Introducing Kurokawa Onsen
A real treasure. A few dozen ryokan lie along a steep-sided valley beside the Kurokawa, some 6km west of the Yamanami Hwy. Considered one of the best onsen villages in Japan, Kurokawa is everything a resort town should be without accompanying kitsch or ugliness. While it’s well frequented and you certainly won’t be alone, this low-key resort still seems like it’s a tiny, forgotten village that you’ve been lucky to stumble upon.
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The enlightened Onsen Association has also made it affordable: an ‘onsen passport’ (¥1200) from the tourist information desk (44-0076; 9am-6pm) and from several ryokan allows access to three baths (8.30am to 9pm) of your choice. Kurokawa is especially famous for its 23 rotemburo. Among local favourites are Yamamizuki, Kurokawa-sō and the magnificent Shimmei-kan, with its cave baths and riverside rotemburo. Many places offer konyoku (mixed bathing) and separate male and female baths.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Itinerary for young couple - 16 days in September/October
by Kaminoge 21 July 2011
+Not sure why you'd need a car to visit Mt Aso and Kurokawa onsen.+ If you are only planning to visit the Naka-dake crater on Aso-san,…
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RE: June rainy weather & 2 weeks itinerary
by apii 03 May 2011
thank you all for your information. i have decided to skip Nagasaki :) Yes, I'll go to Kurokawa Onsen, any cheap and affordable ryokan…
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RE: June rainy weather & 2 weeks itinerary
by bamse 01 May 2011
Haven't been there myself, but Kurokawa Onsen between Aso and Beppu seems to be recommended quite often. If you are after a traditional…
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