What other travelers are saying about Waita Hot Spring Village
Amazing Hot springs!! The view is simply breathtaking!!!
Unfortunately time goes faster here, I don't understand why! Lol
Just come and enjoy! Fair price for the amazing experience!! 1500 Yen!
Happy new year!! ☺️
This facility is located in the Hagenoyu Onsen area.
It seems that you can not only drop in and bathe here, but also stay overnight.
I used the coin-operated family bath.
As soon as I put the money in, hot water started pouring out.
Even when the bathtub was full, the water continued to flow for about 30 minutes.
Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but the water was really hot today, and I wished it would stop sooner. (lol)
As you can see, the view overlooks Mount Waita. Combined with the chirping of the birds, I was able to spend a relaxing time here.
Enjoy Jigoku Steaming and a Beautiful Hot Spring in One Place!
A Relaxing Spot Perfect for a Weekend Drive
---Weekend evening visits are inevitable.
When I arrived around 5 PM on a weekend, the receptionist informed me of a 30-45 minute wait. The large number of visitors at the facility indicates its popularity. After checking in, I waited my turn.
---Even the wait is fun! Jigoku Steaming Experience
The facility boasts its famous "Jigoku Steaming Pot," where you can steam your own vegetables, eggs, pork, and other items. This time, I bought some ingredients at a roadside station along the way and used the pot while waiting. It was full at first due to the high volume of customers, but after a short wait, a spot opened up and I was able to share the bath with others.
----Relax in the Milky White, Thick Hot Spring
When it was your turn, you were guided to the bathing room. The water dispensed by inserting a few 500 yen coins at the entrance, giving it the feel of a private bath. The water was milky white and thick, and its gentle texture made it truly an exquisite hot spring experience. With the majestic Mt. Wataga spread out before you, bathing while immersed in nature is exceptional.
There are several types of family baths, including a cypress bath for ¥2,000 and a rock bath for ¥1,500.
--The steamed dishes are exquisite! Bring your own condiments!
By the time you emerge from the hot spring, the steamer will have just finished cooking. Enjoy your meal fresh at a table near the kettle. The eggs, potatoes, and pork are all deliciously fluffy and fluffy. Bringing condiments like salt and ponzu sauce will enhance the experience.
--Weekends are very busy, so be prepared to wait.
Because of its popularity, the hot springs, steamer, and dining area are often fully booked on weekends. This can be a bit stressful for those who don't like to wait. If you want to enjoy a more leisurely experience, we highly recommend visiting on weekdays or early in the day.
Waita Hot Spring Village stands out for its extreme isolation and intimate scale, consisting of only two traditional ryokan inns rather than a developed resort town. The milky blue-white sulfur springs emerge at nearly boiling temperatures and create a distinctive bathing experience. The village's location at 1,000 meters elevation on Mount Aso's caldera rim provides dramatic natural surroundings that remain largely untouched by modern development.
Yes, both Sansuikan and Yamaguriya ryokan welcome day-trip visitors for bathing. Admission fees typically range from 500 to 800 yen per person. However, given the remote location and approximately 2.5-hour journey from Kumamoto, many visitors find an overnight stay more practical and rewarding, allowing them to fully experience the traditional ryokan hospitality and multiple bathing sessions.
From Kumamoto Station, take a bus to Oguni Town, which takes approximately 2 hours. From Oguni, you'll need a taxi for the final 20-minute journey to the village. Some ryokan offer shuttle services from Oguni if you make advance reservations. Public transportation is limited, so coordinating your arrival time with your accommodation is essential for ensuring smooth transport to this remote location.
The village is open year-round, but winter access can be challenging due to mountain road conditions, particularly from December through March when snow and ice are common. Visitors planning winter trips should rent cars equipped with snow tires or chains, or rely on ryokan shuttle services. Winter bathing in the outdoor pools while surrounded by snow is a particularly memorable experience, but always check road conditions before traveling.
As a remote, traditional onsen village catering primarily to Japanese visitors, English language support is extremely limited at both ryokan. Staff may not speak English, and signage is predominantly in Japanese. Visitors should be prepared for a fully authentic Japanese experience and may want to have translation apps ready or make arrangements through Japanese-speaking travel agents. This limited accessibility contributes to the village's unspoiled, traditional atmosphere.
