Yatsushiro sits next to the sea a little south of Kumamoto. If you’re interested in seeing a more traditional perspective of Japan or simply enjoying nature, this is an excellent place to visit. Along with a castle, various temples, parks, and gardens, this area is also known as the home of Hinagu Onsen. While it’s not a bustling metropolis, Yatsushiro’s Hinagu Onsen has plenty to see for adventurous travelers willing to take detours.
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![Hinagu Onsen Town]()
Hinagu Onsen Town
The origin of the Hinagu Onsen is something of a legend. In the 15th century, it is said that the hot spring was discovered as an answer to the prayer of a man in search of a cure for a sword injury his father was suffering from. Since then, the legend of Hinagu Onsen has grown in popularity, with people coming from all over Japan to bathe in its waters. In the Edo period, it was designated as the official onsen of the Hosokawa clan, who are historically significant in the Kumamoto region.
![Hinagu Onsen Town]()
Hinagu Onsen Town
Today, the Hinagu Onsen is still a big attraction in the area. There are several onsen houses in the area that you can visit for a minimal fee. The Hinagu Onsen Center has several options, such as shared baths, private baths, a sauna, and foot baths with prices ranging from 200-1,240 yen for adults, depending on the options selected. There is also a restaurant, a snack bar, and a gift shop.
![Hinagu Onsen Town]()
Hinagu Onsen Town
A short walk away from the Hinagu Onsen Center, the Hinagu Onsen Shrine sits on top of a hill. This Shinto shrine is a great place to take pictures of the town below. Down the steps from the shrine, there’s also an outdoor theatre that holds events during festivals. Every year, on the 4th Sunday of March, a festival is held to celebrate the man who originally discovered the onsen. There are music exhibitions and other activities, like a treasure hunt throughout the town.
![Hinagu Onsen Town]()
Hinagu Onsen Town
Even the streets of Yatsushiro tell of its onsen culture. Naturally heated water flows through open-air waterways throughout the town, giving off a thick, warm steam. In the winter, Yatsushiro’s Hinagu Onsen area is a great place to escape the cold. However, one of the best times to visit is in late spring, so that you can take advantage of the festival.
![Hinagu Onsen Town]()
Hinagu Onsen Town
If you’re traveling through the region, there are several ways to get to Hinagu Onsen. If you’re coming from Kumamoto City, you can take the Kagoshima Line from Kumamoto Station to Yatsushiro Station, and from there you just need to take a bus to Hinagu Onsen Station. The total cost of the trip is around 1,100 yen and takes a little less than two hours. Hinagu Onsen is only 30 minutes away from Yatsushiro, so it’s pretty easy to just take a bus if you’re already there. For most people traveling in Kumamoto Prefecture, renting a car is going to be the best option, as public transportation could be difficult to navigate and a car will be faster in most cases.
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THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO
3-15-26, Kasuga, Nishiku, Kumamoto
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Yatsushiro Grand Hotel
10-1 Asahi-chuo-tori, Yatsushiro-city Kumamoto
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