Kusamakura Sanso Campground: Ultimate Guide
Hello, I’m Kinikky! This time, I’ll give you a super detailed guide to “Kusamakura Sanso Campground” in Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture!
Located on a hill, this is a perfect location where you can enjoy natural hot springs while watching the sunset sink into the Ariake Sea ♨️ The cherry blossom trees are also amazingly beautiful in spring! I’ll report in detail with plenty of photos about this campground that keeps evolving!
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Basic Info & Access
| Address | 505 Oama, Tensui-machi, Tamana City, Kumamoto 861-5401 |
| Phone | 0968-82-4500 (Reception / Reservation) |
| Check-in | 12:00 PM ~ (Site setup from 1:00 PM) |
| Check-out | ~ 11:00 AM |
| Trash | Take home (Trash from BBQ area can be collected) |
Boasting a superb view of Mt. Unzen Fugen! The flow is to first check in at the hot spring facility “Kusamakura Onsen Tensui” and then head to the campsite.
Reservations & Cancellation Policy
【Camping Site】 Phone Reservation (0968-82-4500) → Check Availability Here 【Lodge (Kusamakura Sanso)】 Phone Reservation (0968-82-4500) → Check Availability Here ※There is currently no cancellation fee for Kusamakura Sanso Campground, but please make reservations with a firm plan so that many people can use the facility. 【RV Park smart】 Online Reservation Only → Reservations & Details Here
Facilities & Sites
Reception / Shop / Onsen
| Kusamakura Onsen Fees (Same-day ticket) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Child (Junior High & under) | Infant (3 & under) |
| 600 yen | 220 yen | Free |
Management Building / Kitchen
Toilets
※There is no barrier-free toilet in the North Area.
Camping Sites
The sites have been renewed into 4 areas: "Observatory", "Park", "Villa (Sanso)", and "Forest"! Choose according to your style. The camping fee is affordable: 1,500 yen per tent / 1,000 yen per tarp. In the Villa Area (formerly West Site), cars can now be parked next to the site in some places!
Lodge (Cottage)
If you're hesitant about tents... I recommend the Kusamakura Sanso Cottage (Lodge)! Unlimited internet and a full dining kitchen make it easy to enjoy the outdoors.
| Lodge (Cottage) Rates | |
|---|---|
| Weekdays (Sun-Fri) | 14,000 yen / building |
| Saturdays/Pre-holidays | 17,000 yen / building |
| Peak Season | 20,000 yen / building |
| Management Fee (Adult) | 1,200 yen / person |
| Management Fee (Child) | 600 yen / person |
RV Park smart
【RV Park smart Reservation Bonus】 Show your reservation completion screen at the reception, and 1 person (the booker) gets free Onsen entry on the day! (Same day/one time only)
| RV Park smart Details | |
|---|---|
| Fee | 3,500 yen / night (Includes power & Onsen for 1) |
| Check-in | 1:00 PM ~ |
| Check-out | ~ 11:00 AM |
| Reservation | Official Website only (Until 11 PM on the day) |
| Cancellation | Free until 2 days prior. 100% on the day before/day of. |
| Size | Length 7m × Width 6m (4 spaces) ※Trailers allowed |
| Pets | Allowed (Leash required, owner cleans up) |
| Power | 100V / 1500W (Included) |
【Rules】 ・Only cassette stoves are allowed for fire use. (Bonfires, BBQ, Fireworks prohibited in RV spots) ・Idling, generators, and loud audio equipment are prohibited. ・Awnings, tables, and tents can be set up within the parking frame. ・Even if the Onsen is closed, the RV park is open (but no bathing). Check the website for closed days.
Private Sauna
There is even a completely private sauna! With a cold water shower and bath using Kumamoto's groundwater, and ice service, the environment to "totonou" (get aligned) is perfect. (Reservation Required)
| Private Sauna Rates | |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00 AM ～ 8:00 PM |
| Base Fee | 4,000 yen / hour |
| Extension | 1,500 yen per 30 mins |
| Max People | 7 people |
BBQ Area
A covered BBQ area is available! You can bring your own food or order "Empty-handed sets" (reservation needed). Trash from the BBQ area is collected by staff, which is a nice plus!
| BBQ Fees | |
|---|---|
| Bring your own | Adult 1,000 yen / Elem. Student 600 yen / Infant 200 yen |
| Empty-handed Set | Premium Beef Set (2,800 yen/person) etc. |
Fireworks Area
Kids love it! There is a designated area for fireworks. Please ask the manager before using it.
