Shinto Onsen
Kikuchi, Kumamoto, Japan
- Location
- Kikuchi, Kumamoto, Japan
- Water type
- thermal, sodium chloride
- Temperature
- 40 °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
Shinto Onsen is based in Kikuchi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. Its sodium-chloride thermal water reaches 40°C. The site includes an indoor bath, an outdoor rotenburo bath and a sauna.
Insider tip — 'Shinto Onsen' (新湯 — new spring) in Kikuchi city. The 'new spring' designation traditionally refers to a freshly discovered or newly developed hot spring source — as opposed to 'furyu' (old spring) with centuries of use. Kikuchi Onsen has been known since at least the Edo period, when Kumamoto Domain samurai used the waters. The 'new spring' in this established onsen town suggests a relatively recently tapped geological source, offering the clean, unaged mineral character of water that has never been bathed in before.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How hot is the water?
The water runs quite hot here, around 40 °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.