To experience indoor and outdoor baths offering expansive vistas in a mountainous setting, come soak at Resonate Club Kuju. It is a unique resort at an elevation of 860 meters in the Aso-Kuju National Park in Kyushu, Japan. Daytrippers and overnighters are welcome.
The resort offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from rooms that combine Japanese and Western comforts to geodesic dome glamping, situated amidst lush grasslands and rolling hills.
The interior of the glamping accommodation
Front view of one of the glamping domes
The first bath of my stay was an evening immersion in one of the kashikiriburus, meaning private baths. These baths can be reserved for one-hour intervals. Although I am crazy about almost all styles of bathing in Japan, there are times when I enjoy being alone. This was one of those times. Kashikiriburos are a perfect solution for couples or families who are uncomfortable bathing in the nude with strangers. Private baths are also helpful for tattooed individuals who might not be allowed to enter the communal baths.
The color of mineral water filling the private baths indicates a high concentration of iron
That night, I had the pleasure of staying in one of the glamping tents, a few minutes uphill from the main resort building and bathing areas. Located far from cities and busy roads, the night was aflame with energetic stars. Walking to the kashikiriburo, I felt the coolness of the high-altitude location, so I hurriedly entered the indoor bath, which chased the chill away. Then, I went outside and lay in the shallow outdoor bath with my head pointed to the inky black sky awash with sparkling pin pricks of brilliant stars. A cold breeze teased the exposed parts of my body, but the naturally flowing hot mineral water kept my body relaxed as the sky provided a mesmerizing show. The water is thick with soothing minerals. The heat seems to stay in your body long after leaving the baths. You'll likely have a long, deep sleep in the evening. I did.
Notice the crystallization of minerals in the bath water
The next morning, I woke up to views that made me pop out of bed. After a nice roasty cup of freshly ground and brewed coffee, I walked back to the resort to consume an extensive buffet breakfast of Japanese and Western dishes.
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| Morning view from my luxurious tent |
Sated and feeling good, I decided to enter the communal baths before departing. The timing was perfect. Since most other guests had checked out early. I had the community baths all to myself.
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| Sunrise plus hot water equals happiness |
The sun poured through expansive windows surrounding the indoor bath. I could sunbathe and waterbathe.
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| Steam and sky reflections |
Getting There: This onsen resort is remote, so I suggest renting a car. Keep in mind that there are no restaurants or convenience stores nearby. You will be surrounded by grassy fields, trees, mountains, and vast vistas.
Activities: If you like being outdoors, fresh air, and exercise, this is the place for you. Horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, and all sorts of other outdoor sports, including tandem paragliding, are available in the national park. For more information on what you can see and do in the vicinity, click here. I suggest viewing one of Japan's best taiko groups perform in an outdoor theater on a mountain plateau. Drum Tao is a mindblowing, creative, and energizing Japanese group of drummers and dancers.
More nearby Japanese onsens:
Japanese contact information for the resort:
878-0202 大分県竹田市久住町大字有氏1773 TEL.0974-76-1223 FAX.0974-76-1460
English contact information for the resort:
How do you find so many great places?
ReplyDeleteI have lived in Japan for three decades, read many books about hot springs, discussed onsens with numerous people, and constantly try new places.
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