Things to do in Kusu

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa Onsen is nestled in a mountain valley in the Aso region of Kumamoto Prefecture, with about 30 hot spring inns scattered among lush forests and clear streams. The town is built on the concept that the entire hot spring town is like one single inn, with each inn's open-air baths blending into the surrounding rocks, trees, and streams to create a hot spring town with a traditional atmosphere. A signature experience here is open-air bath hopping, where visitors can use a wooden bath pass to choose 3 different hot springs from participating inns to experience a variety of bathing environments. Strolling through the streets in a yukata also allows you to soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this mountain hot spring town. Walking along the stream, you can enjoy the scenery where clear water, green trees, and traditional inns intertwine. The hot springs at different inns each have their own unique characteristics in terms of water quality, bath design, and surrounding environment, allowing you to enjoy a diverse bathing experience while exploring on foot.

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Yufuin Onsen

Yufuin Onsen is located at the foot of Mount Yufu. The spring water is primarily simple thermal water, and many inns in the town feature open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy a soak while gazing at the peaks of Mount Yufu. Japanese-style inns, cafes, general stores, and art museums are scattered along the streets and alleys. The Yunotsubo Street, which leads from the station to Lake Kinrin, is the town's main walking route. Along the way, dessert shops, craft stores, and cafes are lined up, with traditional wooden buildings interspersed with rural fields. Lake Kinrin at the end of the street is an iconic sight here—hot spring water gushes from the west side of the lake bed, while cold spring water flows from the east. The meeting of warm and cool water often causes a thin mist to rise over the lake on fall and winter mornings, with the reflections of mountains and trees shimmering on the surface.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Oita Prefecture

KYUSHU RAILWAY COMPANY

The Yufuin Forest Sightseeing Train takes about two and a half hours to connect the bustling city of Hakata with the hot spring resort of Beppu in Kyushu. The emerald green appearance of the train is eccentric, galloping in the forest plateau like a flying fairy. Warm wood-colored interiors look classic and natural. Passing through the quiet and pleasant Yufuin along the route, her purity, uniqueness, and enthusiasm are vividly displayed on this sightseeing train, and it is a completely idyllic scene. The beautiful natural scenery along the way and the green body echo each other, which is very harmonious. From the step of stepping into the forest of Yufuin, the dreamy leisure journey has already begun.

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Oita Prefecture

Kuju Forest Park Skiing Grounds

The Kokonoe Forest Park Ski Resort is located in Kokonoe, Oita Prefecture, Japan, in the natural embrace of the Kokonoe Mountains. The ski resort is about 1,000 meters above sea level and has abundant natural snow conditions. The 15-hectare ski resort has 3 ski slopes suitable for skiers of different levels, from beginners to experienced skiers. The ski season usually starts in December and lasts until early April of the following year, with January to February being the peak season for skiing. The ski resort provides rental equipment and skiing lessons to facilitate tourists to experience the fun of skiing. In addition, the ski resort also provides night skiing services, allowing tourists to enjoy the unique experience of skiing under the cover of night. In terms of transportation, the ski resort can be reached in about 30 minutes by car from the center of Kokonoe. With its natural environment and convenient facilities, the Kokonoe Forest Park Ski Resort provides tourists with an ideal place for winter sports and leisure.

Waterfall Jion

Takatsuka Atago Jizōson

Takatsuka Atago Jizosonsite features a main hall and various Buddha statues, many shops and restaurants nearby, and stairs along the path.

Hitome Hakkei Observation Deck

Dowanosato Kusu Rest Area

No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Oita Prefecture

Lake Kinrin

Lake Kinrin is one of the representative sightseeing spots in the Yufuin area. It is located at the foot of Mount Yufu. It was formerly known as Yuexia Pond. Later, a Confucian scholar saw the lake glittering like fish scales under the setting sun, and it was renamed Lake Kinrin from then on. In addition to the runoff injected by Yubuyue, there are also natural springs at the bottom of the lake, so Lake Kinrin is actually half a hot spring lake. In winter, the hot spring water meets the icy lake water to produce fog, which lingers around the lake and mountains, like a dream.

Bungomorikikanko Park