Hello to all you Japan enthusiasts! How about a trip to Kumamoto Prefecture?
In Aso, you can experience Japan’s unique “noyaki” (grass burning) culture and magnificent natural scenery.
Meanwhile, Kurokawa Onsen offers traditional illuminations and a rich hot spring culture.
Thinking about enjoying Aso and Kurokawa Onsen with a stroller or wheelchair? This article is here to support you!
*Please note: The author has a physical disability. Based on my own travels, I’ll be introducing barrier-free sightseeing routes!
- Day 1: Barrier-Free Sightseeing Around Mount Aso
- Day 2: Barrier-Free Sightseeing Around Kurokawa Onsen
Day 1: Barrier-Free Sightseeing Around Mount Aso
The area around Mount Aso boasts many scenic spots accessible by rental car, and barrier-free access is progressing.
Conversely, public transportation is inconvenient. We recommend using a rental car(In Japanese “RENTA CAR”).
I did see some people arriving by taxi if they didn’t have a driver’s license.
<recommend> Japanese most famous app “Go”.
This is an app that lets you easily call a taxi in Japan.
However, please be aware if you choose this option.
Depending on the season, the road to the summit can get heavily congested after around noon! (When I went, I aimed to arrive at the summit by 10:00 AM.)
Taxi fares can also become expensive, so consider going early or joining a bus tour.
Rental Car Information (This service might be only for Japanese People…)
Some rental car companies offer vehicles equipped with hand controls. Examples include (prices vary depending on the vehicle and conditions):
Not all branches have welfare vehicles, so please check in advance. In some cases, they may be able to transport a vehicle to your desired location. When booking, be sure to confirm the availability of driving aids, conditions, and required documents (driver’s license, disability certificate, etc.). Toyota Rent a Car and others offer discounts upon presentation of a disability certificate (please check the conditions, such as the level of disability).
Morning: Aso Sanjo Hiroba (Aso Summit Plaza) and Kusasenri-gahama
- Aso Sanjo Hiroba (Aso Summit Plaza): The area from the parking lot to the plaza is paved, making it easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Barrier-free restrooms and rest areas are also available. The view of the surrounding mountains right in front of you is absolutely breathtaking!!
There are also restaurants and souvenir shops located here.
In particular, the restaurant where you can enjoy “Kumamoto ramen(noodle)” is the perfect spot to savor the magnificent view of the five peaks of Mount Aso right before your eyes! It is also accessible for wheelchairs and more! (check photo) - Kusasenri-gahama: A vast grassland with Mount Aso’s five peaks as a backdrop.
A portion of the promenade from the parking lot is paved.
However, please be aware that the grassland area across the road has many stairs, stones, and slopes, making it difficult to enter with wheelchairs or strollers.
Lunch: Aso Milk Ranch (You can also enjoy a meal at Daikanbo, mentioned below)
This ranch is popular for its dishes and sweets made with fresh milk.
The paths within the facility are generally flat, and the restaurant is easily accessible by wheelchairs and strollers.
There’s also a petting zoo area, making it enjoyable for families.
Afternoon: Mount Aso Crater
This is a spectacular spot where you can witness the magnificent nature and the crater of Mount Aso up close.
It gets very windy, so I don’t recommend wearing a hat.
lots were flying around near the riverbed! lol
The parking lot is large and disabled person parking is available.
The road to the mouth of the river is nicely paved, but it is a steep slope, and I think it would be difficult to sightsee by rowing a wheelchair by yourself.
There were many people sightseeing with strollers.
The restrooms here are surprisingly clean for a tourist destination, including accessible multi-purpose toilets!
Accommodation: Asozan Onsen Hotel
Relax and unwind from your day at a hotel equipped with barrier-free facilities. It’s best to confirm the availability of barrier-free rooms, in-house facilities, and the quality and accessibility of the hot springs in advance for peace of mind.
Estimated Times
- Airport/Kumamoto City → Aso Sanjo Hiroba: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
- Aso Sanjo Hiroba & Kusasenri-gahama Sightseeing: Approx. 2 hours
- Aso Sanjo Hiroba → Milk Ranch: Approx. 20 minutes
- Stay at Milk Ranch: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
- Milk Ranch → Daikanbo: Approx. 30 minutes
- Daikanbo Sightseeing: Approx. 1 hour
- Daikanbo → Hotel: Approx. 30 minutes – 1 hour
Important Notes
Some areas may have unpaved surfaces, stairs, or slopes.
Please check the official websites of each facility in advance and consider potential changes in conditions due to weather.
Day 2: Barrier-Free Sightseeing Around Kurokawa Onsen
On the second day, let’s enjoy strolling through the charming “Kurokawa Onsen” town and its unique hot springs.
Morning: Strolling Through Kurokawa Onsen Town
The scenic beauty of this quaint hot spring town is captivating. Stone-paved paths and charming traditional inns line the streets, making it relaxing just to wander around.
Important Notes:
- Some areas have narrow paths, many slopes, and facilities accessible only by stairs.
- There are stone-paved and old concrete-paved roads, which can make moving around with wheelchairs or strollers difficult in some places.
- Take your time exploring and ask for assistance if needed.
- You can get a barrier-free map at the tourist information center at the entrance of the onsen town.
*Some places are so narrow you can barely pass people. There are also many slopes, so be sure to check the map beforehand.
Lunch: Eateries in Kurokawa Onsen
Many delicious restaurants use local ingredients!
While many shops are designed to be easily accessible by wheelchairs and strollers, some older establishments or those built on slopes may require prior confirmation.
*There are barrier-free parking spaces, but the number is limited and they can be small. If you’re not staying at a nearby inn, head there early to secure a parking spot. (I spent an hour looking for parking…)
Afternoon: Enjoying the Hot Springs of Kurokawa Onsen (Yu-Meguri)
Using the “Nyuto Tegata” (hot spring pass) to visit various onsen is a highlight.
Many inns offer day-trip bathing.
Important Notes:
- Barrier-free accessibility varies from inn to inn.
- Older inns may not have elevators or may have many steps.
- Moving to outdoor baths may involve stairs or narrow paths.
- Check the size of the changing rooms and washing areas, as well as the availability of handrails.
- Some inns offer private baths with barrier-free access. You can enjoy bathing with family or caregivers with peace of mind, but reservations and additional fees may apply.
Estimated Times
- Hotel → Kurokawa Onsen: Approx. 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Strolling Through Onsen Town: Approx. 2 hours
- Lunch: Approx. 1 hour
- Hot Spring Hopping (Yu-Meguri): Approx. 2-3 hours
- Kurokawa Onsen → Airport/Kumamoto City: Approx. 2 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes
Important Notes:
While Kurokawa Onsen generally considers barrier-free access, it is not completely barrier-free due to the terrain. To allow ample time, we recommend contacting each facility in advance.
Summary
The magnificent nature of Aso and the warm atmosphere of Kurokawa Onsen will surely create unforgettable memories.
With thorough information gathering and planning, families with strollers, wheelchair users, people with disabilities, and solo travelers can all enjoy their trip with peace of mind.
I hope this guide helps you plan your journey!
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