Fukuoka, Japan, is known for its cultural heritage, the famous Hakata Amaou strawberry and some of the best onsen in the country. Hot springs (onsen in Japanese) are revered the world over for the healing properties their rich mineral water provides. Whether you’re looking to treat aching bones, nerve pain or would just like to wash away the day’s fatigue, there’s many onsen in Fukuoka to choose from.
Indulge in a luxurious private bath or join the locals for an outdoor soak surrounded by nature; tropical, countryside or urban, take your pick. Accompany your visit with an overnight stay at a traditional Japanese inn (a ryokan), or camp out under the stars.
A unique and popular onsen
Ideal para: Aventura, Casais, Viagens alternativas
Boasting 14 different onsen ryokan and hosting over 800,000 visitors a year, Harazuru should be your first stop when you’re looking for authentic hot springs. Whether you want traditionally styled rooms with country views or grand, modern hotels with the latest luxuries, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Situated on the northern banks of the Chikugo river, Harazuru onsen feature both alkaline and sulphur baths in one spot, a rarity that has given these waters the nickname, ‘the Hot Springs of Double Beauty.’ Treat yourself to an indulgent soak in the open-air jungle baths surrounded by tropical nature or enjoy your own company meditating in private pools.
Harazuru Onsen
Riverfront relaxation awaits
Ideal para: Casais, Alimentação, Foto
A mid-stream of the Chikugo river is home to the Chikugogawa onsen, famed for their high-quality healing waters that treat illnesses and leave skin feeling like the finest Japanese silk. Stay in a rustic country farmhouse accompanied by singing birds and a mountain breeze or opt for a traditional guesthouse run by locals that features unique rice terrace locations.
Enjoy glorious riverfront views as the hot water carries you into relaxation before dining on kaiseki cuisine prepared just for you. Consider drinking a steaming glass of hot spring water before your meal. Studies suggest it’s great for digestive health. The area is known for its exceptional fruit, so be sure to pick some fresh produce while you’re here.
Chikugogawa Onsen
1300-year-old onsen worthy of poetry
Ideal para: História, Casais
For onsen with a splash of history, take yourself to Futsukaichi, where these high-quality hot springs have been flowing for over 1300 years. It’s a popular choice for priests and government dignitaries, and these particular springs were mentioned in the Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest poetry anthology.
Whether you opt for a public or private soak, these onsen are designed to imitate natural rivers and waterfalls to give ultimate peace and tranquillity. You’ll feel so immersed in nature that it’ll be all too easy to forget you’re in the middle of the city. Combine your onsen visit with a bit of sightseeing and take a trip to the Kyushu National Museum or the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
Futsukaichi Onsen
Secluded serenity in every season
Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas, Foto
Onsen have become increasingly popular with tourists over the years so if you prefer to bathe somewhere quieter and revered by the locals, visit Wakita onsen in Miyawaka. Visiting onsen here feels like a more secluded experience so give yourself plenty of time to soak and allow the warm waters to do their work as you enjoy the scenery.
The area is stunning in every season, and you’ll just as likely want to photograph the soft pink cherry blossoms in spring as the vibrant orange maple trees in autumn. Traditional Japanese décor is favoured here, so expect to find open-air rock baths surrounded by bamboo and plenty of awe-inspiring folk-art adorning the walls of the indoor pools.
Wakita Onsen
A perfect blend of healing waters and tranquil scenery
Ideal para: Luxo, Casais, Foto
For an authentic and indulgent onsen experience, Chikushino Onsen Amandi will deliver. Hot, mild alkaline water, sourced from 1200 metres underground, fuel the 2 types of luxurious baths that this spa resort is known for. Whichever bath you choose, you’ll be amazed by the scenic beauty that surrounds you as you soak.
The indoor Balinese styled baths are enveloped by tropical plants and themed architecture, practically transporting you to a faraway world. If you prefer the open air, then choose the serene Japanese baths where you can wash away your fatigue to the sounds of a trickling stream. Accompany your bath with a spell in the hot stone spa to relieve pain and refresh body and mind.
Localização: 832-1 Haruda, Chikushino, Fukuoka 818-0024, Japan
Abre: Daily from 10 am to midnight
Chikushino Onsen Amandi
A favourite of Japan’s notable figures
Ideal para: Casais, Luxo, História
Nestled within the lush nature that blooms along the crystal-clear Yabe River, you’ll find Funagoya onsen, one of the most famous springs in Japan. Emperors and prolific writers such as Soseki Natsume have flocked to this resort since the late 1860s, and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the country’s highest iron-containing carbonated springs and is believed to be highly effective in easing heart disease and neuralgia.
There are many ryokan to choose from if you’d like to stay overnight after enjoying the many urban spa themed open-air baths. Drink deep from the mineral water fountains in the town centre and then treat yourself to a cup of exquisite gyokuro green tea, which the area is known for.
Funagoya Onsen
Soaking under the stars
Ideal para: Aventura, Foto, Viagens alternativas
Wildlife lovers will adore a trip to the countryside onsen in Hoshino Village, where they can enjoy a healing soak under a blanket of stars. Many of the public baths are open-air, giving you the chance to get up close and personal with wild birds, flying squirrels and even moon bears. The indoor baths feature huge windows that are perfect for viewing nature.
While staying in a ryokan might be more traditional option, why not brave the outdoors and camp in the mountain air? Pitch up a tent or stay in a wooden lodge. Once you’ve soaked in the onsen and attained the soft skin they’re known for, perhaps visit nearby restaurants or take part in arts and crafts workshops.
Hoshino Onsen
Woodland onsen with coastal winds
Ideal para: Casais, Luxo
Linked with the prestigious Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa, the Genkai Satsuki onsen are an experience for the senses. The first to be discovered in the Genkai area and named for their close proximity to the Satsuki Pine Forest, these springs contain mild alkaline water that is perfect for refreshing both mind and body.
The outdoor rock lined pools with their lush vegetation provide a beautiful setting to relax in. Combine this with ocean breezes and the sound of trickling waterfalls for a true state of nirvana. There are coastal restaurants and amenities nearby, so it won’t be too difficult to sample the local seafood. Provided you can force yourself to leave the blissful bath.
Localização: 1303 Tano, Munakata, Fukuoka 811-3514, Japan
Abre: Daily from 1 pm to 10 pm
Telefone: +81 (0)94-062-4111
Genkai Satsuki Onsen
Hot springs fit for a deity
Ideal para: Casais, Foto, Aventura
One of Fukuoka’s largest daytrip onsen facilities, Yamatsubasa prides itself on offering the ideal place to rest and refresh your weary bones. The water is sourced from 2 springs and is said to embody the 3 goddesses of Munakata. The alkaline water is rich in sodium ions for maximum moisturising properties, while the rare sulphate spring is beneficial for healing and warming the body.
Every bath here, whether indoor or outdoor or individual or communal, has been designed with sophistication and tranquillity in mind. Bask in the hot waters and gaze upon romantic cherry blossoms and peaceful gardens before treating yourself to a Thai massage or an akasuri skin treatment. You’ll leave feeling like a brand new you.
Localização: 474 Omaru, Munakata, Fukuoka 811-3422, Japan
Abre: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to midnight
Telefone: +81 094-037-4126
Yamatsubasa: Munakata Omaru Natural Onsen Baths
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