Hot spring culture nurtured by volcanoes: Aso Kuju National Park

Aso-Kuju National Park is located in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in central Kyushu.
At Aso-Kuju National Park, the world's largest caldera spreads out at the center of Mt. Aso which is an active volcano. When traveling to Japan, this is an area that you should not miss to experience the great outdoors.
Hot spring is one of the blessings of volcanoes. This time, we will introduce “Jigoku Onsen” and “Tarutama Onsen” in Aso-Kuju National Park. Minami Aso area is also famous as "famous water village".

Jigoku Onsen | 地獄温泉

Jigoku Onsen has been famous for more than 200 years as a care facility "Tojiba" where people heal their illnesses and injuries with the effects of hot springs. Suzume no Yu, a famous hot spring, is a rare one which you can bathe directly where the hot water is bublling up from your feet.

Information

Jigoku Onsen Seifuso | 地獄温泉　青風荘
※Response in English is available for phone calls and e-mails.
Address: 2327 Kawayo, Minami-aso-mura, Kumamoto
Website (Japanese-only): http://jigoku-onsen.co.jp/

Tarutama Onsen | 垂玉温泉

Tarutama Onsen has its source of hot spring in "Kinryu Falls" waterfall where Aso's spring water flows.
Currently, it is open as a day-trip hot spring facility that can be used for cafes and camping. (Accommodation is not possible)
For lunch, you can experience “Jigokumushi” that ingredients are steamed in a geothermal steaming pot.

Information

Tarutama Onsen Takibiyori | 垂玉温泉瀧日和
Address: 2331 Kawayo, Minami-aso-mura, Kumamoto
Website (Japanese-only): https://tarutama.jp/

Information

Ministry of the Environment National Parks Website
https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/aso/index.html

About Aso | Aso-City Tourism Association
https://www.asocity-kanko.jp/en/

Minami-Aso Village Hot Spring Association
https://minamiaso.info/minamiaso-onsenryokankumiai/　(Japanese-only)
　

*The above article is based on information from September 2023.
*Information is subject to change, so please check the official website or other information before visiting.
　