Tsuetate Onsen, where inns line both banks of the Tsuetate River on the Kumamoto–Ōita border, claims 1,800 years of history as the bath water of the infant Emperor Ōjin. Moto-yu is the communal bath said to be its origin: a single half-open tub carved into the rock face beside the riverside promenade — mixed, free and open 24 hours, nothing more. The sodium-chloride water, cooled from a 98°C source, leaves the skin soft. Changing space is basic and screening minimal, so many people wear bathing garments or a wrapped towel; early morning or night is the best time. Combine it with a wander through the 'sedoya' back alleys and, in May–June, the 3,500 carp streamers strung across the river. About 50 minutes by bus from Hita Station.

✔ Verified operating: 2026-09 asoview 2025-10（無料・24時間・不定休）／たびじかん（元湯 24時間無料）

Prices and hours change. Check official sources before visiting.

More in this area

Kumamoto · Kurokawa OnsenTattoos: Ask ahead

Kurokawa Onsen Nyuto Tegata (bath-hopping pass)

One cedar 'nyuto tegata' pass (¥1,500) admits you to any three of the rotenburo at Kurokawa's 26-odd ryokan. Valid for six months, and one of the three stickers can be spent on food or souvenirs instead. Most inns accept bathers roughly 8:30–21:00, but hours vary and some close for cleaning or when full. Buy the pass at any ryokan or the association office 'Kaze no Ya'.

Onsen townDay-trip onsenDay use ¥1,500

Kumamoto · Kurokawa OnsenTattoos: Ask ahead

Ana-yu communal bath

A tiny bath hut on the Tanohara River, rebuilt by donations in 2022 after the 2020 floods (now separate men's and women's rooms). Slide the shutters open and it becomes almost open-air. ¥200 in the box.

Public bathhouse (sento)Natural hot springDay use ¥200

Kumamoto · Kurokawa OnsenTattoos: Ask ahead

Jizō-yu (Kurokawa communal bath)

The oldest communal bath in town, next to the Jizō hall that gives Kurokawa its identity. Not covered by the bath-hopping pass, but only ¥200. No soap; the water runs hot.

Public bathhouse (sento)Natural hot springDay use ¥200