Kurokawa Onsen is one of the top hot spring towns in Japan. Located on the outskirts of Kumamoto Prefecture in the middle of Kyushu, this onsen village is just 20km from Mt. Aso. Kurokawa Onsen is unique in that the town has largely been preserved to maintain its traditional atmosphere, similar to that of Ginzan Onsen. This helps to keep the charm of the traditional onsen town, and away from large concrete hotel blocks, which took over many hot spring towns in the late 20th century.
Kurokawa Onsen favours nature and natural colourations, with stunning wooden buildings, stone stairs, and a natural river flowing through the heart of the town, all of which is surrounded by the forest. This creates a somewhat mysterious vibe as you walk through the onsen village tucked away beyond the eyes of civilisation.
The town’s quiet streets are lined by traditional ryokans and bathhouses, and you’ll often see the hotel guests walking around the traditional quarters in yukata & kimono, adding to the charm of the town. Kurokawa Onsen is possibly best known for its wide selection of outdoor baths, many of which incorporate natural elements into their designs. Guests at the ryokans can enjoy their hotels on-site baths, but for those coming for a day trip, or just want to onsen-hop, you can purchase a ‘tegata’. A tegata is a pass made out of wood, and provides the bearer access to three different onsen baths at three different resorts in town, allowing guests to engage in a practice known as Rotemburo Megui, or the touring of outdoor baths. Tegata can be purchased for 1500 yen from the town’s tourist information centre, and are valid for up to 6 months.
One of the best times to visit the town is during the Yu Akari Illumination festival, which takes place from late December through late March (with some seasonal variability). The Kurokawa Onsen Yu Akari illumination is an annual festival in which locally crafted bamboo lanterns adorn the town and river, adding to the town’s magical appearance. The illumination occurs from nightfall through to 10 pm daily during the illumination period.
Explore Kumamoto
Top Attractions
Okoshiki Beach
Scenic beach with unique sunset views
Takahashi Inari Shrine
Small shrine with torii lined path
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
Serene forest shrine with lantern lined paths
Kumamoto Castle
Scenic Castle and famous cherry blossom viewing spot
Suizenji Garden
17th Century Garden in Kumamoto
Accessing Kurokawa Onsen
Kurokawa Onsen is quite remote, and there are few transport options to reach the town other than a rental car.
From Kumamoto Station, you can reach Kurokawa Onsen by train and bus, taking about 2.5 hours and costing around 3,000 yen each way. You can also take bus from Kumamoto Station for a day trip tour to Kurokawa Onsen as part of a group, which includes bus fare and about 4 hours to explore the town, inlcuding lunch.
Stay in Kurokawa Onsen
Yamabiko Ryokan
Staying at Yamabiko Ryokan offers a traditional Japanese experience with tatami rooms, onsen baths, warm hospitality, and peaceful rural surroundings, ideal for relaxation and cultural immersion.
Kurokawa Onsen Oyado Noshiyu
Oyado Noshiyu offers an intimate ryokan experience with rustic charm, private baths, refined kaiseki dining, and tranquil forest surroundings ideal for quiet relaxation.
Kurokawa-so
Staying at Kurokawa-so offers spacious traditional rooms, riverside rotenburo baths, seasonal kaiseki dining, and a serene natural setting ideal for a relaxing onsen retreat.
Explore more in Kumamoto
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
Serene forest shrine with lantern lined paths
Kumamoto Castle
Scenic Castle and famous cherry blossom viewing spot
Kurokawa Onsen
One of Kyushu's Yop Hot Spring Towns
Okoshiki Beach
Scenic beach with unique sunset views
Suizenji Garden
17th Century Garden in Kumamoto
Takahashi Inari Shrine
Small shrine with torii lined path