Ryokan Wakaba

Ryokan Wakaba is a ryokan in the Kurokawa Onsen town area, Kumamoto Prefecture, popular with tourists for being nature-rich, elegant, yet homey and relaxing. Baths include open-air and indoor baths, and some rooms also have baths. The women’s “Kesho no Yu” (makeup bath) is especially well regarded for leaving skin moisturized. There are two private baths, and day-use bathing is also available. Rooms range from detached Japanese-Western rooms to fully Japanese-style rooms, and the clean, calming interior helps relieve travel fatigue. The cuisine reflects Wakaba’s strong focus on food: it incorporates basashi (horse sashimi), local beef, and plenty of seasonal vegetables and ingredients into refined dishes. Breakfast is delivered to your room, and you can enjoy a luxurious bento-style breakfast packed with the charms of the Oguni-go area. There are also kids’ menus, making it popular with families. Access: about 2 hours 30 minutes by Nishitetsu direct bus. Parking is available.