The Charm and History of “Kurokawa Onsen”
“Kurokawa Onsen” is one of Japan’s most popular hot spring resorts. Its history dates back to the Edo period, approximately 300 years ago. In the late 1990s, the introduction of the “Nyuto Tegata” (Bathing Pass) successfully attracted many tourists once again. This pass allows visitors to enjoy three different open-air baths at a discounted rate, embodying the slogan of “Kurokawa Onsen”: “The entire town is one large inn, the streets are hallways, and the inns are guest rooms.”
The town is characterized by its rural landscape and retro-style Japanese inns, providing visitors with a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
How to Enjoy “Kurokawa Onsen”
“Kurokawa Onsen” boasts more than 30 hot spring inns, each offering different types of spring water and baths. The “Nyuto Tegata” is particularly popular for bath-hopping, and you can enjoy it in the following ways:
- Bath-Hopping: Enjoy three different open-air baths at a discounted rate.
- Strolling Through the Hot Spring Town: Strolling around in a yukata (casual summer kimono) is highly recommended.
- Local Gourmet and Hot Spring Sweets: The hot spring town has numerous establishments offering local gourmet food and hot spring sweets.
Especially, cafes and sweets shops in the hot spring town are very popular among visitors.
Tourist Spots Around “Kurokawa Onsen”
Around “Kurokawa Onsen,” there are several small hot spring resorts and naturally rich tourist destinations.
“Waita Onsenkyo,” where you can enjoy the view of rising steam, “Tsuetate Onsen” along the Tsuetate River, and “Hosenji Onsen” in Oita Prefecture are also recommended for a highland drive visit. After enjoying bath-hopping, you can refresh both body and mind by visiting natural power spots.
Access
Here is how you can access “Kurokawa Onsen”:
By Car
- About 2 hours from Kumamoto City or Fukuoka City
- About 45 minutes from Aso Station
By Bus
- About 150 minutes from Kumamoto City or Kumamoto Airport via Kyushu Odan Bus to “Kurokawa Onsen”
- About 180 minutes from Fukuoka City via highway bus
- About 100 minutes from Yufuin Onsen via Kyushu Odan Bus
Official Website: https://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/
