Kurokawa Onsen: A Serene Hot Spring Retreat

Located in Minami-Kokuni-cho, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kurokawa Onsen is known as one of the most beautiful hot spring towns in Japan, surrounded by mountains and forests, and the Onsen Street scenery blends with nature, full of traditional Japanese charm. The biggest selling point is the rich hot spring facilities. Different hot spring inns have their own characteristics and free foot bath. You can soak your feet and enjoy the rest wherever you go. Tour route recommendations: It is recommended to start at the entrance to Kurokawa Onsen Street and stroll along the small river, lined with hot spring inns that offer superb views both in the morning and at dusk. There are different hot spring facilities along the way, you can choose to purchase hot spring hand shapes and experience several inn hot springs in one day. You can sit in the free footbath without taking a hot spring and feel the warm atmosphere of the area. It is recommended to allow 2 to 3 hours to wander slowly. Must-play items: 1. Participate in the “hot spring hand shape” activity and experience three different hot springs at once, which is very popular with tourists. 2. Free footbath: There are footbaths in several places in Hot Spring Street. 3. Purchase hot spring street specialty snacks, such as hot spring eggs, Japanese desserts, or sit in a coffee shop to enjoy. 4. Make tea with hot spring water and feel the special flavor. Check-in spot: - Hot Spring Street bamboo forest, stone bridge and flowing water path - Exterior of hot spring inn, small courtyard in front of the door - Riverside foot soup - Night view hourly hot spring street lighting (especially winter snow scenes) Attraction tips: 1. Kurokawa Onsen is open year-round and is recommended to visit on weekdays or off-season. 2. 09:00-18:00 is the active hour of Hot Springs Street, arriving early can enjoy the tranquility of the early morning, the dusk has another kind of poetry. 3. It is recommended to check the opening hours of each hot spring inn in advance, some hot spring inns have their own rules. 4. Prepare towels in advance or bring small luggage for a hot spring bath. 5. Foot soup location generally has tap water to rinse your feet, do not worry about hygiene issues. Notes: 1. Some hot springs are for guests staying only, public baths or participating hand-shaped hot springs are free to choose. 2. Small shops on Hot Spring Street are mostly family-run and close earlier in the evening. 3. Summer and autumn views vary, winter may encounter snow scenery but some paths will be slippery, walk carefully. Summary: Kurokawa Onsen is the best slow living spot in Minami-Kokunicho, the free footbath is beautiful and photogenic, perfect for healing. Topics: Kurokawa Onsen, Minami-Kokunicho, Footbath Experience, Japanese Onsen, Hot Spring Stroll