2026 Oguni Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in April)

💫Kumamoto Mini Guide💫 Here is a list of secret Kumamoto spots that even locals hesitate to share, every snap looks like a masterpiece!📸 1⃣ Kumamon Port Yatsushiro A must-visit for cruise lovers!🚢 📍Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture 🌟Highlights: Lots of adorable Kumamon statues, cuteness overload! You’ll find surprise little bears around every corner~ 2⃣ Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine A summer cool-down secret spot!🌿 Feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie🎬 Lush greenery and moss everywhere, full of mystery! 3⃣ Kuradake Shrine Breathtaking views at 682 meters above sea level🏔️ 360° panoramic sea of clouds, be sure to visit on a clear day! 4⃣ Einoo Tsurugi Shrine The red torii gate over the sea is stunning!🌅 Even more beautiful at sunset, definitely come in the evening! 5⃣ Komezuka & Kusasenri Photo success rate 200%! Every shot is wallpaper-worthy📷 Watch the horses grazing leisurely, it’s so relaxing~ 6⃣ Sorafune-no-Sanbashi Super Instagrammable pier, feels like it leads to the clouds☁️ 7⃣ Nabegataki Falls Like a Hollywood blockbuster! You can walk behind the waterfall! ⚠️Tip: Remember to book in advance~ 8⃣ Nagabeta Seabed Road A scene straight out of Spirited Away!🛤️ A sea road that appears only at low tide, super dreamy! 9⃣ Ryuo Shrine A must-visit for dark-themed shrine lovers!🖤 All black and gold tones with a high-quality feel, every photo looks like a masterpiece! 🔟 Okadomekofuku Station Happiness Station is truly overflowing with joy!💕 You might even spot Kumamon cosplaying as the stationmaster! Easter egg in the photo description✨: (In the distant grassland, a young lady is checking in and taking photos—this is an excellent spot for portrait shots!) 🗺️For more in-depth Japan travel maps and guides, follow the homepage collection~

📍Address: Fukuoka Surrounding Itinerary 🗓️Itinerary: One-day drive from Fukuoka🚗 1. Kokunicho: See the waterfall and feel it briefly 🍃 2. Grand View Peak: You can also play paragliding 🪂 up there! ! The view of Aso City from high up is great! 3. Feel the volcano: Look at the crater remotely with intermittent smoke 4. Around the crater: a total of 7 craters, only one is smoking, but there are walking around other quiet craters to feel, to the active crater as soon as you get off the car can smell sulfur (the day there is a yellow alert, special people are not recommended to approach!) Love nature I think it's worth a visit, but be sure to pay attention to sunscreen and watch the weather! (🌚 Tanned two degrees) I went the day at Grand View Peak a little foggy, can not see the volcano clearly, but up the mountain is much better, clear vision is really spectacular! 🏔️

Kurokawa Onsen is famous throughout the country! The surrounding area is a treasure trove of exquisite and spectacular spots! I highly recommend stopping by when you visit Kurokawa Onsen! 1st and 2nd photos📍Location: Take no Kuma Cafe A cafe in the middle of the countryside! A comfortable space where you can relax and enjoy tea while looking at the beautiful countryside! There are only two tables with air conditioning and heating, so it's best to take precautions on hot and cold days! There is a long line before opening, so we recommend arriving about 30 minutes before opening! 🚙12 minutes by car from Kurokawa Onsen 3rd and 4th photos📍Location: Nabegataki A spectacular waterfall that is also used in a commercial for a certain beverage manufacturer! There are many stairs to get to the waterfall, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothes! 🚙 30 minutes by car from Kurokawa Onsen 5th, 6th, and 7th photos📍 Location: Pizzeria Trepasso A pizza restaurant run by two brothers When the weather is nice, you can enjoy a meal on the terrace with a spectacular view! The pizza is absolutely delicious!! It's a popular restaurant, so we recommend arriving an hour before opening! 🚙 8 minutes by car from Kurokawa Onsen 8th and 9th photos📍 Location: Roadside Station Oguni If you're looking for souvenirs, stop by here! They have a wide variety of souvenirs! The soft serve ice cream made with Jersey milk, which is famous in Kumamoto, is also delicious, so try it while you're there! 🚙 20 minutes by car from Kurokawa Onsen 10th, 11th, and 12th photos📍 Location: Daikanbo A spectacular spot overlooking the caldera! The view is so spectacular that the drive on the way there is so much fun! 🚙 30 minutes by car from Kurokawa Onsen #EnjoyJapan #KumamotoTourism #Aso #Kumamoto #KurokawaOnsen

