Kurokawa Onsen, a hot spring town nestled among silent mountains in the north eastern area of Kumamoto, was awarded two stars on Michelin Green Guide Japan 2009, which is exceptional for a hot spring town. The pure stream of Tanoharu River runs through the middle of the town, which is spotted with more than 20 hot spring inns. What attracts many tourists here are the natural scenery with rich greeneries and the laid-back atmosphere isolated away from the bustle of the city.
The tourism of Kurokawa Onsen wants tourists to consider the whole hot spring town as one big inn, with streets compared to corridors, trees and flowers to plants in the garden and inns to unique guest rooms. All inns share the same sandals and umbrellas, which comes in handy when you hop from one hot spring inn to another.
The variety in hot spring quality is another great thing about this town. There are 7 types of hot springs; weak acid simple spring, weak alkali simple spring, sulfur spring, ferruginous spring and acid spring. Enjoy a slow stroll, the atmosphere of the town and a variety of hot springs in Kurokawa.
Kurokawa Onsen Official Website
http://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/eng_new/
APPEAL POINTS
- Service／Yukata (casual summer kimono) Rental
- Yukata (casual kimono) rental service is popular among foreigners. Rental requests are accepted from 9:30 until 16:30 at Becchin-Kan office near the Tourist Association. Standard plan comes with Yukata, Belt and Sandal. Another plan comes also with Kinchaku bag and towel. Enjoy strolling in a hot spring town with traditional Japanese style!
- SERVICE／ONSEN-HOPPING PASS
- Many hot spring inns in Kurokawa also accept non-staying visitors for bathing in a hot spring (bathing fee varies by inns). A “hot spring coupon (Nyuto Tegata),” which can be purchased at inns and visitor center, will allow you to use up to three hot springs.
- SERVICE／ VOICE GUIDE
- Visitor Center rents voice guidance system (Japanese and English), which comes in handy when walking around in the hot spring town and wild paths in Kurokawa. Walking with a GPS auto voice guidance for tourist spots and a map in your hand will greatly enhance your sightseeing experience. You will surely be able to get many valuable information on the site. The rental fee is 500 Yen per device for 3 hours.
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The popularity of Kurokawa’s baths dates back to the Edo Period, where you will find many of the charms that captured the hearts of the daimyo many centuries ago.
The traditional architecture, narrow, winding roads, and moss-covered rock walls rings true to a side of Japan that has become endangered by developing areas. Everywhere you go, you will hear the sound of the river that runs its course through majestic, bridge-covered canals.
Whether you’re interested in trying Jersey cow cream puffs, traditional arts and crafts, visiting shrines, or sticking your face in steam vents, everything is available to you through a short walk from your ryokan.