Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto is located just in the middle between Kumamoto City and Kagoshima City. It is nestled in the peaceful basin surrounded by green mountains. Kumagawa River, which runs across the town from east to west, is known as one of three most rapid streams in Japan. There are about 80 hot spring sources scattered around the city and 50 of them are currently utilized in hot spring facilities.
Hitoyoshi Onsen is characterized by many public hot springs. It is said that there are more than 20 of them. The retro atmosphere makes the hot springs around the town especially attractive. At many of these hot spring facilities in Hitoyoshi, you usually pay the bathing fee at the entrance to the booth attendant. This custom has rarely remained the same here since before the WWII.
The hot springs here are weak alkali acid hydrogen carbonate spring or simple spring, which are said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain and joint pain.
The town is referred to as “Little Kyoto in Kyushu” and its laid-back and atmospheric townscape is very characteristic of this old castle town. The town is also spotted with many historical ruins. It would be nice to take a slow stroll around the town after bathing in a hot spring.
Hitoyoshi Onsen Tourism Association（Japanese Only）
http://hitoyoshionsen.net
APPEAL POINTS
- Service／English Service
- The Hitoyoshi Tourist Information Office has an English speaking staff to help foreign tourists. The female manager of Hitoyoshi Ryokan is a Korean and the inn attracts many Korean tourists.
- Nature／ Rafting Kuma River
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Rafting is a very popular activity you can enjoy in Kumagawa River. Rafting down big and small streams in a boat splashing water in the grand natural scenery is quite a dynamic experience. There are Middle Course (40 - 50 min.), Rapid Stream Course (about 45 min.), Chartered Long Course (2 - 2.5 Hours) and Short Course (about 30 min.) to choose from. In winter, a boat with a leg warming table (Kotatsu) also becomes available. Please contact Kumagawa Kudari Co., Ltd. for inquiries. * Rapid Stream Course and Long Course are available only from April until October.
- ourmet／ Kuma Shochu
- Hitoyoshi is known for Kuma Shochu, the liquor made with the underground water of Kumagawa River and high quality rice. 28 breweries gather in the area, each providing products with unique flavor and taste. How about taking a tour to visit these breweries to discover your favorite shochu?
RECOMMENDATION COMMENTS
Val
Great Britain
At the start of our day we travelled by steam train SL Hitoyoshi (2hrs) to Watari. The train brought back memories of my childhood with the whistle blowing and the smell of smoke.
We arrived at Watari Station and everyone on the train waved as it set off down the tracks without us. We were taken by bus with two instructors to the river. We were shown how to use paddles and then our adventure began down the river over white water. What a thrill! We enjoyed it so much that I wanted to do it again.
We continued by train to Hitoyoshi station about 10 minutes journey where we finished the day at Yoshino Ryokan. Here we relaxed with a nice onsen (they have inside and outside onsen) and we ate some Ayu (sweet fish) a speciality.