#Kumamoto 🏯 Historical Highlights · Kumamoto Castle: One of Japan’s most impressive castles, originally constructed in the early 1600s by renowned samurai Katō Kiyomasa. Although damaged during the 2016 earthquakes, restoration efforts are ongoing, and parts of the castle are open to visitors.  · Suizenji Jojuen Garden: A beautifully landscaped Japanese garden that replicates the 53 post stations of the Tokaido, the road connecting Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). · Reigandō Cave: The secluded cave where legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi spent his final years and wrote “The Book of Five Rings.”  ⸻ 🌿 Natural Attractions · Mount Aso: One of the world’s largest active volcanoes, featuring a vast caldera and picturesque landscapes. It’s a popular destination for hiking and enjoying panoramic views.  · Nabegataki Falls: A serene waterfall located in the nearby town of Oguni, offering visitors the unique experience of walking behind the cascading water.  ⸻ 🎭 Cultural Experiences · Kumamon: The city’s beloved bear mascot, Kumamon, is a cultural icon in Japan. You’ll find his image adorning various products and attractions throughout the city.  · Local Festivals: Kumamoto hosts several traditional festivals, including the Fujisaki Hachimangu Festival, featuring parades with elaborately decorated horses and participants in traditional attire.  ⸻ 🍜 Culinary Delights · Basashi: A local delicacy of thinly sliced raw horse meat, often served with soy sauce and garlic. · Kumamoto Ramen: Known for its rich, pork-based broth flavored with garlic, this ramen variant is a must-try for food enthusiasts. ⸻ 🚆 Accessibility Kumamoto is well-connected by the Kyushu Shinkansen, making it easily accessible from major cities like Fukuoka and Kagoshima. The city also serves as a convenient base for exploring other parts of Kyushu. Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

Driving from Fukuoka to Kurokawa Onsen, on the way through Ogunitown, I stumbled upon a popular local soba noodle shop, Yushin Handmade Soba. Despite being in the countryside, the business is booming, and without a reservation, you have to wait for half an hour. While wandering around nearby, I unexpectedly visited the ancient and towering trees of the Oguni Shrine, as well as the cherry blossom riverside spring, Keyaki Spring. The facade of Yushin Handmade Soba is very Zen, decorated with a row of wooden fences. Inside, there is an L-shaped workbench, and you can sit in the tatami seating area to watch the noodle-making process up close. From rolling the dough, boiling, chilling, topping, to plating, the chef's skillful techniques are truly impressive and entertaining. We ordered a tempura platter and beef donburi to go with the cold soba noodles, served in a bamboo sieve and eaten with dipping sauce. The noodles were smooth and slippery; the tempura was crispy and delicious, and the grilled beef was tender and juicy, making for an enjoyable combination with the cold soba noodles. Another bowl was the duck soba in soup, lush and green, with a sweet broth and tender duck meat; we also ordered a separate dish of dashi tamagoyaki, a warm egg roll rich with broth, which was very tasty. Finally, the chef scooped some noodle cooking water and added it to the remaining dipping sauce, transforming it into a fragrant broth. Taking a sip, it was truly fresh! A very delicious and interesting experience. Yushin Handmade Soba Business hours: 1100-1600 Address: 1635-5 Miyahara, Oguni, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-2501 Japan Average cost per person: 1000-2000 Japanese yen

