Hinagu Onsen Kinparou

Kinparou is a long-established ryokan founded in 1910 (Meiji 43), standing at the heart of Hinagu Onsen overlooking the Yatsushiro Sea in Hinagu Kamishi-machi, Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture. Hinagu Onsen itself dates back to 1409 (Oei 16) and is one of Kyushu''s oldest hot springs. During the Edo period it flourished as a domain-run bathhouse of the Hosokawa clan of the Yatsushiro fief, and after the Meiji era it became known as the inner sanctuary of Kyushu, beloved as a healing retreat. The inn''s name, Kinparou, derives from the breathtaking sight of the setting sun turning the surface of the Yatsushiro Sea into golden waves, viewed from the top floor of the building. Its imposing wooden three-story structure exudes deep traveler''s charm and was officially registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property (building) on April 28, 2009. The guest rooms surround an inner garden in sukiya-style architecture, with original details preserved throughout the corridors, staircases, and transom carvings. The inn is also known as a beloved haunt of the wandering haiku poet Taneda Santoka, and a literary atmosphere lingers in every corner. The water is a weakly alkaline simple spring (hypotonic, weakly alkaline, high-temperature) with a pH of 8.03 and source temperature of 43.9 degrees Celsius — colorless, transparent, with a faint sulfur scent and remarkably gentle on the skin. Served as free-flowing onsen, it is treasured as a beauty-bath by locals and onsen lovers from across Japan.