I took a little trip to Kurokawa Onsen today and was very glad I went. The colors are brightening up and I found a nice bath that only costs 100 yen! It’s called Anayu Communal Bath (穴湯共同浴場):
http://www.food-travel.jp/kumamoto/anayu.html
When we were there, it was empty so I could take a picture of the inside. It’s a kon’yoku (men and women together) facility, but privacy is not insured (while you’re bathing, others may open the door to have a look). I didn’t have time to bathe there but a friend told me that he had it all to himself and enjoyed it.
– Kirk