Even though the heat is intense, you want to feel cool even while sightseeing! In particular, near waterfalls you can feel the coolness of negative ions and water spray! Today we will introduce Nabegataki, a waterfall that is a popular tourist spot that Kumamoto is proud of. It is popular not only because of the beauty of the waterfall, but also because if you get close to the base of the waterfall, you can actually go behind the waterfall, which is a rare spot! ️ Due to its popularity, reservations are required 🙈 If you are planning to go, make sure to make a reservation in advance! [How to make a reservation]☑︎When you search for "Nabegataki reservation", the Oguni Town page will appear. Go to the reservation page from there.☑︎You will be taken to the member registration page on the "webket" site, so first register there.☑︎Once you have registered, proceed to the ticket purchase screen and select from the calendar. Reservations are made in 40-minute increments. [Notes]☑︎Cancellation is free☑︎Reservation times: 9:00-16:00☑︎Reservations can be made on the day☑︎Even if you go to the site without making a reservation, if there is availability, they will process it on the spot☑︎Be careful with your footwear as it is slippery☑︎The water spray behind the waterfall is quite intense☑︎Access is by car That's all! How about it! Please visit it when you are sightseeing in Kumamoto! 〜〜〜〜〜Information〜〜〜〜〜📍Nabegataki WaterfallsAddress: Kurobuchi, Oguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto PrefectureAccess: 75 minutes from Kumamoto AirportOpening hours: 9:00-17:00Fee: 300 yen for high school students and above, 150 yen for elementary and junior high school studentsCaution: Falls are at your own risk, so please walk carefully〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 #besttrip2023 #Kumamototourism #healingspot #waterfall #negativeions

The Tsuetate Onsen Koinobori Festival is held every year between April and early May. The scenery of Aso, which is rich in nature, and the large number of colorful carp streamers are very beautiful 🎏 It's impressive, so even small children can enjoy it! As it is a hot spring town, you can eat hot spring eggs and there are plenty of food stalls. The parking lot is always full at this time of year, and it takes a while to find a parking spot, so we recommend going early in the morning. #tripmemory2022

\\Spots// Waita Onsenkyo, where the best season for autumn leaves is coming up, has many places where you can enjoy natural hot springs at reasonable prices. The one we visited this time, Horei no Yado, is a rare hot spring inn where you can experience white-blue water and hell steaming. Even non-guests can use the hot springs for day trips. It is also popular with people who want to sleep in their cars, and if you submit a car camping consent form, you can park your car in the on-site parking lot. (Number of cars limited) We visited at the end of September, so the autumn leaves had not yet started to change, but it was a wonderful place that we would like to visit again someday during the autumn leaves season! Facilities 📍Horei no Yado Address 📍 2917 Nishizato, Oguni-cho, Aso City Price 📍Family bath/1,200 yen per room (1 hour) #Autumn trip #Hot springs #Autumn leaves spot #Amazing view #Kumamoto #Ogunigo, Kumamoto Prefecture #Autumn trip

\\Tourist Spots// Nabegataki Falls, which was also used as a location for a certain tea commercial, is a waterfall with a drop of about 10m and a width of about 20m, like a curtain of water. The highlight of this place is that you can go around to the back of the waterfall as well as the front. There are about 120 steps from the parking lot to the waterfall, so sneakers are a must! The surrounding roads are narrow, so from November 2021, reservations are required for entry to ease traffic congestion. It seems that you can make reservations on the day if there is availability on weekdays, but on busy days such as holidays, reservations are required in advance, so don't forget to make a reservation when planning! It was a wonderful place that you should definitely experience! Facility name📍Nabegataki Park Address📍Kurobuchi, Oguni-cho, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture #Autumn foliage spot #Kumamoto Prefecture #Breathtaking view #Kumamoto sightseeing #Autumn foliage viewing #Oguni-go, Kumamoto Prefecture #Autumn trip

\\Spots// There are many places in Waita Onsenkyo where you can enjoy natural hot springs at reasonable prices. The one we visited this time, "Horei no Yado", is a rare hot spring inn where you can experience white-blue water. Even if you are not a guest staying at the hotel, you can use the hot springs for day trips. If you put a coin in at the entrance, hot water will come out and you can enjoy luxurious free-flowing hot springs. It was very good! I recommend it!! Facilities📍Horei no Yado Address📍2917 Nishizato, Oguni-cho, Aso City Price📍Family bath/1200 yen per room (1 hour) #Autumn trip #Hot springs #Autumn leaves spot #Amazing view #Kumamoto #Oguni-go, Kumamoto Prefecture

#AccommodationReview ⁣ Yamakawa Zenzo♨️⁣ ⁣ Irori cuisine served over the counter Soup, horse sashimi Grilled dishes: Shiitake mushrooms, eggplant, shishito peppers Aburaage with plenty of green onions Fresh sweetfish, Akaushi beef stew, Amakusa Daio chicken wings Everything was delicious The seventh photo is Cheese bread🍞 This was really good with wine💕 ⁣ The pheasant hotpot was also delicious. I was full but I had a second serving🫢 Even the porridge at the end was really delicious💕 ⁣ ⁣ ♨️Yamakawa Zenzo 🗾1426 Kitazato, Oguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #Kumamoto #Couple trip #Gourmet trip #Hot spring