Events Info
Events at Kusamakura Onsen
3rd Tensui Halloween Festa 2025
- Date: October 25, 2025 (Sat)
- Time: 10:00 AM ～ 4:00 PM
3rd Tensui Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festa 2025
- Date: March 29, 2025 (Sat) *Scheduled
- Time: 10:00 AM ～ 5:00 PM
- Place: Kusamakura Sanso Campground, Kusamakura Onsen, Flower House
Nearby Events
Tamana Otawara Festival (Tewara Hiki)
- Date: November 23 (Labor Thanksgiving Day)
- Place: Tamana City, Otawara Hachimangu Shrine
- Info: A famous “Naked Festival” where teams race rolling giant straw bales!
Tamana Fireworks Festival
- Date: October 4, 2025 (Sat) *Rain: Oct 13
- Time: 7:00 PM ～
- Place: Kikuchi River (Upstream of Takase Bridge)
Takase Urakawa Iris Festival
- Date: May 23 (Fri) ～ June 7 (Sat)
- Place: Tamana City, Takase Urakawa Area
- Note: Light-up from sunset to 10:00 PM
AQUA SUMMER FESTIVAL Nagasu
- Date: August 23 (Sat), 24 (Sun), 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM ～ 4:00 PM (50 min shifts)
- Place: Kingyo to Koi no Sato Square
Fee: 50 mins 500 yen (3 years old ～ JHS student)
Hinokuni Nagasu Goldfish Festival
- Date: Usually May 3rd, 4th
- Place: Kingyo to Koi no Sato Square
Noshikora Festival
- Date: September 20, 2025 (Sat)
- Place: Kingyo to Koi no Sato Square
- Note: Famous for the 300kg Goldfish Shrine race!
Kikuchi Hakuryu (White Dragon) Festival
- Date: October 11, 2025 (Sat)
- Time: Fireworks: 7:30 PM ～ 8:00 PM
- Place: Kikuchi City Civic Square
Yamaga Lantern Festival
- Date: Usually August 15th, 16th
- Place: Yamaga City Center
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
Quick Guide Table
| Spot Name | Target | Genre | Feature | 🚗 Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaichu Doro / Taimei Kaishoro | 💑 🚶♀️🚶♂️ | 🏞️✨📸 | Mysterious road appearing at low tide! | ~20 min |
| Toshinokami Spring Source | 👨👩👧👦 😌 | 🏞️💧Cool | Natural spring water pool in summer! | ~5 min |
| Mizumoto Orange Garden | 👨👩👧👦 💑 | 🍊🍽️😋 | Mandarin picking from Autumn to Spring! | ~5 min |
| Furusato Center Y・BOX | 👨👩👧👦 💑 | 🍓🍽️😋 | Strawberry picking heaven (Winter-Spring)! | ~10 min |
| Tamana Flower Park | 👨👩👧👦 💑 😌 | 🌸🍽️✨ | Seasonal flowers and gourmet food! | ~15 min |
| Airsoft Field AK | 🔫 🏃♂️ | 🎮🔥 | Exciting Airsoft Survival Games! | Check |
Genre: 🏞️: Nature/View 💧: Water ✨: Beautiful 📸: Photo Spot Cool: Cool spot 🍊/🍓: Fruit Picking 🌸: Flowers 🍽️: Gourmet 😋: Delicious 🎮: Activity
Details
Kumamoto Airsoft “AK Field”
An airsoft field where you can enjoy thrilling survival games. Rentals available for beginners!
Kaichu Doro / Taimei Kaishoro (Car: ~20 min)
A road leading into the sea that appears only when the tide is low. Located along the Ariake Sea with a view of Mt. Unzen Fugen across the sea. Great for photos at low tide! Check tide levels here
Toshinokami Spring Source (Car: ~5 min)
A waterside park developed around the spring source. In summer, the cold spring water pool is popular and crowded with many people.
