Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa Onsen is a hot spring town in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture. It has received two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Along both sides of the Tanohara River, 24 Japanese-style ryokan buildings line the quiet valley, creating an elegant and refined atmosphere with relatively little foot traffic—ideal for calm onsen time. Many ryokan have open-air baths, and by purchasing a wooden “nyuto tegata” bathing pass, you can enter three different baths. There are also two public baths: Jizo-yu and Ana-yu. The main appeal is soaking in forest-like open-air baths integrated with nature, though most inns are high-end. Many visitors come without staying overnight, using the bathing pass or public baths, but because it’s somewhat away from other attractions, it’s best as a stop along your route. Of course, staying overnight offers the fullest experience. Some baths are cave-like, letting you enjoy onsen to the maximum. Access: take a bus from Aso Station for about 60 minutes, using the Kyushu Odan Bus.