#AccommodationReview ⁣ Yamakawa Zenzo♨️⁣ ⁣ For breakfast, we sat at the counter where we could see the outside. The fish and tamagoyaki were cooked after we sat down. The natto was Sakura natto with horse meat. The pork soup was made with homemade miso, so I asked for a second serving. Everything was really delicious, thank you for the meal. ⁣ ♨️Yamakawa Zenzo 🗾1426 Kitazato, Oguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture⁣ ⁣ #Kumamoto #CoupleTrip #GourmetTrip #HotSpring

I went to Nabegataki Falls in Kumamoto!! The waterfall can be reached by walking all the way up the mountain path♡ It was a space filled with negative ions! You can also go behind the waterfall🫶 It's currently by reservation only, so don't forget! #KumamotoTrip #AsoTrip #KumamotoTourism #ForestBathing

Shop name 🏠 OGUNIYA JERSEY Roadside Station Oguni Address 📍 1760-3 Miyahara, Oguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Budget per person: 350 and up Rating (out of 5): ★★★★★ Points · This is a shop where you can eat sweets made with Jersey milk at the roadside station Oguni. No additives are used, and the pasteurized soft serve ice cream is rich but refreshing and very delicious! · The shop was also very cute and it was a wonderful roadside station ♡ #Gourmet #Gourmet trip #Oguni-go, Kumamoto Prefecture #Kumamoto Prefecture #Photogenic spot #Western Japan

The view of rising steam is a must-see! Waita Onsenkyo is a hidden hot spring town in the hot spring-dense area of ​​Ogunigo in Kumamoto Prefecture. I went to the recommended private day-trip hot spring "Toyore no Yu" in the area♪ The view and the quality of the spring water are amazing, it's a really nice hot spring♨️ I recommend the "Hinoki Family Open-Air Bath" for 1,500 yen per hour You can see the majestic mountains of the Kuju mountain range right in front of you. The hot spring is a sodium chloride spring with a high content of metasilicic acid, and the white-blue water is mysterious✨ #hotspring #stayhome

Kumamoto's hot springs are known only to those in the know! We'll introduce you to a wonderful inn where you can stay in a detached room with an open-air bath for under 10,000 yen♪ The inn is called "Shugojin Onsen" and is located in the hidden hot spring town "Wai-ta Onsenkyo" in the hot spring-dense area called Oguni-go in Kumamoto Prefecture. How about spending some relaxing time at an inn that stands alone in the forest? There are no restaurants or dining options for dinner, but you can order the specialty "whole steamed chicken" from "Shiraji Shoten" in Waita Onsenkyo by making a reservation in advance, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal♪ It's rare to find such a spacious and luxurious space at this price range♪ As expected from hot spring paradise Kyushu♨️ #Hot springs #Staying at home

If you are looking for nature vibes in Kumamoto 👉 This is the spot. You can walk right behind the falls, 👉 Which makes it a truly special experience. 📍 Why you should visit ✔️ You can walk behind the waterfall ✔️ Healing in nature ✔️ Amazing photo spot 📸 The actual vibe · Refreshing · Mystical 🚶 What to do here 👉 Walk behind the waterfall 👉 Take photos 👉 Relax and recharge 💡 In a nutshell 👉 “The essence of nature in Kumamoto” 📌 TIPS · Watch your step (it can be slippery) · Morning visits are highly recommended · Even better after the rain

