All Reviews of Kurokawa Onsen

If, like me, you visit Kurokawa Onsen by car in the fall, you'll have a different kind of experience. Even though the weather didn't cooperate and a steady drizzle began to fall, it didn't dampen my enthusiasm at all. Wisps of white steam from the hot springs blended with the layers of misty mountains in the distance, giving this secluded mountain town a dreamlike veil of tranquility.

I recommend parking at the tourist information center first. Travelers who want to fully experience the various open-air baths can buy the signature wooden “Nyuto Tegata” bathing pass here. This time, I chose to slow down and explore the town, wandering through alleys lined with dark wooden buildings and trying the popular local pudding, which was sweet, rich, and silky smooth. It filled me with happiness.

In the slightly chilly air after the rain, I was delighted to come across a free footbath with a warm charcoal fire (Ikoi Ryokan Footbath). The moment I dipped my feet into the steaming hot spring water, my whole body warmed up. I loved that heartwarming moment of casually chatting with travelers from different places and warming our hands around the charcoal fire. The nearby hot spring inn also had unattended, honor-system hot spring eggs. You simply put in some coins and scoop out a piping-hot, soft-cooked treat, full of the simple charm of this small town. If you enjoy immersing yourself in the slow pace of an authentic Japanese hot spring town, Kurokawa Onsen is definitely worth a special trip.

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〜”

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.

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.

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.