After visiting Yufuin, our next destination takes us away from the hustle and bustle and into the serene depths of the mountains.

Kurokawa Onsen, located in Kumamoto Prefecture, is just an hour and a half drive from Yufuin. However, unlike the crowded scenes in Yufuin, Kurokawa feels like a hidden paradise. During this hour and a half journey, we traverse mountain ridges, moving from Oita Prefecture to Kumamoto, escaping the crowds and enjoying the tranquility.

In Japan, Kurokawa Onsen is known as a secret hot spring destination. This is partly because it is situated in the mid-high altitude mountains and was initially unknown to many. Additionally, its beautiful environment has preserved its original landscape, avoiding excessive development for tourism, which allows it to retain its natural charm.

Now, let’s uncover the mysteries of this hidden gem and step into that secret place to relax our minds.