Nabegataki Falls in Kumamoto Prefecture is one of the most stunning and unique natural attractions in the Kyushu region. A walk-behind waterfall curtain: Standing about 10 meters tall and 20 meters wide, the cascading water looks just like a soft, white curtain. The absolute highlight here is that you can actually walk right into the cave behind the falls to take in the view from the other side—a truly rare experience. Piercing sunbeams: If you visit on a clear morning between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, you might just catch the sunlight piercing through the trees and hitting the mist, creating absolutely breathtaking golden rays of light. Seasonal beauty - Spring: During Golden Week (early May), the space behind the waterfall is typically illuminated with a gorgeous light-up display. Summer: The water flow is at its peak, and the area is wrapped in lush green moss, giving off an incredibly refreshing vibe. Winter: In freezing temperatures, parts of the waterfall might freeze over, offering a stunning and otherworldly sight. Admission Fee: Adults (High school students and above): 300 yen / Children (Elementary to Junior high school): 150 yen Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM). Closed from Dec 28 - Jan 3. The path down to the waterfall is quite accessible, but keep in mind that the area behind the falls can be wet and slippery. It's highly recommended to wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes. The falls are located in Minamioguni Town, which is just a stone's throw from Kurokawa Onsen. If you're already planning a relaxing getaway at the hot spring town, adding Nabegataki Falls to your itinerary is a breeze. You could also swing by the nearby twin Meoto Falls for a completely different but equally charming atmosphere!

