3. From Unzen Hot Spring (Onsen) to Kurokawa Hot Spring (Onsen), Kumamoto Prefecture, and Yufuin Hot Spring (Onsen), Oita Prefecture – Private road trip in Kyushu

Route 3 takes you from Unzen/Shimabara hot spring to Kurokawa hot spring in Kumamoto prefecture and Yufuin hot spring in Oita prefecture. After moving across the sea to Kumamoto from Shimabara Outer Port by car ferry, we drive along the scenic Aso Milk Road.

Transportation

1)
Point of departure: Unzen hot spring -> Nita Pass Observatory
Point of arrival: Shimabara Outer Port
Required time: 1 hr 20 mins.
Main roads used: Road 57
Expressway toll: 0 yen

2)
Point of departure: Shimabara Outer Port
Point of arrival: Kumamoto Port
Required time: 30 mins. (by high-speed car ferry)
Expressway toll: 3,700 yen

3)
Point of departure: Kumamoto Port
Point of arrival: Kurokawa hot spring
Required time: 2 hr 30 mins.
Main roads used: Aso Milk Road and Yamanami Highway
Expressway toll: 0 yen

3)
Point of departure: Kurokawa hot spring
Point of arrival: Yufuin hot spring
Required time: 1 hr.
Main roads used: Yamanami Highway
Expressway toll: 0 yen

＊The required times shown are standard times and do not include breaks.
＊Expressway tolls differ depending on conditions.

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Highlights

1. Unzen Nita Pass Second Observatory

Heading toward Nita Pass from Unzen hot spring, going up the mountain road.

Arriving in Unzen Nita Pass Second Observatory in twenty minutes.

The spectacular view of the mountains and the sea can be enjoyed from the observation deck.

Various islands can be seen across the sea.

Heisei New Mountain. A mountain that was formed at the Mount Unzen-Fugen’s eruption (1990 to 1996).

Moving on from to Nita Pass to the terminal for the ferry toward Kumamoto.

 

 

2. From Shimabara Outer Port to Kumamoto Port (Car ferry)

Bringing the car over to Kumamoto from Shimabara Outer Port by high-speed car ferry.

Inside the ferry.

Arriving at Kumamoto Port in a very short time.

 

 

3. From Kumamoto City to Aso Milk Road

From Kumamoto port to Kumamoto city.

Heading toward Kurokawa hot spring from Kumamoto City and getting on the Aso Milk Road.

Travelling through the fresh green.

Mount Aso.

White smoke can be seen near the peak.

The grassy meadows along the road.

Lunchtime at the Kabutoiwa Viewpoint and resting area.

　

　

As its name suggests, Milk Road has soft-serve ice cream.
As you go further, you will find Kitayama Restaurant and observation deck.

A restaurant.

There is also a sign that explains the view.

 

 

4. Kurokawa hot spring (Onsen)

Arriving at Kurokawa hot spring via Yamanami Highway. The riverside is dotted with luxury inns where you can enjoy visiting hot springs with Onsen Tegata, a pass for hot spring baths valid in Kurokawa hot spring area.

Onsen Ryokan “Kurokawaso“

Onsen Ryokan “Ryokan Sanga“

It is the ultimate hot spring resort for your elegant relaxation.
List of ryokans in Kurokawa hot spring (Onsen)

The Yamanami Highway is recommended when travelling from Kurokawa hot spring to Yufuin hot spring resort.

Kuju renzan Mountain.

*Reference source: やまなみハイウェイ 絶景ドライブコースへ

Kuju Flower Park.

*Reference source: やまなみハイウェイ 絶景ドライブコースへ

 

Go on to [ 4. From Yufuin Hot Spring (Onsen) to Beppu Hot Spring (Onsen), Oita Prefecture, and Fukuoka Airport ]

 

 

Route map

 

 

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