Kokonoe(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Kyūkō Town, Kyūkō Yume Hotel stands out as a top choice, offering private onsen baths with panoramic views of the Kyūkō Mountains. The hotel features natural mineral-rich sodium bicarbonate hot springs, renowned for skin rejuvenation and relaxation. Many rooms include outdoor tubs surrounded by lush gardens, perfect for evening soaks under the stars.

For a more secluded experience, Kyūkō Betsuin Chikurin-so blends traditional Japanese architecture with forest tranquility. Located near the Kyuukō River Trail, it offers guided nature walks and seasonal onsen events. Both properties provide authentic Ōita Prefecture cuisine, enhancing the cultural immersion. Ideal for travelers seeking serenity and wellness in a scenic mountain setting.

The best area for first-time visitors is Central Kyūkō Town, located just steps from Kyuukō Cherry Blossom Park and Kyuukō Shrine. This district offers easy access to major attractions, including walking paths to the Kyuukō River Trail and nearby Yufuin and Usa towns.

Hotels like Kyūkō Yume Hotel and Kyūkō Betsuin Chikurin-so are centrally located, providing complimentary shuttle services to local sights. The area also hosts a multilingual tourism information center, offering maps, guided tour bookings, and real-time event updates. With quiet streets, abundant greenery, and excellent public transport links, it’s ideal for families and solo travelers alike.

Kyūkō Town’s onsen experience is distinguished by its natural sodium bicarbonate-rich waters, sourced from deep underground thermal springs. These mineral-rich waters are known for their skin-softening properties and ability to relieve muscle tension.

At Kyūkō Yume Hotel, guests can enjoy open-air onsen baths overlooking the Kyūkō Mountains, especially breathtaking at night under a starlit sky. Some facilities offer "forest therapy" onsen sessions, combining warm baths with aromatherapy using locally harvested herbs.

Additionally, the Tōno Peak Onsen provides a rustic, traditional bathing experience with wooden cabins and communal pools, where locals gather weekly. It’s a rare chance to witness genuine Japanese onsen culture in a serene mountain village.

Must-try cultural experiences in Kyūkō Town include attending the Kyuukō Festival, held annually in autumn, featuring Shinto rituals, traditional dances, and illuminated lantern processions through historic streets.

Visitors can also participate in bamboo weaving workshops led by local artisans, creating practical items like baskets and decorative pieces. Another unique activity is the Mountain Herbal Foraging Tour, where experienced guides lead guests through the Kyūkō Mountains to identify edible plants and medicinal herbs, followed by a hands-on session making herbal teas.

These immersive activities offer deeper insight into the town’s harmonious relationship with nature and centuries-old traditions.

Yes, Kyūkō Town is highly suitable for family travel. Kyūkō Yume Hotel offers family-friendly rooms equipped with child-safe amenities, free kids’ meals, and a dedicated playroom. The hotel’s garden features a small animal enclosure with rabbits and goats, delighting younger guests.

The Kyuukō Cherry Blossom Park and Kyuukō River Trail are flat, safe, and well-maintained, perfect for strollers and children. Weekly events like "Family Nature Discovery Day" include scavenger hunts, leaf press-making, and storytelling sessions in Japanese and English.

With reliable shuttle services from Ōita Airport and Yufuin Station, and a tourist center offering multilingual support, families can easily explore without stress.

Must-try local dishes in Kyūkō Town include Kyuukō Eel Rice, made with fresh local eel simmered in a rich, sweet soy-based sauce—best enjoyed at Kyuukōya Restaurant.

Another highlight is Ōita Sake Lees Ramen, where the broth is crafted from fermented sake lees, giving it a subtle umami and slightly alcoholic aroma. Served with handmade noodles and tender chashu pork, it’s both savory and satisfying.

Don’t miss wild mountain vegetable tempura, featuring seasonal greens like ferns, bamboo shoots, and dandelion, lightly fried to preserve their crisp texture. For souvenirs, visit Kyuukō Market to buy sake lees jam, mountain pepper salt, and dried herb bundles—ideal gifts or snacks to take home.

Top natural attractions in Kyūkō Town include Kyuukō Cherry Blossom Park, famed for its stunning cherry blossom tunnel stretching over 500 meters, especially vibrant in spring.

Hiking enthusiasts love Oshiro Mountain, where summit views reveal the entire Kyūkō Basin and distant Aso Volcano. The park includes eco-trails with interpretive signs and guided wildlife tours.

In autumn, the Red Leaf Valley turns into a kaleidoscope of crimson and gold foliage, perfect for photography and peaceful walks. Early morning mist above the Kyuukō River adds a mystical ambiance, ideal for capturing serene landscapes. All trails are well-marked and accessible, blending adventure with tranquility.

The best times to visit Kyūkō Town are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings the spectacular Kyuukō Cherry Blossom Festival, when the park blooms in pink, creating dreamlike scenery ideal for photography.

Autumn offers stunning fall foliage in the Red Leaf Valley and along the Kyūkō River Trail, with vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues. The weather is mild and comfortable for hiking and outdoor exploration.

Summer brings lush greenery and cool mountain air, perfect for escaping city heat. Winter offers snow-dusted landscapes and cozy onsen experiences, ideal for those who love quiet, snowy mountain scenes. Choose based on your preferred atmosphere—each season offers unique beauty.

The most photogenic spots in Kyūkō Town include Kyuukō Cherry Blossom Park, where pink blossoms form a natural tunnel framed by mountains and clear skies—perfect for golden hour shots.

The Kyuukō Shrine’s torii gate reflects beautifully in the still pond below, especially during early morning mist or sunset. Its red hue against greenery creates a striking contrast.

Kyūkō Yume Hotel’s open-air onsen offers a magical backdrop: a stone bath set among trees, with mountain silhouettes and starry skies visible at night.

For nature lovers, the Kyuukō River Trail at dawn reveals soft light filtering through trees and mist rising from the water—ideal for minimalist and atmospheric photography. Bring a polarizing filter and tripod for best results.

Plan your one-day itinerary as follows:

Morning: Arrive and visit Kyuukō Cherry Blossom Park and Kyuukō Shrine, then enjoy a photo stop at the iconic red torii gate.

Lunch: Dine at Kyuukōya Restaurant for Kyuukō Eel Rice and Sake Lees Ramen.

Afternoon: Walk the Kyuukō River Trail, stopping at Red Leaf Valley (or Forest Therapy Zone) for scenic views and guided nature talks.

Evening: Return to Kyūkō Yume Hotel for a relaxing onsen soak. If available, attend a nightly stargazing lecture to learn about constellations and local folklore.

This balanced mix of nature, culture, and relaxation ensures a memorable and effortless day trip.