Kurokawa Onsen - Japan Travel Guide - Japanspecialist
Kurokawa Onsen
Hot springs and the volcanoes that create them.
About Kurokawa Onsen
Kurokawa Onsen is one of Japan's most idyllic hot spring towns. It is located deep in the heart of the southern island of Kyushu, approximately 20 km north of Mount Aso. The landscape here is vast and unspoiled, so public transport is limited. The best way to explore the area is by car, and of course we can help with the rental.
Relaxation and hot spring baths
Kurokawa Onsen is a small town that winds along the Kurokawa River and is full of charm. The city has banned neon signs, tall buildings and almost all cars to focus instead on its quaint baths. Hot spring baths are called onsen in Japanese and if you spend the night here you will most likely stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with baths of spring water, naturally heated by volcanoes. Allow yourself to relax completely in a bath before taking a stroll through the town wearing a comfortable cotton kimono. If you can’t get enough of the hot springs, there are several baths around town you can try, including outdoor ones with scenic views. Every evening and morning, your ryokan serves you the finest in traditional Japanese cooking.
Other attractions around Kurokawa Onsen
Kurokawa Onsen is a short drive from Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano. A cable car can also take you to the top of another active volcano, Mount Nakadake. From here you can look down into the crater, where a large turquoise lagoon bubbles away. Close by is Komezuka, a small trapezoidal volcano that is beautifully covered with green plants. It cannot be climbed, but there are pleasant footpaths in the area.
NOTE: Mount Aso is still an active volcano, and this may mean that from time to time there will be restrictions on how close you can get if there is too much smoke or gas in the air. We ask for your understanding on this.