Kamenoko Onsen

384. Kamenoko Onsen, Kikuchi, Kumamoto Old-school onsen for 300 yen. Operating hours listed as 11:00 to 22:00 (closed Tuesdays). They stamp the 88 Onsen of Kyushu book. The owner is a nice old man, and there's his granddaughter. Here's the cool story I mentioned before. When I was leaving, the old man asked where I'm from. After my answer, he gave me a sweet potato (some onsen steam-cook them). In return, my matryoshka gift caused a sensation. The granddaughter was thrilled — she first opened the matryoshka, then asked if she could take a photo of it. I said: it's a gift. She asked again and then the grandfather told her it's a present. The old regulars also immediately got involved — they'd shown interest in the changing room but were too shy to ask. Inside: an old-school bath with clear water, temperature around 41.5. Breathing inside is good. Small outdoor stone bath in a greenhouse-like structure, clear water. Temperature around 39.5. Breathing is good. Impossible not to recommend this place after such warm reception.