Ueki Onsen

Compact hot spring town about 21 kilometers from central Kumamoto, easily explored on foot. Each of the dozen or so inns draws water from a different source, so the mineral composition varies between baths. The water is alkaline, known for its smooth, skin-cleansing feel. A discount ticket gives access to all baths in town, making an onsen meguri (bath crawl) a practical option. Styles range from woody and traditional to modern and hotel-like, and an increasing number have private baths. Food is a draw too, with a focus on local horsemeat sashimi and seasonal fruit. Three buses a day run from central Kumamoto.