Steam rose and melted into the dark sky. The water was so hot that the first few seconds were almost painful. But then the body surrendered. And we just looked. At the mountain. At the lake. At our own breath in the cold air. It wasn't a spa day. It was something else. Something for which there is no exact word in English. In Japan, it’s called an onsen (温泉). And it is, perhaps, the best thing humanity has invented in a few thousand years. What is an onsen — and why it’s not just a "hot bath" An onsen in Japan is a natural hot spring with mineral-rich water. Baths can be outdoor (rotenburo), indoor, public, or private—located in ryokans and hotels. It's a vital part of Japanese relaxation culture. But the main thing is the ritual. An onsen is not just a way to relieve fatigue, but a special ritual and a part of everyday Japanese life. Many visit the baths regularly. This is where you can feel the true atmosphere of Japanese relaxation: silence, nature, and a pleasant sense of coziness after immersing yourself in a hot pool. Rotenburo (露天風呂) is an outdoor hot bath where you can enjoy nature and feel like a part of it. It's the exact place where hot water meets cold air. Where a cloud of steam is the only thing separating you from the starry sky or—if you're lucky—from the snow-capped peak of Fuji right in front of you. There are several such places near Lake Kawaguchiko. But two hotels are truly special. Base Hotel 1: Kozantei Ubuya (湖山亭うぶや) — the best onsen with a view of Fuji Address: Kozantei Ubuya (湖山亭うぶや), Azagawa 10, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0303 Transfer: free shuttle from Kawaguchiko Station upon request We drove through the wooden gates at 3:00 PM. We were greeted with a bow. Handed a yukata—a light cotton kimono. Offered tea. All this without a single unnecessary word. Kozantei Ubuya is located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi—perfect for catching the mirror reflection of Fuji in the lake (Mirror Fuji) on a quiet morning. The hotel is exquisite and elegant, with refined decor and a cozy atmosphere. The service is efficient and courteous. All rooms face Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Several room types have a private rotenburo right on the balcony—a separate open-air bath with a direct view of the mountain. One guest wrote a review that we reread several times: "We came here right after getting engaged. The staff threw us a celebration—unforgettable and touching. The suite with the private onsen was exactly how we dreamed it would be. The view of the lake and Fuji—from our room, from the balcony, from the onsen—was a waking dream." The hotel has several public onsens—for men and women, indoor and outdoor rotenburo—with a stunning view of Fuji. There's a sauna. In the evenings, they serve a multi-course kaiseki dinner: sashimi, premium A-grade wagyu shabu-shabu, matcha dessert. Breakfast is traditional Japanese: miso soup, rice, pickles, omelet, grilled fish. The rooms feature massage chairs, coffee and tea, and separate washing and relaxation areas. On-site, there's a library, a gift shop, and a tea lounge. Free parking. Important note about tattoos: Kozantei Ubuya is among the onsen hotels that do not allow tattoos in public baths. If you have a small tattoo, you can cover it with a waterproof patch. Check at the entrance. But if you book a room with a private rotenburo, it's your personal space, and the issue is moot. Price in April 2026: from $329 per night for a standard room. Room with a private rotenburo — from $519 per night. In Yuan: from ¥2,382 to ¥3,758 per night (dinner and breakfast included). Base Hotel 2: Kaze no Terrace Kukuna (風のテラスKUKUNA) — when Fuji is visible from every spot Address: Kaze no Terrace Kukuna (風のテラスKUKUNA), 70 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0303 Transfer: free shuttle from Kawaguchiko Station from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM This hotel is designed so that Fuji is visible from everywhere. Literally. Every room offers a direct panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Three separate relaxation zones—"Wind," "Light," and "Water"—each with a unique vibe and a view of the mountain. The hotel was created with the owner's experience at the Ritz-Carlton in mind—and you can feel it in the level of attention to detail. The onsen on the 9th floor is an outdoor rotenburo with a view of Fuji and the lake. It's usually less crowded than public onsens in the area. Private baths by appointment (view depends on the type): 50 minutes for 3,300 yen (tax included). Available from 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM and from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. This is perfect for couples—especially if you have tattoos. Kukuna is a resort ryokan with a commanding view of Fuji across the lake. During the sakura season, cherry trees in front of the hotel form a pink veil right in front of the mountain. Dinner choices: teppanyaki or Italian fusion with a buffet. One guest shared an honest observation: "What you pay for at Kukuna is the view. It's truly worth the extra money. The rooms with a balcony are amazing. The best part—Fuji is visible right from the bed." The staff is friendly and attentive. Multilingual support is available at the reception. The onsen closes for an hour for cleaning in the afternoon—plan your visit accordingly. Price in April 2026: from $469 per night. In Yuan: from ¥3,396 per night (dinner and breakfast included). Onsen culture: the full ritual from changing clothes to stepping out The first time we went into an onsen, we did everything wrong. No one stopped us—the Japanese are too polite for that. But we felt the stares. Now we know it all. Let us break it down for you. Step 1. Yukata — your uniform for the whole evening. Before heading to the onsen, you change into a yukata robe. Stepping onto the tatami mats in the changing room, you leave your slippers outside the door. Clothes are neatly folded into a basket. The yukata is provided by the hotel. It's not just clothing—you wear it all over the ryokan: to the onsen, to dinner, to the library, to the garden. Step 2. Shower first — water second. The water in the pools is shared, so you must wash thoroughly with soap and shampoo before entering. Shower stalls with all necessary amenities are available in every onsen. Onsens aren't meant for washing off dirt—their direct purpose is relieving stress and relaxing the body and mind. Step 3. Towel — strictly out of the water. Small towels are used in hot springs. You use them to cover up when moving between baths, and sometimes place them on your head while bathing. You must not let the towel dip into the water—it's considered unhygienic. Step 4. Swimsuit? No. Swimsuits are forbidden. All visitors bathe naked. It might seem unusual at first, but most people quickly get used to it. Nudity here is viewed exclusively as part of the cultural purification ritual. Step 5. Silence is the rule. Loud conversations, making a fuss, and playing games are unacceptable in an onsen. It’s best to follow the gurus' example and meditate while contemplating the natural beauty. This isn't a poolside cafe. It's a completely different space. Step 6. Check the temperature. Rotenburo are ideal in freezing weather—the sharp contrast between hot water and cold air is incredible. The best times: autumn, winter, early spring. April is still cool enough for the perfect experience. Step 7. After the onsen — tea and peace. Returning to your room, you usually drink green tea with Japanese sweets and pass the time until dinner. And if you have a private rotenburo in your room, an ice-cold beer after all the soaking can be absolutely glorious. What else to do in Kawaguchiko — beyond the onsen The onsen is for the evening and morning. The daytime is a whole other world. 🌸 Fuji-Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival (富士河口湖さくら祭り) Usually held from late March to mid-April (exact dates depend on the blooming) along the northern shore of the lake. Sakura + Fuji + evening illuminations until 9:00 PM. One of the most beautiful seasons in Japan. 🗻 Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park / 新倉山浅間公園) 📍 3353 Arakura, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011 398 steps. A pagoda. Sakura. Fuji. That exact postcard shot—come to life. Best at 5:30 AM when you have the place to yourself. 🚠 Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (富士山パノラマロープウェイ) 📍 1163-1 Aokigahara, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi A 3-minute ride up Mount Tenjo. Fuji is right opposite you, at eye level. Round-trip ticket — 1,000 yen. 🚴 Lake cycling tour Bike rental — 500–1,000 yen per hour. The route around Kawaguchiko is about 20 km. You can ride it in 2–3 hours with stops at viewpoints. 🎵 Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum (河口湖音楽と森の美術館) 📍 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Antique organs, mechanical music concerts every 30 minutes, a rose garden with a view of Fuji. Admission — 1,800–2,300 yen. 🍜 Hoto (ほうとう) — a dish you can't miss A local specialty: flat udon noodles with pumpkin, vegetables, and miso paste in a thick, hot broth. It's the ultimate comfort food of the Yamanashi region. Price — 1,200–1,800 yen per portion. Expect lines at Houtou Fudou (ほうとう不動), but it’s totally worth the wait. The perfect two days: an hour-by-hour itinerary Day 1. 2:00 PM — check-in at Kozantei Ubuya or Kukuna. 3:00 PM — change into a yukata, take a first walk around the grounds. 4:00 PM — public onsen: warm up, get used to it, understand it. 6:30 PM — kaiseki or teppanyaki dinner at the hotel. 9:00 PM — rotenburo again. This time, at night. Fuji in the dark under the starlight. Day 2. 5:30 AM — wake up. Head out to the lakeshore to catch the Mirror Fuji in the quiet morning. 7:00 AM — breakfast in your yukata with a view of the mountain. 9:00 AM — Chureito Pagoda: 398 steps, sakura, sunrise. 1:00 PM — Music Forest Museum. 3:30 PM — cycling tour or a stroll through the sakura festival. 7:00 PM — private onsen in your room. Hot water, crisp April air, Fuji right in front of you. Cost of two nights for two — April 2026 Exchange rate: 1 JPY ≈ 0.0433 CNY. 10,000 yen ≈ ¥433 RMB. Kozantei Ubuya — 2 nights (dinner and breakfast included): Standard room with a view of Fuji — from $329 × 2 = $658 ≈ ¥4,764 RMB for two. Room with a private rotenburo — from $519 × 2 = $1,038 ≈ ¥7,515 RMB for two. Kaze no Terrace Kukuna — 2 nights (dinner and breakfast included): Room with a balcony and a view of Fuji — from $469 × 2 = $938 ≈ ¥6,791 RMB for two. Private onsen rental (extra) — 3,300 yen × 2 sessions = 6,600 yen ≈ ¥286 RMB. Activities and dining for 2 days for two: Chureito Pagoda — free. Ropeway — 2,000 yen ≈ ¥87. Music Forest Museum — 3,600 yen ≈ ¥156. Full-day bike rental — 2,000 yen ≈ ¥87. Tot

