This comprehensive 4K vlog presents an in-depth stay at Ryokan Sanga, a secluded ryokan in the renowned Kurokawa Onsen area of Minamioguni-machi, Kumamoto Prefecture. The video opens with a journey through Kyushu’s hot spring region, featuring notable nearby attractions such as Nabegataki Waterfall—a picturesque cascade considered one of Kumamoto’s most beautiful natural sights—and Manganji Onsen, reputed for its unique and unabashed bathing experience. After these excursions, the focus shifts to Kurokawa Onsen, an atmospheric town beloved for its rustic charm and famous hot springs.

Ryokan Sanga stands out for its discrete forest location, about five minutes’ drive from the main town. Once part of the Japan Society for Preserving Secret Hot Springs, this inn features only 16 guest rooms. Its expansive grounds are dotted with both the historic main building and modern detached accommodations. A standout feature is the variety of bathing options: the property offers a large open-air bath, indoor baths, three private baths, and guest rooms equipped with their own onsen. The hot spring water comes from two sources: ‘Yakushi no Yu,’ a simple sulfur spring with a distinctive mineral scent, and ‘Beautiful Skin Spring,’ a sodium chloride, bicarbonate, and sulfate blend celebrated for its skin-smoothing properties. Each bath provides a distinct sensory experience, from subtle aromas to visually striking blue waters in the open-air baths.

Beyond bathing, Ryokan Sanga delivers a refined inn experience with attentive, welcoming staff and beautifully restored interiors that blend traditional architecture with modern comforts. Meals are served in-room and feature elegant presentations emphasizing local ingredients, including Kumamoto’s regional delicacy, horse meat (basashi). The tranquil grounds also house a foot bath and rest area designed for relaxation and hospitality—hallmarks of high-end ryokan.

Kurokawa Onsen itself attracts visitors with its narrow lanes, wooden bridges, and forested atmosphere—a classic onsen town setting for authentic Japanese cultural immersion. Minamioguni, where the onsen area is located, sits in the northern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, within the Aso region, which is famous for its volcanic heritage and therapeutic waters. Accommodation at Ryokan Sanga typically includes two meals and starts at approximately JPY 50,000 per night for two people. Check the official website for updated rates and booking options.