Aso City Tourism has announced a free hot spring access program to support those affected by the July 28, 2026 Kumamoto earthquake. The initiative is aimed at earthquake victims and, based on the announcement title, appears to also cover volunteers working in the disaster-affected areas of southern Kumamoto — though specific eligibility criteria have not yet been confirmed.
Hot springs (onsen) are a long-standing part of life and recovery culture in the Aso region, and free access programs like this have historically been offered after major disasters to help displaced residents and exhausted relief workers rest and recover.
At the time of writing, Aso City Tourism’s announcement links to a detail page that was not available in the source we reviewed. We have not been able to confirm which facilities are participating, the dates of the program, or what documentation (if any) participants need to bring.
We will update this article as more information becomes available. In the meantime, check the Aso City Tourism website directly for the latest details. If you are in an affected area and need broader disaster support resources, see our guide to earthquake emergency resources for Amakusa and our overview of transport and transit disruptions across Kumamoto Prefecture.
Source: Aso City Tourism