Mizumoto Orange Garden (Mandarin Picking)
In Tensui-machi, famous for “Kusamakura” novel and mandarins, you can enjoy mandarin picking from September to April (Check exact dates. Reservation needed after Jan).
| Hours | 10:00～17:00 (Last entry 16:30) |
| Entry Fee | Adult: 700 yen / Elementary: 600 yen / 3yo+: 500 yen (All-you-can-eat) |
| Takeout | From 500 yen / kg (Varies by type) |
Tamana Furusato Center Y・BOX (Strawberry Picking)
Enjoy strawberry picking from late December to May (Reservation required). All-you-can-eat!
| Fees (All-you-can-eat) | |
|---|---|
| Late Dec ~ Mar | Adult 1,500 yen / Infant 500 yen |
| Apr ~ GW | Adult 1,200 yen / Infant 500 yen |
| After GW | Adult 500 yen / Infant 250 yen |
Tamana Flower Park
A garden with over 400 species of flowers. You can also enjoy lunch such as soft serve ice cream and pizza. Entry fee 200-300 yen (can be used as a shopping voucher). Details here
Nearby Shops
Convenience Store
7-Eleven Tensui Oama Store
2683-1 Oama, Tensui-machi, Tamana
Supermarket
Maruei Tensui Store
2976 Hetami, Tensui-machi, Tamana
Home Center
Komeri Hard & Green Tensui Store
2682-1 Oama, Tensui-machi, Tamana
Useful Items
Introducing items that I found helpful during my camp here!
Insects & First Aid
Insect repellent is a must as there can be mosquitoes, horseflies, and caterpillars! I always bring “Power Shinrin-ko” (strong mosquito coils), “Kinkan” for bites, and a first aid kit.
Lighting & Power
My husband loves the Petromax Kerosene Lantern for its atmosphere. It’s very bright, so a reflector (sold separately) is recommended to reduce glare. Bringing spare parts is also safe. And don’t forget a portable power station for lights and charging phones! A Jackery is useful for disasters too.
Play Equipment
There is a grassy slope, so kids love grass sleds! It can also be used to help carry luggage (lol).
And "Soap Bubbles"! This is a classic (lol).
Review (My Thoughts)
- The view from the North Site is amazing! You can see the sunset!
- Anyone can use the fireworks site if you register!
- Has Onsen and Private Sauna.
- You pay at the reception, then have to take documents to the management building.
- A bit of a walk to the Onsen.
This time we went camping in Kumamoto Prefecture! ( *´艸｀)
I took two of my friends (camp beginners) with me.
This campsite is very popular among campers, and I had an impression that it's always full on holidays.
However, they recently increased the number of sites, so the waiting list is shorter and it's much easier to go!
Also, the price is cheap and wallet-friendly (^^♪
Mt. Unzen seen across the Ariake Sea from the Onsen and North Site was incredibly beautiful! I really want everyone to see it!
My friends were also very satisfied, and it was a great camp this time too (^^♪
Who: 2 Adults, Children (5yo, 2yo) (Total 4)
Site: 1 Tent
1 Night 2 Days : 1,500 yen / 2 Nights 3 Days : 3,000 yen
For your reference ( ੭˙꒳ ˙)੭
FAQ
Q. How much is the BBQ at Kusamakura Onsen?
A. Bringing your own food: Adult 1,000 yen, Elem. Student 600 yen, Infant 200 yen. “Empty-handed” plans like the “Premium Beef Set (2,800 yen/person)” are also available.
Q. Overview of Kusamakura Sanso?
A. It is a campground on a hill in Tensui-machi, Tamana City, Kumamoto, overlooking the Ariake Sea and Mt. Unzen Fugen. It features natural hot springs “Kusamakura Onsen Tensui”, campsites, lodges (cottages), RV park, and private saunas.
Q. Check-in time?
A. Check-in is possible from 12:00 PM. However, setting up tents on the campsite starts from 1:00 PM, so please be careful.
Q. Onsen Fees?
A. For day trip bathing: Adult 600 yen, Child (JHS and under) 220 yen, Infant (3 and under) free.
