Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa is a small hot spring town in the Kuju mountains where most inns sit along the Tanohara River and welcome day visitors. The area has operated as an onsen resort for over 300 years. Pick up a cedar nyuto tegata pass at the Kazenoya visitor center for 1,300 yen and choose any three of the town's baths to soak in. The pass doubles as a decent souvenir and stays valid for six months. Bring cash, as there are no ATMs in town and the nearest one is a 10-minute drive. An hour on foot from the center, the Hirano Dai Plateau offers a wide view of Mt. Aso at sunset.