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Kurokawa Onsen: Tradition Meets Modern

As a traveller, there are certain occasions where the Japan you’ve seen in old movies, and the Japan that exists in the real world will actually overlap to an astounding degree. Few locations better exemplify this than Kurokawa Onsen, a small resort village, consisting almost entirely of hot spring-centred ryokan (traditional inns). The village exists in a the midst of a small river valley within a tall forest, lending the town the ambiance of a folktale.

The nostalgic bridge in Kurokawa onsen


Hostspring Entrance, Kurokawa, Kumamoto prefecture

The Ryokan in Kurokawa onsen, Kumamoto prefecture

Kurokawa’s Famous Onsen and Ryokan

Kurokawa is said to have been a popular spot among onsen-goers since the Edo Period, however it was not until the mid-1970’s that the boom to make it a tourist destination truly began. The hotel association has been stringent in their efforts to keep Kurokawa relatively undeveloped, in order not to spoil its ethereal character by prohibiting modern hotels within the central town. Currently, there are over twenty-four ryokan that Kurokawa is comprised of. Each of these hot spring resorts feature their own unique baths, located in caves, bamboo forests, on top of cliffs overlooking rivers and forests. In addition to their unique locations, certain onsen feature special water with healing and “beautifying” properties, or unique hues of spring water.
Kurokawa Onsen

Here is the entrance to cave onsen

Onsen Hopping with the Onsen Pass

With so many choices at your feet, the best bet is to enjoy what the locals call “rotemburo meguri” – in other words, hot spring hopping. This can be done most affordably by purchasing a “Nyūtō tegata” bathing pass from the visitor’s centre. For 1300 yen, this grants you entry to any three Onsen of your choice. True to the character of the town, these hot spring-hopping passes are offered on small plaques of cedarwood, with design burnt into them, with removable stickers on the back which are exchanged for entry. On the off-chance that you don’t feel like entering three baths in one day, these passes are valid for six months, so you can pocket the excuse to return if you so desire.
Kurokawa Onsen Bridge

“Nyūtō Tegata”/ Bathing Pass

“Nyūtō Tegata”/ Bathing Pass

Maps are available at the Kurokawa visitor’s centre, guiding visitors through Kurokawa’s twenty-four hots prings, and their specific characteristics. From the visitor’s centre there is a shuttle bus which services the ryokan on the outskirts of Kurokawa proper, making its loop every half-hour or so. Once you’ve received your passes and are ready to go, you may approach the front desk of the ryokan, and they will exchange one of your stickers for the stamp of that particular onsen. You’re able to keep the pass with the stamps you’ve collected, making for an excellent souvenir, and an easy way to remind yourself which onsen you’ve yet to visit. Alternatively, there is a small shrine located in the centre of Kurokawa where guests can leave their completed passes.

Bathing passes left at the shrine

Bathing passes left at the shrine/

Though the the large part of Kurokawa is comprised of hot springs, there are a fair handful of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, also located in the central town, giving guests a chance to  explore and cool down between baths.

Nice onsen walking in Kurokawa onsen

Shaved ice at one of Kurokawa's sweets cafes.

Shaved ice at one of Kurokawa’s sweets cafes.

A Word to the Wise

One caution to keep in mind is that due to it’s remote location, buses from Kurokawa do not run very frequently. The last bus bound for Aso Station and Kumamoto departs from Kurokawa at 16:25 from a bus shelter about 100m up and and across the road from the point of arrival. These buses prioritize reserved-seating, so guests are advised to book in advance to avoid any potential complications. Booking can be done via  http://www.kyusanko.co.jp/sankobus/english/rsv_kyushuodan/

※The reservation page in English is under maintenance mode until the end of October.

 

Liam Duffy

Liam Duffy

Liam Duffy is a student and English teacher, living in Kumamoto City, Japan, originally from Toronto, Canada. He is a curator of secondhand sweaters, and the father of three beautiful houseplants. His goal is to explore as much of Kumamoto as possible, and to help make Kumamoto other Kyushu prefectures more accessible to international travellers. When he’s not travelling or studying, chances are you can find him stooging around a local coffee shop, or binge-watching 1990s paranormal dramas on Netflix.

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