Access: By car Tourist spots: Takachiho Gorge, Amano Iwato Shrine, Nabegataki Waterfall \Takachiho Gorge Boat Rental: Advance reservation recommended/ → Reservations open at 9 AM two weeks prior to your desired date. It is highly recommended to book immediately after reservations open. On-site ticket purchases on the day may result in limited availability and waiting times of up to 5 hours. 💡 Dining & Restaurants: Imakin Shokudo \Visiting in the evening is recommended for shorter wait times/ Peak lunch hours can have waiting times of several hours. After visiting Takachiho Gorge, I stopped by around 3 PM and only had to wait about 30 minutes. While waiting, I wandered around nearby candy shops and general stores, and my turn came quickly.

'Jersey Farm Couple' Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture 20 minutes by car from Oita Expressway Kusu IC While driving through Aso, I stopped by for a cold treat. The café, resembling a wooden mountain lodge, offers a variety of sweets and drinks made with Jersey milk. ✤ Umeda Farm's Jersey Soft Serve I chose the cone 🍦 The milk was rich and incredibly delicious. I felt like I could eat several of them (〃▽〃) You can take your treats to go, or enjoy them at the seating areas inside or around the café. Inside the shop, they also sell clothes and other miscellaneous goods. The staff were kind and explained various things, making the visit enjoyable ☺︎ Thank you for the treat (⋆ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)” ※ Menu and prices may have changed. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈𖠚ᐝ𖠿𖠋𖧧┈ 【Jersey Farm Couple】 ■ 2053-204 Nishisato, Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture ▷ 9:00–17:00, Sat-Sun 9:00–18:00 Closed on Thursdays Parking: Available ༶ஐ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

This beautiful spot was used as a location for a promotional photo for natural mineral water. It's a rare spot where you can walk behind the waterfall. Admission requires a reservation on the official website, but if the venue isn't busy, you can purchase an admission ticket on the spot. Adult admission is 300 yen. Aso is known for its open landscapes, but it also has waterfalls tucked deep in the forest, making it a wonderful place where you can experience a variety of beauty.

