A trip to a hot spring is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and refresh your body and soul. In fact, there are many attractive hot spring resorts that can be reached within two hours from Fukuoka Prefecture. Many of these hot springs are located in mountainous areas surrounded by magnificent nature, where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in a hot spring while being bathed in negative ions.
In addition, all of these hot spring resorts are within easy access, making them easy to visit.
In this article, we will introduce five recommended hot spring resorts that can be reached in two hours from Fukuoka.
We will introduce in detail the spring quality and efficacy of each hot spring resort, as well as recommended inns and sightseeing spots.
- 1. Harazuru Onsen (Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
- 2. Wakita Onsen (Miyawaka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
- 3.Futsukaichi Onsen (Fukuoka Prefecture)
- 4.Chikugo River Hot Spring (Fukuoka Prefecture)
- 5.Beppu Onsen (Oita)
- 6.Yamaga Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture)
- 7. Takeo Onsen Hot Spring (Saga Prefecture )
- 8. Furuyu Onsen (Saga Prefecture )
- 9.Ichinomata Onsen (Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
1. Harazuru Onsen (Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Photo courtesy of Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Federation
Harazuru Hot Spring” is located in the mountains along the Chikugo River. Boasting an abundance of hot spring water, the simple hot spring is clear and colorless, gentle on the skin, and is expected to relieve fatigue and beautify the skin. The hot spring town is lined with tasteful inns and guest houses, and visitors can enjoy the hot spring in a relaxed atmosphere.
2. Wakita Onsen (Miyawaka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Wakita Onsen is located in a mountainous area rich in nature, about an hour’s drive from Oka City. The simple hot spring water, which boasts an abundance of hot spring water, is gentle on the skin and is expected to relieve fatigue and beautify the skin. The hot spring town is lined with tasteful inns and guest houses, where you can enjoy the hot spring in a relaxing atmosphere.
Kusuikaku, located in Miyawaka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a hot spring inn surrounded by rich nature. The inn boasts a total of 10 open-air baths for both men and women, taking advantage of the abundant hot spring water from the famous Wakita Onsen. The baths include “Shikino-yu” surrounded by seasonal flowers, “Sanjurokasen-no-yu” featuring pictures of 36 poets, and “Kaguyahime-no-yu” unique to the area where bamboo is grown, to help you relax and unwind.
3.Futsukaichi Onsen (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Photo courtesy of Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Federation
This is a historic hot spring resort, which was the purveyor to the Fukuoka Clan in the Edo period and was visited by Soseki Natsume and Kyoshi Takahama in the modern era. A variety of accommodations are available, from reasonably priced public bathhouses such as “Hakata-yu” and “Gozen-yu” to the long-established ryokan “Daimaru Besso” with its approximately 3,500 tsubo Japanese garden.
The Daimaru Villa, which has been used by the Imperial Family and many other celebrities, is attractive for its stately appearance that evokes a sense of history and tradition.
It is also within a 30-minute train ride from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a famous sightseeing spot, so it is recommended to stop by in conjunction with sightseeing in Dazaifu.
4.Chikugo River Hot Spring (Fukuoka Prefecture)
This is a luxurious hot spring where you can relax to your heart’s content while listening to the flow of the Chikugo River.
Designated as a national recreational hot spring resort, the hot spring by the Chikugo River has been loved by many people since long ago for its high quality hot spring water containing radium.
Since being designated as a national recreational hot spring resort in 1968, it has been known by many people for its beneficial effects. The area is especially popular among women because of its skin beautifying effects. 6 lodging facilities line the streets, and day-trip bathing is also available, so feel free to drop by. (*Please inquire at each facility for hours of operation, etc.)
5.Beppu Onsen (Oita)
Beppu is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. The abundance of hot spring water and the variety of spring qualities have attracted many visitors.
The “Beppu Hatto” (eight hot springs), consisting of Beppu Onsen, Hamawaki, Kankaiji, Hotta, Myoban, Kannawa, Shibaseki, and Kamegawa, are a treasure trove of hot springs, each with its own unique hot springs.
6.Yamaga Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture)
Yamaga Onsen is said to have its origins in the discovery of a deer soaking in the hot spring water about 800 years ago.
The alkaline simple hot spring water is said to be effective for neuralgia and muscular pain, and has been popular among people since long ago.
Every year on August 15 and 16, the “Yamaga Lantern Festival” is held, where the town is enveloped in fantastic lights. Countless lanterns adorn the streets, enchanting visitors.
There are also many places where visitors can experience history and culture, such as the Yachiyo-za Theater, a nationally designated important cultural property, and a group of decorative ancient tombs, one of the largest in western Japan.
7. Takeo Onsen Hot Spring (Saga Prefecture )
Takeo Onsen, located in central Saga Prefecture, is known as one of the best hot spring resorts in Kyushu with a history of over 1,300 years. The simple hot spring water, which is clear and colorless, is gentle on the skin and is expected to relieve fatigue and beautify the skin. The hot spring resort area is lined with tasteful inns and hotels, where visitors can enjoy the hot spring in a relaxed atmosphere.
The historical buildings, such as the tower gate and the palace, which have been designated as national important cultural properties, are also highlights of the area.
8. Furuyu Onsen (Saga Prefecture )
Furuyu Onsen is located in the Kyushu Mountains in northern Saga Prefecture. It is said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan. The simple hot spring water, which is clear and colorless, is gentle on the skin and is expected to relieve fatigue and beautify the skin. The hot spring town is lined with tasteful inns and guest houses, where visitors can relax and enjoy the hot spring.
The surrounding area also offers beautiful nature, and activities such as hiking and trekking can be enjoyed.
9.Ichinomata Onsen (Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
Source: Ichinomata Onsen Grand Hotel
Ichinomata Onsen is located deep in the mountains of the Chugoku Mountains in northern Yamaguchi Prefecture. The simple hot spring water, which boasts an abundance of hot water, is clear and colorless, gentle on the skin, and is expected to relieve fatigue and beautify the skin. The hot spring town is lined with tasteful inns and guest houses, where visitors can enjoy the hot spring in a relaxed atmosphere.
The surrounding area also offers beautiful nature, and activities such as hiking and trekking can be enjoyed.
Kyushu is a recommended hot spring resort for those who want to enjoy relaxing hot spring baths in a rich natural environment, so please visit.
