Hi no Yama Onsen; Dondoko Yu
Minamiaso, Kumamoto, Japan
- Location
- Minamiaso, Kumamoto, Japan
- Water type
- thermal, sodium chloride
- Temperature
- 41 °C
- pH
- 7.3
Water profile
Thermicity
Sedative
LowHigh
Relaxing — deep, immediate muscle release.
Mineralisation
Restorative
LowHigh
Loaded with major ions — the essential minerals (Ca, Mg).
Buoyancy
Effortless float
LowHigh
Dense, salty water — you float without effort.
SodiumChloruresBrome
Hi no Yama Onsen, also known as Dondoko Yu, is located in Minamiaso, Kumamoto Prefecture. Sodium-chloride water reaches around 41°C here, with an indoor bath, an outdoor rotenburo bath and a sauna.
Insider tip — 'Dondoko Yu' (どんどこ湯 — taiko-drum-beat spring) at Hi no Yama Onsen (火の山 — fire mountain) in Minamiaso village inside the southern rim of the Aso Caldera. 'Hi no Yama' (fire mountain) names the Aso volcano directly — the still-erupting Nakadake crater that lights the caldera sky with volcanic lightning during major eruptions. 'Dondoko' is the onomatopoeia of taiko drumming — the rhythmic heartbeat sound of the volcanic earth. Minamiaso village was severely damaged in the April 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, but its thermal springs continue to warm the recovery.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How hot is the water?
The water runs quite hot here, around 41 °C — a sedative water that brings immediate muscle release.
What type of water is found here?
This spot features thermal & sodium chloride water.
What is the best season to visit?
The most favourable period for this spot is: Toute l'année.