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 | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Daikanbo
Mount Aso is the volcanic area and 5 peaks along the large caldera that was created as the result of 4 large eruptions some 270,000 to 90,000 years ago. Here, inside this world’s largest caldera and volcanic area you’ll find a train line running through the three local municipalities of Aso, Takamori and Minamiaso, towards the 50,000 people who live there.
One of the must-see attractions when visiting Aso is the Daikanbo Lookout. From this elevated vantage point, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Aso's magnificent mountains. No matter which direction you look, you can feel the grandeur and beauty of nature.
It's an easy walk along the path to the lookout. With clear skies and unobstructed views, you can see the Five Peaks of Aso, which are said to resemble the Buddha entering nirvana... Unfortunately, I'm not enlightened enough to see it and just wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery around me. Looking down at Aso's cityscape below, the town is surrounded by neatly arranged rice fields like a patchwork quilt, giving it a peaceful, secluded feeling.
In summer, there's nothing but green. It felt as though this greenery cured my aging eyesight without any medicine, and my body, mind, and spirit all felt liberated. The scenery probably reveals a different charm with each changing season, making it well worth seeing. -
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Aso Resort Grandvrio Hotel
A hotel in Aso with an outstanding location. Some rooms offer balcony views of the outer rim surrounding the Five Peaks of Aso, letting guests fully enjoy the area’s majestic nature. The large public bath uses Komezuka Onsen, a hot spring that wells up from the foot of Mount Aso. Guests can enjoy its smooth, fatigue-relieving waters, said to help with muscle soreness, in the open-air bath, indoor bath, and the annex bathing facility Kigokoro no Yu.
After reluctantly leaving Kusasenri Beach, we checked into Aso Resort Grandvrio Hotel. This hot spring hotel is located on a quiet mountain, with beautiful, pleasant scenery. The moment we arrived, we fully switched into vacation mode.
A large, smiling Kumamon sign welcomed us in the lobby. Instead of lavish, elaborate decor, it has a clean, simple style. The scenery outside the hotel is beautiful and lush, perfect for a walk or hike. The on-site golf course is also great for guests who enjoy golf.
Opening the floor-to-ceiling window in our room revealed a picturesque view. There are large public baths in both the main building and annex, and all guests can enjoy the natural Komezuka Onsen. Weary travelers can temporarily forget their fatigue and worries and immerse themselves in nature. It was truly relaxing!
Dinner was a seafood buffet with fresh sashimi and plenty of snow crab legs. Seafood lovers will definitely eat to their heart's content! At night, the chirping of insects lulls you to sleep. Such a blissful feeling! -
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Komezuka
Komezuka, a cone-shaped volcano, is located at the base of Kishimadake, one of the central peaks of Mount Aso's five peaks. This small mountain stands about 80 meters high and is believed to have been formed by an eruption around 3,300 years ago. The slopes are covered with grasslands, turning a vibrant green from spring to summer. In autumn, the slopes glow golden with susuki (Japanese pampas grass), and in winter, they are beautifully blanketed in snow.
On the way back, among the many hills, we looked for a small mountain shaped like an upside-down bowl called “Komezuka.” Komezuka has a cute conical shape and is covered in lush green, making it look like matcha pudding. It also resembles Taiwan’s “Matcha Mountain.”
You can’t just park along the road, so we could only admire it from afar, but its distinctive appearance has left a deep impression on me. -
