Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa Onsen (黒川温泉), located in Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, is a picturesque hot spring town renowned for its natural hot springs and traditional ryokan inns. The town offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for those seeking relaxation and traditional Japanese culture.

Each hot spring in Kurokawa Onsen boasts a unique spring quality, offering various health benefits. Visitors can enjoy soaking in the mineral-rich waters of numerous outdoor and indoor baths.

Kurokawa Onsen is also known for its traditional architecture, with several historic ryokan inns that have been in operation for centuries, providing a unique glimpse into traditional Japanese culture. While visiting, don’t miss the local specialty, “dango-jiru,” a hearty soup with dumplings made from locally-sourced buckwheat flour.

One of the unique features of Kurokawa Onsen is the “Nyuto Tegata” (入湯手形), a wooden pass that grants access to three different public baths of your choice from among the 28 available in the town. This allows visitors to experience a variety of hot springs and bathhouses, each with its own distinct charm and atmosphere.

The Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Association is dedicated to preserving the town’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, resulting in a harmonious atmosphere and stunning scenery. The town’s beauty changes with the seasons, from lush greenery in spring and summer, to vibrant foliage in autumn, and serene snowy landscapes in winter.

Getting there

By Bus

• About 2 hours 30 minutes by direct express bus from Fukuoka (Hakata Station, Tenjin Bus Center, Fukuoka Airport) (3,470 yen)
• About 3 hours by Kyushu Oudan Bus from Kumamoto Station (2,500 yen)
• About 3 hours by Kyushu Oudan Bus from Beppu Station (3,000 yen)
• About 2 hours by Kyushu Oudan Bus from Yufuin Station (2,000 yen)

By Car

• Use National Route 212 (Hita-Aso), National Route 57 (Kumamoto-Aso), or Yamanami Highway (Yufuin-Aso)