[Updated August 3,] Operating Status and Road Acce

Our deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected by the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake.

We continue to pray for the safety of all those affected and for a swift recovery.

 

■ Operating Status of Our Kurokawa Onsen Properties

 

Since the earthquake, our group has been inspecting the buildings, facilities, and utilities at each property.

At this time, we have confirmed no damage that would significantly affect guest accommodations or hotel services, and the following three properties are operating as usual.

 

• Gekkoju Kurokawa

• Yukyo no Hibiki Yuusai

• Yuusai Annex

 

As we have received a number of inquiries from guests with upcoming reservations regarding our operating status and road access, we would like to share the main access routes.

 

■ Guests Arriving by Car

 

◆ From Fukuoka / Saga

 

From the Fukuoka / Saga area, you can reach Kurokawa Onsen via the following route without passing through central Kumamoto City.

 

Dazaifu IC

  ↓  Kyushu Expressway

Tosu JCT

  ↓  Oita Expressway

Hita IC

  ↓  Toward National Route 212

Kurokawa Onsen — All Properties

 

This is the standard route recommended by the Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative.

The Kyushu Expressway closure currently in effect due to the earthquake is limited to the section south of Matsubase IC. The above route from the Fukuoka / Saga area via Hita IC does not pass through this closed section.

 

◆ From Oita / Beppu / Yufuin

 

From the Oita / Beppu area, the recommended route is via the Oita Expressway and Kokonoe IC toward Kurokawa Onsen.

From Yufuin, the main route is via the Yamanami Highway toward the Senomoto area and on to Kurokawa Onsen.

 

◆ From Kumamoto City / Aso Kumamoto Airport

 

From Kumamoto City / Aso Kumamoto Airport, the recommended route is toward Aso and then to Kurokawa Onsen via the Milk Road (Prefectural Route 339).

The section of the Kyushu Expressway between Mashiki Kumamoto Airport IC and Matsubase IC, which was closed after the earthquake, reopened in both directions at 9:04 a.m. on July 30. Please note that lane restrictions may still occur in some sections due to recovery work.

 

◆ From Miyazaki

 

From Miyazaki, the recommended route is via the Nobeoka Road and Kitakata-Nobeoka Road, then toward Aso and the Senomoto area to Kurokawa Onsen.

As the Kyushu Expressway closure between Matsubase IC and Ebino IC remains in effect, we recommend the route via Nobeoka and Takachiho rather than the route through southern Kumamoto Prefecture and the Ebino area.

 

■ Guests Using Public Transportation

 

◆ From Fukuoka / Hakata

 

The "Fukuoka–Kurokawa Onsen Line" bus connecting the Fukuoka / Hakata area with Kurokawa Onsen is scheduled to resume regular service from August 4.

Reservations are required; the journey between Fukuoka and Kurokawa Onsen takes about 3 hours, with 3 round trips (6 services) per day. All properties are within walking distance of the Kurokawa Onsen bus stop.

 

◆ From Kumamoto / Aso / Yufuin / Beppu

 

The Kyushu Odan (Trans-Kyushu) Bus connecting Kumamoto, Kurokawa Onsen, and Yufuin / Beppu has some services suspended through August 31.

Some services remain in operation; please check the latest schedule and service status with Kyushu Sanko Bus before your trip.

 

■ Before You Depart

 

The "Passable Roads Map for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake," published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, reflects road conditions as of 16:00 on August 3, 2026. Information on this map may be revised at a later date.

Road and public transportation conditions may change due to recovery work, aftershocks, weather, and other factors.

Please check the following official sources before departing.

 

• MLIT "Passable Roads Map for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake"　https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/saigai/r8kumamoto/index.html

• NEXCO West Japan "i-Highway"　https://ihighway.jp/pcsite/

• Japan Road Traffic Information Center (JARTIC)　https://www.jartic.or.jp/

• Kyushu Sanko Bus Service Information　https://www.sankobus.jp/unkojokyo/

• Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative "Latest Weather & Traffic Conditions"　https://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/weather_traffic/

 

The Kurokawa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative also advises checking official sources such as JARTIC, i-Highway, and Kyushu Sanko Bus for the latest road, expressway, and bus information.

 

If you have any questions about your stay or road access, please contact the property where you have a reservation directly.

 

Gekkoju Kurokawa / Yukyo no Hibiki Yusai / Yusai Annex