An inn with a private spring overlooking the scenic Kuma River
Kumamoto Hitoyoshi City
"Hitoyoshi Onsen Ayunosato" is a long-established ryokan along the Kuma River in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture. The inn's private spring, "Ayunosato Spring," was discovered by the founder and is a bicarbonate spring said to be highly effective for beautiful skin, with a silky, gentle feel. From the large public baths on the 3rd and 5th floors, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the clear Kuma River and the ruins of Hitoyoshi Castle. Each of the men's and women's large baths is equipped with a full-scale sauna and cold plunge bath. Along with open-air bathing and fresh-air bathing in the spectacular outdoor baths, this luxurious space lets you enjoy a historic famous hot spring and a modern sauna experience at the same time.
TypeNatural Hot Spring
The private spring discovered by the founder. This bicarbonate spring is known as a beauty bath and helps leave the skin smooth. The water has an exceptionally soft texture and warms the body from the core. In the outdoor bath, you can enjoy the fresh water while gazing at the majestic flow of the Kuma River. There is also a drinking spring area, allowing you to receive the benefits of the hot spring from the inside as well.
Sauna TypeDry Sauna
Stove TypeConvection Stove (Sauna Stone)
Capacity4people
A full-scale sauna. High humidity and intense heat are maintained at all times, encouraging efficient sweating even in a short session. The interior has a calm atmosphere and is designed so you can fully feel the convection of heat and steam. From the sauna room window, you can enjoy views of the men's and women's bath areas, which switch depending on the time of day.
Water QualityTap Water
Capacity1people
A cold plunge bath that gently envelops your heated body after the sauna. With a pleasantly cool temperature, it allows for a thorough cooldown. Though compact in size, its appeal lies in the ability to enter alone and unwind in peace. After the cold plunge, we recommend open-air bathing in the outdoor area while listening to the murmuring of the Kuma River.
Closed Days: Open all year
30 Kokonoka-machi, Hitoyoshi-shi, Kumamoto 868-0004
Gender Access
Gender Separated
Curated by an expert who visits onsen and sauna facilities every day and has explored 300+ locations — only facilities confirmed to be truly exceptional are featured.
Learn moreAn inn with a private spring overlooking the scenic Kuma River
Kumamoto Hitoyoshi City
"Hitoyoshi Onsen Ayunosato" is a long-established ryokan along the Kuma River in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture. The inn's private spring, "Ayunosato Spring," was discovered by the founder and is a bicarbonate spring said to be highly effective for beautiful skin, with a silky, gentle feel. From the large public baths on the 3rd and 5th floors, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the clear Kuma River and the ruins of Hitoyoshi Castle. Each of the men's and women's large baths is equipped with a full-scale sauna and cold plunge bath. Along with open-air bathing and fresh-air bathing in the spectacular outdoor baths, this luxurious space lets you enjoy a historic famous hot spring and a modern sauna experience at the same time.
TypeNatural Hot Spring
The private spring discovered by the founder. This bicarbonate spring is known as a beauty bath and helps leave the skin smooth. The water has an exceptionally soft texture and warms the body from the core. In the outdoor bath, you can enjoy the fresh water while gazing at the majestic flow of the Kuma River. There is also a drinking spring area, allowing you to receive the benefits of the hot spring from the inside as well.
Sauna TypeDry Sauna
Stove TypeConvection Stove (Sauna Stone)
Capacity4people
A full-scale sauna. High humidity and intense heat are maintained at all times, encouraging efficient sweating even in a short session. The interior has a calm atmosphere and is designed so you can fully feel the convection of heat and steam. From the sauna room window, you can enjoy views of the men's and women's bath areas, which switch depending on the time of day.
Water QualityTap Water
Capacity1people
A cold plunge bath that gently envelops your heated body after the sauna. With a pleasantly cool temperature, it allows for a thorough cooldown. Though compact in size, its appeal lies in the ability to enter alone and unwind in peace. After the cold plunge, we recommend open-air bathing in the outdoor area while listening to the murmuring of the Kuma River.
Closed Days: Open all year
30 Kokonoka-machi, Hitoyoshi-shi, Kumamoto 868-0004
Gender Access
Gender Separated
Curated by an expert who visits onsen and sauna facilities every day and has explored 300+ locations — only facilities confirmed to be truly exceptional are featured.
Learn more