Kumonoue Onsen: Day-Use Hot Spring Baths & Prices

A hot spring welling up in Yusuhara, a highland town known as part of the escape route of Sakamoto Ryoma. Famous as a place where the architect Kengo Kuma, renowned for his wooden architecture, was deeply involved in the town's development, it is dotted with facilities full of the warmth of wood. High in elevation and wrapped in clear air, this town is also popular as a gateway to the Shikoku Karst, promising travelers a refreshing highland holiday.

Highlights

High in elevation, it is wrapped in air so clear you feel, as the name suggests, as if you are above the clouds. The bath, generously built with local timber, is full of warmth, and you can spend a quiet time soaking while gazing at the mountains stretching toward the Shikoku Karst. The bicarbonate cold mineral spring containing metaboric acid and fluoride ions is also called a beauty bath, praised for its soft feel that leaves the skin smooth.

Seasonal Enjoyment

In summer you can spend cool days as if at a mountain resort, and in autumn the mountains take on beautiful colors. In winter a snowy landscape spreads out, and the crystal-clear starry sky is another draw. The nearby Shikoku Karst shows majestic highland scenery in every season. The karst plateau in summer especially draws many travelers as a green spectacle swept by cool breezes.

Access & Basic Information

It is located in Yusuhara, Takaoka District, Kochi Prefecture. It is about an hour and a half by car from central Kochi City, and can also be reached from the direction of Matsuyama. The hot spring facility operates mainly for day bathing. Note that the adjacent Kumonoue Hotel is being rebuilt to a design by Kengo Kuma. Checking the operating status before visiting is reassuring.

One Piece of Advice

It is recommended to combine your visit with a tour of the town's architecture, including Kengo Kuma's library and the wooden bridge museum. It is also convenient as a base for the Shikoku Karst.

Practical Travel Notes

• Spring quality: A bicarbonate cold mineral spring containing metaboric acid and fluoride ions, a soft water called a beauty bath.
• Day bathing: Accepted. For adults from outside the town the fee is generally around 700 yen, with a lower rate for town residents. The opening time differs by day of the week, and Mondays are often the closing day, so confirming before your visit is recommended.
• Access: About an hour and a half by car from central Kochi City. It can also be reached from the direction of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture.
• Parking: Available at the facility.
• Kengo Kuma architecture: The Kumonoue Hotel that stood adjacent to the hot spring was designed by Kengo Kuma and is being rebuilt due to aging. The hot spring facility continues to operate, but as conditions may change, please confirm in advance.
• Nearby: The Yusuhara Community Library designed by Kengo Kuma, the wooden bridge museum, and the Shikoku Karst are popular.

📚 Sources

Kumonoue Onsen, Yusuhara Town known as the route of Ryoma escape, the town-building involving architect Kengo Kuma, the Kuma-designed Kumonoue Library and Wooden Bridge Museum, and the setting toward the Shikoku Karst introduced in this article are organized based on guidance from Yusuhara Town and town tourism, along with facility information. The spring quality, such as the bicarbonate cold mineral spring containing metaboric acid and fluoride ions, and the rebuilding status of the adjacent hotel draw on public information from the operator. Because hours, closed days and access may change, please confirm official information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Time estimate: About half a day for a bath plus a tour of the Kuma architecture in town. Allow a full day if extending to the Shikoku Karst.
• What to prepare: The elevation is high, so an extra layer helps even in summer. Bring a towel for day-use bathing. Check the operating status in advance.
• Best timing: Summer is cool as a retreat, autumn brings mountain foliage, and winter offers snow scenery and starry skies. The summer Karst plateau is especially popular.
• Suggested route: After viewing the mountain range from the wood-warm bath, tour the town architecture such as the Kuma-designed library and the Wooden Bridge Museum. It is also a convenient base for the Shikoku Karst.