#TravelWithPochiKatsu Oguni Town's "TakenoKuma Cafe" is a beloved local cafe. ☕️✨ Enjoy fragrant, hand-brewed coffee and homemade sweets in a traditional, relaxed atmosphere. ♡ Breakfast and lunch options are also available, making it the perfect place for a relaxing break. This cafe is a recommended spot for a relaxing break in the nature-rich town of Oguni. 🌿 TakenoKuma Cafe 📍2041 Akababa, Minamioguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture 869-2401 🕐11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Closed Wednesdays and Fridays

Make your Kumamoto trip a memorable one! 3 24-hour family baths in Oguni ♨️ If you're wondering where to go on your Kumamoto trip, this is a must-see! The naturally rich Oguni (Oguni) has family baths open 24 hours a day. What's more, you can even enjoy "Hell Steaming," a free way to steam ingredients with hot spring steam! 🤩 No. 1 Horei no Yu (Horei-no-yu) No. 2 Kameyama no Yu (Kameyama-no-yu) No. 3 Kunugi-yu (Kunugi-yu) About Hell Steaming All three locations offer free hell steaming, so we recommend bringing your own ingredients and seasonings! 🥚 #KumamotoTrip #OguniOnsen #HellSteaming Summary Here are three recommended family-style onsen (hot springs) in Oguni, Kumamoto, Japan. · 24-Hour Access: All three locations are open 24/7. · Free Jigokumushi: You can use a "jigokumushi" (hell-steaming) pot for free at all three spots. Remember to bring your own ingredients! The three onsen are: · Horei no Yu · Kameyama no Yu · Kunugi Yu

Here are five of the most amazing hot springs recommended by a hot spring enthusiast who has traveled around Kyushu countless times! ♨️ In this video, I'll be introducing only the most amazing hot springs that truly moved me. · Yunotani Sanso (Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture) · Horei no Yu (Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture) · Enoshima Onsen (Tarumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture) · Kaguchi Onsen (Kokonoe Town, Kusu District, Oita Prefecture) · Ogano Yu (Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture) All of these hot springs are amazing, so relaxing and inspiring. Kyushu has so many amazing hot springs. Use this as inspiration for your next trip. What's your favorite hot spring you've ever been to? Let me know in the comments! #Kyushu #HotSpringTrip #Travel #HotSpringLover #HotSpringSommelier #HotSpring #Tourism #RelaxingTrip #HotSpringTrip

I'll share some of the best family baths I found while traveling around Kyushu! 1. Yuka, Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture The sodium chloride spring water warms you from the inside out! 2. Tamayura, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture This simple, low-radiation spring is gentle on the body and recommended for those who want to warm up slowly. And best of all, it has a sauna! 3. Umenoyu, Hita City, Oita Prefecture The smooth waters of the sodium chloride spring are gentle on the skin! Plus, All of the baths are private, so you can enjoy them with family, couples, or friends! Be sure to check the official website for the latest prices and opening hours! ✅ #KyushuHotSprings #FamilyBath #PrivateBath #HotSpringTrip #KumamotoHotSprings

Just a 40-minute drive from Minami Aso, you'll find Nabegataki in Aso Oguni Village. This location was even featured in a tea commercial🫶. The highlight is that you can go behind the waterfall👍. Although you might think it's deep in the mountains because it's a waterfall, it's actually just a 5-minute walk from the parking lot, making it very accessible for tourists. There were also many families with children. Around mid-morning, when the sun gets higher (around 10 AM), the occasional rays of light streaming through were magical and beautiful🥹. They even sold churros at the parking lot! 📍Nabegataki Address: 〒869-2502 Kumamoto Prefecture, Aso District, Oguni Town, Kurobuchi Admission Fee: Adults (high school and above) 300 yen, Elementary and middle school students 150 yen, Free for children under elementary school age. Web reservations are available. I went without a web reservation and was able to enter by paying in cash🫶. Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Note: Although it's a waterfall and you might think it's open 24 hours, there are specific admission hours, so be careful⚠️. Parking: Available, free of charge.