To be honest, hot springs in Kyushu can be hit or miss. Travel guides often claim “every onsen is amazing!”, but once you actually visit, you sometimes find yourself thinking, “Wait, this is supposed to be a hidden gem?”
In this article, I’ll introduce 10 hidden hot springs across Kyushu’s prefectures—sharing both the good and the disappointing.
⚠️ Important Safety Notes
Some of the hot springs introduced here come with risks:
- Kanno Jigoku Onsen: Ice-cold spring water at 14°C (57°F). Dangerous if you have health issues.
- Shinmoe-so (Kirishima): Very high hydrogen sulfide levels. Staying in the bath for more than 30 minutes may cause poisoning.
- Kabeyu Onsen: Cave bath with slippery rocks—risk of falls.
At wild or hidden hot springs, accidents are entirely your responsibility. If you’re unsure, I recommend sticking to managed facilities.
1. Kabeyu Onsen Public Bath (Kokonoe, Oita) ★★★☆☆
Kabeyu Onsen is best known for Fukumotoya, where hot spring water bubbles up directly from beneath the riverbed. This time, though, I visited the small public bath next door.
Honestly, it was underwhelming. Sure, it has history—the spring was discovered in the early 1700s when a hunter saw a wounded deer bathing in the river. But in the heat of August, the water felt lukewarm and unsatisfying.
It’s nice for chatting with locals, but I wouldn’t say it’s worth traveling far for. The cave bath at Fukumotoya is far more impressive.
- Water type: Simple onsen
- Admission: 200 yen
- Hours: 6:00–22:00
- Best for: Locals and history buffs
- Not recommended for: Those seeking a striking, hot-bath experience
2. Kanno Jigoku Onsen (Kokonoe, Oita) ★★★★★
This one is insane—in the best possible way. Definitely not for everyone.
Here, you bathe in natural cold spring water at just 13–14°C (55–57°F). Most people would think you’re crazy. But for those who get hooked, it’s unforgettable.
It’s a mixed-gender bath, so swimsuits or underwear are required. Next to the cold spring is a heated room with a wood stove. The traditional bathing style is to alternate between freezing in the cold bath and warming up in the stove room—almost like ascetic training.
A regular told me, “Your skin stays silky smooth for three days.” Personally, I lasted only 5 minutes, but my skin did feel great afterward. The onsen dates back to 1849, with a nostalgic old ryokan built in 1928.
- Water type: Simple onsen
- Admission: 700 yen (1 hr), 1,000 yen (2 hrs)
- Open season: July–September
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Not for: Those with heart problems, high blood pressure, or poor circulation
3. Kawasoko Onsen Hotarugawa-so (Kokonoe, Oita) ★★★★☆
Rebuilt after being destroyed by flooding in 2020, this onsen is clean and modern.
The bath itself dates back to 1856—over 160 years of history. It’s a beautiful stone tub filled with crystal-clear water bubbling up from the riverbed. But because it’s so transparent, it feels less like “hot spring water” and more like just hot water. No sulfur smell, no strong minerals.
For me, it lacked punch, so four stars. Still, it’s a great choice for beginners. Plus, the river nearby is famous for fireflies in June, making that the best time to visit.
- Water type: Simple onsen
- Admission: 1,000 yen
- Hours: 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
4. Shinmoe-so (Kirishima, Kagoshima) ★★★★★
This is Kyushu’s ultimate sulfur spring. Even in the parking lot, the sulfur smell hits you.
Located 920 meters above sea level, right at the foot of Mount Shinmoedake, it features stunning milky-blue water. But caution: the water contains high levels of hydrogen sulfide, and signs warn not to bathe for more than 30 minutes.
There’s a mixed outdoor bath, but since the water is opaque, it’s less intimidating than you’d think. Women are even provided with bath towels, making it fairly accessible.
The only downside? Service. Many visitors complain about rude staff. My experience was fine, but it’s something to note.
