falls
23 min
Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi
33 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out10:00
Location rating9.4
Nearest airportKumamoto Airport
Travel time to airport1 hr 12 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Sun, Nov 17
Check-out: Mon, Nov 18
    Bluepillow.com

    $296

    Dinogo.com

    $327


Location

Japan, 〒869-2400 Kumamoto, Aso District, 南小国町黒川温泉

Airports:

Yamaguchi Ube Airport

Taxi: 3 hr 9 min

Transit: 5 hr 57 min

Oita Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 31 min

Transit: 5 hr 4 min

Fukuoka Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 55 min

Transit: 2 hr 21 min

Kumamoto Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 12 min

Transit: 1 hr 55 min

Kitakyushu Airport

Taxi: 2 hr 10 min

Transit: 4 hr 41 min

Transit:

Kurokawa Onsen

Walking: 9 min

黒川温泉(バス)(熊本空港線・下り)

Walking: 8 min

Higashi Kurokawa

Walking: 8 min

Kurokawashimo

Walking: 7 min

Kurokawa

Walking: 3 min


Nearby locations

9.4

Exceptional Location

Beside the Tanoharu River, this laid-back hot spring inn off Route 442 is 4 km from Yoshiwadarai Shrine and 13 km from Fuju Flower Park.

Top Attractions


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Parking & transportation

Parking

Public bath

Public bath

Natural onsen

Open air bath

Private bath

Food & drink

Restaurant

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

Rooms

No air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

9.1

9 reviews

Wonderful
6
Excellent
2
Good
1
Below Average
0
Not Good
0
Cover Image for y m

y m

4/5
I decided to stay at this inn because I was drawn to the hearth cuisine.The sweetfish was grilled elsewhere to keep it warm, but the meat was grilled in the hearth and eaten. The menu names seemed modest, but the dishes turned out to be more delicious than I expected, such as miso-grilled satsuma sweet potato and five-grain manju.As for the hot spring eggs for breakfast, I wanted to try them freshly made.The foreign staff who brought the food to me was also very nice.There were 5 hot springs within the building. The rock bath and cave bath were much larger, and the indoor bath was a little hot and refreshing. When I went at night or in the morning, it was empty so I took my time.The room looked like an old folk house with black painted wood and white walls, and was spacious enough.I thought the hallways could be a little cleaner.

Cover Image for zw kinmugi

zw kinmugi

4/5
Used for day trips.There is a cave bath. It's small inside.You have to undress at the entrance to the cave, so it can be difficult if there are a lot of people.

Cover Image for Li Chiu

Li Chiu

5/5
You can experience simple local cuisine

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for CA Boon

CA Boon

5/5
There may be newer ryokans in Kurokawa or ryokans with more picturesque onsen baths but for sheer rustic charm, nothing beats Shinmei-Kan. Its cave onsen is certainly unique but it is small and can be cramped. The entrance to it can also be slippery and daunting, not to mention it lacks privacy. Its indoor baths are basic and not inviting. Its private baths could do with a more pleasing aesthetic makeover. So too could the lobby of the ryokan itself which is also rather basic - I guess that was the intent so as to preserve its old-feel charm.In terms of its location, it commands the Center of town and is unmissable by anyone who passes it. Its fairy tale allure defines the town itself and it is not unusual to suppose every visitor to Kurosawa taking a picture of it posing on the bridge to its entrance. The downside of all this attention is the compromise on privacy and intimacy offered by its rivals.However it lacks nothing when it comes to its hospitality. The staff are first rate, and so too are the meals.

Cover Image for Young Hoon Park

Young Hoon Park

5/5
Used on September 24, 2024. It was a ryokan trip I took with my parents. I didn't expect much since it was an old ryokan in the photos, but it was a much more satisfactory accommodation than I expected. You can truly feel the comfort that old things provide. The staff was friendly, and dinner and breakfast were great. The special features of this place are cave hot springs and evening grilling. It's a meal that looks very elegant in winter. The location is also good as it has access to everything in the city center. A few things to note: There is water flowing right in front, so those who are sensitive to sound should avoid it. Also, because it is an iconic ryokan in Kurokawa, many tourists take pictures here. Both the rooms and the hot springs are like a maze, so you have to move mainly through stairs. If these are no issues, this is a recommended accommodation.

Cover Image for あくと

あくと

3/5
I used it for a day trip and was looking forward to experiencing a cave bath for 500 yen, but there was a coin locker to put your valuables in. It cost 100 yen and you won't get it back, so check before closing!The bathroom is a simple changing room with just a basket, so you can leave your shoes there, and the floor is wet, so your socks will get wet, and it's small ( ; ; )There are no lockers, so I don't think there are any, but if something gets stolen, it's over.The cave bath is just for soaking, there are two entrances but they are connected inside, and it was large enough that you could go around it in a few minutes, so we were there for less than 10 minutes in total.I didn't have to wash my body (which is totally fine), but I at least wanted a shower after taking a bath.

Cover Image for P Q

P Q

5/5
The atmosphere of the hearth was nice and the dinner was very satisfying, but the breakfast was a little disappointing!The family bath was spacious and I was able to comfortably enjoy the hot springs (^^)

Cover Image for 鶏マニア

鶏マニア

5/5
I like it. The founder's thoughts are immortal.I think it would be good to convey it to the people it should be conveyed to.Because there are people who don't fit in.

Cover Image for 月曜日のFM

月曜日のFM

5/5
I took a bath during the day.The bathing fee is 500 yen. No bath bill was required.This is a valuable hot spring where you can experience caves and cave baths.The hot water is clear and has almost no odor.There is a simple changing room, but there are no lockers. Shoes will also be taken off in the changing room.Coin lockers where you can leave your valuables cost 100 yen and cannot be returned.If you are taking a bath on a day trip, we recommend wearing simple clothes that are easy to take off and sandals. Also, I think you can bathe comfortably if you keep your luggage to a minimum.