TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Ureshino Onsen (Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture) is one of Kyushu's most historic hot spring areas and has long been popular as a therapeutic hot spring resort. The spring water is slightly alkaline and known as a "beauty skin bath" or "cosmetic bath," leaving your skin feeling smooth after bathing. The hot spring town is dotted with inns, public baths, and footbath spots, allowing you to enjoy bathing in a quiet, tranquil atmosphere.
Ureshino is also famous for its tea (Ureshino tea) and its specialty "yudofu" (tofu heated in hot springs), and the combination of cuisine using local ingredients and hot springs is a major tourist attraction.
Highlights
- Touring the hot springs at inns and public baths: Enjoy the different qualities of the springs at the various open-air baths and indoor baths. Many facilities also accept day-trip bathers.
- Footbath spots: There are free or low-cost footbaths scattered around the hot spring town that you can easily use between strolls.
- Yudofu and Ureshino tea dining experience: You can enjoy dishes and sweets made with local yudofu and Ureshino tea in the hot spring town and restaurants.
- Strolling around the hot spring town: It's fun to leisurely browse the old inn architecture, souvenir shops, and tea retail stores.
- Nature and scenery: The surrounding area is filled with rural landscapes and tea fields, and you can enjoy seasonal scenery (fresh greenery and autumn leaves).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Public transportation: Direct highway buses are available from Fukuoka (Hakata), and the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From the nearest JR station, you can also access the area by local bus or taxi (travel times from the station vary depending on the bus, so we recommend checking the timetable in advance).
- By car: It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from Fukuoka city via the expressway, and about 1 hour from central Saga city (depending on traffic conditions and route). Parking is available at inns and public facilities.
- Note: The name of the nearest station, express bus operation status, and local bus schedules change depending on the season and day of the week, so please check the official website or tourist information of each transportation company in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: Hot spring bathing and walking around the town takes about 2 to 4 hours (including foot baths and meals).
- Accommodation: Two days and one night is recommended (enjoy a leisurely dinner and morning bath). If you plan to use the hot spring town as your base and also plan to do some sightseeing in the surrounding area, one night or more is recommended.
Nearby spots
- Arita (Arita ware) and ceramics village: Located within driving distance, you can enjoy touring the pottery.
- Takeo, Takeo Onsen, Mifuneyama Rakuen: Explore gardens and historic hot springs.
- Tourist spots in Saga Prefecture such as Yutoku (Yutoku Inari Shrine): Easy access to historical shrines, temples and scenic spots.
- Nearby tea fields and farms: You can visit the Ureshino tea producing areas and enjoy tea picking and tasting (seasonal).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Busy periods: Lodgings and day-trip facilities are crowded on weekends, consecutive holidays (Golden Week, summer vacation, New Year's, Obon), and during peak tourist seasons. Reservations are particularly difficult to get at popular inns, so make your reservations early.
- Onsen etiquette: Always rinse yourself off before bathing and maintain cleanliness in the washing area. Using towels or eating or drinking in the bathtub is considered bad manners. Be careful not to let your hair get in the water.
- Tattoo Policy: Some inns and public baths may refuse entry to guests with tattoos. Please check with the facility in advance. You may also be asked to wear a sticker to cover up your tattoo.
- Water temperature and health management: Depending on the spring quality and temperature, you may be susceptible to hot water sensitivities. Avoid bathing for long periods of time and drink plenty of fluids (elderly people and those with chronic illnesses should consult a doctor).
- Watch your step: After bathing, your skin will be slippery, so be careful not to fall on the floor or stairs. The public baths and areas around the foot baths can get particularly crowded at certain times, so please be considerate of others when using them.
- Seasonal precautions: In winter, roads may freeze and snow may accumulate. If you are visiting by car, please be careful of your tires and driving. In summer, take precautions against the humidity and insects.
- Transportation: Buses may be limited in frequency, so it's a good idea to check the return time beforehand.
For reference, you can check the official information of the Ureshino City Tourism Association and accommodation facilities, as well as public transportation timetables before your visit to get the latest information on business hours and access information.