- Water type: Sulfur spring
- Admission: 600 yen
- Hours: 8:00–19:00 (last entry 18:00)
- Closed: Tuesdays
5. Beppu City Jizo Onsen (Oita) ★★☆☆☆
Beppu is full of public baths, but this one is disappointing.
Yes, it’s dirt cheap at 100 yen. But there’s a reason. Facilities are old, no shampoo or soap, and sometimes only cold water comes from the taps. Locals may love it, but tourists? Not worth it.
Unless you’re aiming to complete the full “Beppu public bath circuit,” skip it. Bamboo-and-stone Takegawara Onsen is far better.
- Water type: Simple onsen
- Admission: 100 yen
6. Takanoyu Onsen, Ho-rei no Yu (Oguni, Kumamoto) ★★★★☆
Located in the quiet Waita Onsen area of Oguni town, this is a real hidden gem.
- Pros: Not crowded, inexpensive (500 yen public bath, 1,000–1,500 yen private baths), and you can cook food with the geothermal steam if you bring your own ingredients.
- Cons: A bit plain compared to flashy onsen resorts.
The water is a sodium-chloride spring that warms you deeply. If you’re visiting nearby Kurokawa Onsen, this makes a great quieter side trip.
7. Yoshio Onsen (Miyazaki) ★Unknown
I couldn’t find reliable info about this one. It may have closed or be known only to locals.
If you’re looking for hidden springs in Miyazaki, I recommend Shiratori Onsen (Kami-yu and Shimo-yu) instead. These have historical roots linked to the legendary Prince Yamato Takeru.
8. Myoken Onsen (Kagoshima) ★★★★☆
Just 10 km from Kagoshima Airport, this hot spring area ranges from humble lodgings to luxury inns.
It’s lost some of its hidden charm, but the quality of the water is still excellent. Poet Mokichi Saito even praised the springs here in his works. Nearby, you’ll also find Wakiyu, Japan’s oldest open-air bath, where samurai hero Ryoma Sakamoto once bathed on his honeymoon.
Great for history lovers.
9. Funagoya Onsen (Fukuoka) ★★★☆☆
Known for its carbonated spring water, Funagoya is… a bit plain.
The bubbles are said to be good for health, but you don’t really feel the fizz. And with a facility named “Koibotaru Onsenkan” (Love Firefly Onsen Hall), it feels more like a tourist trap than a hidden retreat.
Still, it’s just over an hour from Fukuoka City, so it’s convenient for a weekend escape.
10. Hitoyoshi Onsen (Kumamoto) ★★★☆☆
Hitoyoshi, often called “Kyushu’s little Kyoto,” is a historic castle town.
The townscape is charming, and the local Kuma shochu is delicious. But the onsen itself? Honestly, nothing special. They call it a “beauty bath”, but so do countless others.
If you visit, focus on sightseeing—river rafting on the Kuma River and the Aoi Aso Shrine are the real highlights.
🎯 Conclusion: The Real Hidden Hot Springs of Kyushu
After visiting 10 hot springs, these are the ones truly worth your time:
✅ Must-visit:
- Kanno Jigoku Onsen (for the unique cold-spring experience)
- Shinmoe-so (the ultimate sulfur spring)
⚠️ Worth it with conditions:
- Kawasoko Onsen (especially during firefly season)
- Takanoyu Onsen (as a quiet side trip from Kurokawa)
❌ Skip these:
- Kabeyu Public Bath
- Jizo Onsen
- Funagoya Onsen
- Hitoyoshi Onsen
Kyushu may brand itself as “Japan’s hot spring kingdom”, but not every onsen lives up to the hype. If you want a true hidden hot spring experience, aim for remote, single-inn spots deep in the mountains.
And remember: always respect onsen etiquette. Be mindful of locals, keep noise down, pack out your trash, and avoid oversharing exact locations online. A hidden onsen only stays hidden if we protect it.
(Note: All information was compiled from sources between 2024–2025. Conditions, prices, and availability may change—always check before you go.)