Travel

The island of Kyushu is known for having many active volcanoes. This means it’s an excellent spot for thermal spas, called onsen. There are many to choose from throughout Kumamoto prefecture, but some stand out as the best. 1. Yulax For an onsen within Kumamoto city, a top choice is Yulax. It’s just 10 minutes from Heisei Station, making it a great place to go whenever you need a break from city life. The onsen is best known for its saunas, although it also has several baths (including a deep open-air bath), a relaxation area, massage machines, and mud-pack treatments. 2. Yamanoyado Shinmeikan Cave Bath A unique way to enjoy a thermal spa is in a cave. At Yamanoyado Shinmeikan ryokan, you can soak in a bath cut into the cliffside. There are three baths: one for men, one for women, and one that’s mixed. Since it’s dark and steamy, it can be difficult to see where you should go — ask a staff member if you have any doubts. 3. Takara no Yu Several onsens in Kumamoto are naturally carbonated. One is Takara no Yu, which has an open-air and indoor bath. Sitting in hot water with bubbles bursting…