We stayed here while visiting Kurokawa Onsen and it ended up being such a peaceful base surrounded by nature and mountain scenery.

The area around here feels very different from the bigger cities in Japan, with open landscapes, quiet roads and a much slower pace. Staying nearby also makes it really easy to explore places like Kurokawa Onsen, Mount Aso, Milk Road and Daikanbo without rushing through the region in one day.

If you’re road tripping through Kyushu, this area works really well as a base for both Kurokawa Onsen and the wider Mount Aso region.

The slower pace around this part of Kyushu honestly ended up being one of the highlights of the road trip.

Helpful tips:

• Kurokawa Onsen is only a short drive away

• Best explored by car as attractions around Aso are very spread out

• Convenience stores and restaurants can be limited in rural areas so plan ahead

• Weather changes quickly around Mount Aso so bring layers

• Early mornings usually have the clearest mountain visibility

• Great overnight stop between Takachiho, Kumamoto and Yufuin

This whole region feels like a completely different side of Japan and is such an underrated part of a Kyushu road trip.