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Kurokawa Onsen

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Kurokawa Onsen

One of the most popular hot springs destinations in Kyushu, known for its uniformly designed looked and feel across the whole area.

4.17 4

Last update :
Supervised by :  Association of Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Tourism

This hot springs village sits along the same river that waters the rice paddies between the northern mountains of Aso. The entire hot springs area is designed seamlessly with nature, with each hilltop inn and connecting halls a separate annex that attaches to the next mountain hill.

The area is teeming with rustic ryokan and unique open air baths, all available for you to sample with the ever-popular wooden onsen-hopping entry pass.

This historic hot springs resort has even been used by shogunate officiates as their official guestrooms in the Edo Period. According to the legend of the headless jizo, it’s said that the first hot spring opened when a jizo conveyed the location of the spring.

Kurokawa Onsen is acclaimed for its many varied springs, which are said to boast 7 different kinds of acidic properties (weak acid simple spring, weak alkali simple spring, sulfur spring, ferruginous spring and acid spring), as confirmed by analysis conducted by the Kurokawa Onsen Tourism Association. Come for a relaxing soak while testing out the different waters.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a picturesque stroll through the springs area in a rental yukata, even without having to stay overnight.
  • Enjoy the varying spring types at the many open air baths with your entry pass.
  • Yu Akari, a magical hot springs illumination event is available to enjoy from winter to spring.
  • Iconic hot springs area that everyone knows from Kumamoto Prefecture.

Photos

  • Hot springs pass to visit the 3 open air baths of Kurokawa Onsen, available for 1,500yen.

    Hot springs pass to visit the 3 open air baths of Kurokawa Onsen, available for 1,500yen.

  • Marusuzubashi, a bridge with a view of Kurokawa Onsen's iconic scenery and hot springs inns lined up against the river banks.

    Marusuzubashi, a bridge with a view of Kurokawa Onsen's iconic scenery and hot springs inns lined up against the river banks.

  • There’s even a yukata rental service for you to try on for a stroll.

    There’s even a yukata rental service for you to try on for a stroll.

  • The wind tower, the place to buy hot spring passes and where to find tourism information.

    The wind tower, the place to buy hot spring passes and where to find tourism information.

  • Enjoy a delightful dip in the many different hot spring water varieties across the area.

    Enjoy a delightful dip in the many different hot spring water varieties across the area.

  • The hot springs village all alight during Yu Akari, the magical illumination from winter to spring.

    The hot springs village all alight during Yu Akari, the magical illumination from winter to spring.

Reviews

4

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 周黛西
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    Kurokawa Onsen received two stars in the 2009 Michelin Green Guide Japan. Great care is taken to preserve the old-fashioned charm of the hot spring town. With no flashy signs, noisy crowds, or heavy traffic, the entire town feels seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings and is filled with the traditional atmosphere of a Japanese hot spring village.
    The hot spring street is short, and every ryokan is small yet refined, drawing you in to enjoy the leisurely, relaxing atmosphere unique to a hot spring village. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and find a quiet place to unwind, Kurokawa Onsen is a good choice.
    Nestled between the mountains and river, the hot spring town feels like a hidden paradise. The green maples and cherry trees along the way seemed to be telling me, “Come back for another stroll in the fall〜” and “Don’t forget about spring, either〜”

  • 王小鈞
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    Kurokawa Onsen really has the feel of a Japanese hot spring town!
    The entire hot spring village is scattered throughout the valley along the Tanoharu River. Each ryokan is surrounded by forest, and although the town isn't large, it has plenty of character. Walking around feels like getting away from the city and taking a vacation in the mountains.
    The most unique thing to do here is use the Nyuto Tegata hot spring pass. If you have enough time, I highly recommend buying one. You can choose three different ryokan to soak at, and experience each one's open-air baths without staying overnight. It's really fun to try different baths!
    Each hot spring has its own features. Some are hidden in the woods, while others are beside the ravine. Soaking while taking in the mountain scenery creates a very relaxing atmosphere.
    Kurokawa Onsen has also preserved traditional mixed-gender open-air baths, making it a very unique experience for anyone interested in traditional Japanese hot spring culture.

  • Joel
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    This hot spring area has been rated two stars by the Michelin Guide and has always been super popular in Japan. I recommend visiting during the Lantern Festival season.

  • 陳美娟
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    This quiet hot spring village is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Details

Name in Japanese
黒川温泉
Postal Code
869-2402
Address
Near Manganji, Minamiguni, Asogun, Kumamoto
Telephone
0967-44-0076 (Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Association)
Business hours
Depend on facilities
Closed
Depend on facilities
Admission
Depends on facilities
Access
From JR Kumamoto Station, take a Sanko Bus for 2 hours and 40 minutes. Get off at Kurokawa Onsen to arrive.
Credit Cards
Depend on facilities
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa