Kurokawa Onsen in Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, has launched its annual winter light-up event "Yuakari" on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Through Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from sunset to 10:00 PM, the Tanohara River and hot spring town will be enveloped in the warm glow of bamboo lanterns. This event represents a unique initiative that combines rural environmental conservation with tourism, distinctive to Kurokawa Onsen.
Background of "Yuakari": A Story of Bamboo Forest Reclamation
Kurokawa Onsen's "Yuakari" is more than just an illumination display. Behind it lies the challenge of "abandoned bamboo forests" facing Aso's satoyama countryside. Bamboo grows rapidly and, if left unattended, can kill other trees. To protect the regional landscape and environment, the people of Kurokawa Onsen enter the mountains themselves and began this event as a way to effectively utilize the harvested bamboo.
The approximately 2-meter-tall "tube lanterns" and "ball lanterns (mari-tōrō)" woven one by one by hand from bamboo strips are all handcrafted by ryokan staff and local residents. The "fluctuating" light created by human hands, not machine production, warms the hearts of viewers in the crisp winter air.
2025-2026 Season Yuakari Spots
2025-2026 Season Highlights
1. Kawabata Street and Marusuzu Bridge Leading to a Mystical World
The symbolic spot of Yuakari, the "Tanohara River." The collaboration of steam rising from the river surface with arch-shaped suspended ball lanterns creates breathtaking beauty. From atop "Marusuzu Bridge," visitors can overlook the lanterns swaying on the river surface and the atmospheric scenery of the hot spring town, making it a popular photo spot.
2. Kurokawa Onsen Bus Stop and Hot Spring Town Stroll with Nostalgic Atmosphere
Lanterns line not only the riverside but also near "Yamabikokan," "Becchin-kan," and the "Kurokawa Onsen Bus Stop."
Particularly, the bus stop area is a noteworthy spot where the combination of thatched roofs and ball lanterns evokes a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of Japan's original landscape. Strolling guided by geometric patterns of light illuminating your feet is a unique pleasure of Kurokawa. During the period, if it snows, you can encounter an otherworldly mystical contrast between pure white snow and the warm orange glow of bamboo lanterns.
Event Overview
Event Name: Kurokawa Onsen Yuakari
Period: Saturday, December 20, 2025 to Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Lighting Hours: 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Kurokawa Onsen (Marusuzu Bridge to Kawabata Street, near Yamabikokan, Becchin-kan, Kurokawa Onsen Bus Stop)
Inquiries: Kurokawa Onsen Tourism Ryokan Cooperative Association (TEL: 0967-44-0076 / 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
URL: https://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/event/yuakari2511/
※Food trucks and other vendors are scheduled to appear every Saturday.
※Kurokawa Onsen in winter can reach below freezing temperatures, so please visit with adequate cold weather protection including thick coats and scarves.
NEW Gourmet Spots to Visit Before or After Your Stroll, Opened in 2025
This year's Yuakari features new "culinary" attractions to enjoy before and after strolling. Two specialty shops have opened within the hot spring town's complex facility "Au Kurokawa."
Akaushi Beef Specialty Restaurant "AKA" (Brown)
A specialty restaurant featuring "akaushi" beef raised at their own ranch. In addition to their signature "akaushi donburi" (beef bowl), they offer winter-perfect "akaushi shabu-shabu" and "lava-grilled" course meals. Open until 9:30 PM, making it ideal for dinner after an evening stroll. ※Reservation required
Pork Cuisine Specialty Restaurant "Tonkō"
A restaurant specializing in Kumamoto Prefecture pork raised on vast land. Lunch features "tonkatsu gozen" (pork cutlet set), while dinner offers course meals in a refined Japanese atmosphere that maximizes the umami of pork. ※Reservation required
NEW Spots to Enjoy Drinks Before or After Your Stroll, Opened in 2025
Connecting Locals and Travelers: New Atmosphere at "Gotō Sake Shop Kakuuchi"
Gotō Sake Shop, located in a corner of Minamioguni-Kurokawa Onsen town, has started a new "kakuuchi corner" initiative. Kakuuchi features a style where you can casually enjoy a drink at the shop front. After strolling through Kurokawa Onsen, you can take time to slowly savor chilled local sake while conversing in the space between the hustle and quiet of the hot spring town. Visitor reviews include comments like "makes you want to pause for a moment" and "great to talk with locals." Drinks made with Kumamoto Prefecture fruits and daily changing hot spring eggs are also popular.
"NOMU" Opening December 20
A small dining establishment with mainly counter seating that you can casually drop by during your Yuakari stroll. Look for the sign "A drink after your bath." They serve "VATTEN BREWING" craft beer from local Oguni-gō on draft. The menu ranges from thoughtful small plates like "cream cheese tofu" and "adult potato salad" to Kumamoto specialties including "akaushi roast beef" and "horse sashimi," an irresistible lineup for sake lovers. Perfect for basking in the afterglow after viewing the fantastical lights.
