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Mixed bathing is the order of the day in the open-air bath at Suzume-no-yu, although bathers can no longer go nude. Either yuamigi (bathwear) or swimsuits must now be worn. Basic yuamigi may be purchased at the gift shop.
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Mud accumulates at the bottom of the bath after absorbing the springwater’s essence. Some patrons pack this mud on themselves as they immerse themselves.
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This cold mineral spring is adjacent to the open-air hot spring bath, and patrons are allowed to go back and forth as they wish.
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The renovated indoor bath is kept filled with water gushing forth constantly from the spring.
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Located between the open-air and indoor baths, this new resting area is just the place to recuperate after a soak.
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This prefab reception stand also serves as a gift shop, selling souvenirs of Minamiaso.
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The ryokan entrance, prior to the quake, promised a quiet bathing experience in an exclusive atmosphere. (Courtesy of Seifūsō)
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The aftermath of the downpours of June 2016. Much of the grounds were buried by landslides.
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From left: Kawazu Makoto, eldest son of the managing family and president of Seifūsō; Kenji, middle son and vice president; and Susumu, youngest son and managing director.
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The Suzume-no-yu spring continues to bubble up to the surface, disaster or no disaster.
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As of this writing, work continues on the ryokan, the main structure of which is at far left in this photo.
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The present structure of Suzume-no-yu has a wide-open feel. Patrons visited from within and outside Kumamoto Prefecture during the Golden Week holidays in April–May 2019, soon after the reopening of the hot spring.
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