Situated in the middle of Kyushu about 20 kilometers north of Mt. Aso, Kurokawa Onsen (Hot Spring) is a recommended destination in Kumamoto prefecture, for those who like quiet, rustic and traditional onsen. Because the temperature of the hot spring is over 80C (176F), it is rather suitable for outdoor bathing. Thus every hotels and inns in this resort offers open-air baths. Kurokawa’s scenic townscape is dominated by natural colors, stone stairs, wooden buildings, and a river flowing through. Also, in a forested valley, the town center is good for exploring on foot.