Kurogawa

Arrived in Kurokawa following Google maps who lead us straight through the pedestrian walkway through town. Wish I’d had a video, the road was getting narrower and narrower. Tourists jumping out of the way everywhere.

We are booked into a ryokan here which is a traditional Japanese Inn that offers a place to rest as well as traditional dining. They are often found around hot springs. Onsens are the hot springs and the facilities that surround them. Ours is both a ryokan and an Onsen. Usually they are public baths with seperate male and female Onsens but sometimes they have private ones you can use.
We booked for a private Onsen, had a cup of tea while we waited. Holy moly this Onsen is so hot, takes a bit of getting used to. They only let you book for half an hour. I can see why, you would be soft boiled if you stayed any longer.
We tried out the public bath in the afternoon as well. The etiquette for an Onsen is you have to shower off before and after, no tattoos, no clothing, no towels in the water. Anyhow when in Rome etc etc.

Dinner is a very elaborate affair at a Ryokan and to be honest probably more of an attraction than the Onsen for us. Wow so many plates of food and just when you thought you were finished more arrived.

We went for a walk a round town after dinner, lots of people out in their yakatas Onsen hopping. Another attraction staying here is you can try out other Onsens. There is a lovely river flowing through Kurokawa and it is just as just as pretty at nighttime.Read more