Ureshino Hot Spring, Saga Prefecture Complete Guide | The Charm and How to Enjoy Japan’s Top Three Beautiful Skin Hot Springs
Ureshino Hot Spring, located in Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture, is one of Kyushu’s finest hot springs, boasting approximately 1,300 years of history. Known throughout the nation as “One of Japan’s Three Great Beautiful Skin Hot Springs,” the smooth and silky texture of the hot spring water continues to captivate many tourists. During the Edo period, it flourished as a post town along the Nagasaki Kaido, and today it remains a hot spring destination that retains strong traditions and atmosphere, attracting attention from both domestic and international visitors.
History and Origins of Ureshino Hot Spring
The Tradition of Therapeutic Hot Spring Bathing Continuing from Ancient Times
The history of Ureshino Hot Spring is extremely ancient, appearing in the “Hizen Fudoki” compiled in the 6th year of Wado (713) with the description “In the eastern area, there is a spring of hot water that heals people’s illnesses well.” From this record, it is clear that it was already recognized as a hot spring destination during the Nara period.
According to legend, the Empress Jingu, on her return from the Korean Peninsula, saw an injured white crane healing its wounds in the hot spring at this location and learned of the spring’s efficacy. This white crane legend is still passed down as a symbol of Ureshino Hot Spring.
Prosperity as a Post Town During the Edo Period
With the advent of the Edo period, Ureshino developed significantly as a post town along the Nagasaki Kaido. The Nagasaki Kaido was an important thoroughfare connecting Edo and Nagasaki, and many travelers and merchants passed through. The daimyo processions of the sankin-kotai also passed through, and as the post town of Ureshino Hot Spring became busy, many inns lined the streets.
The foundation established as a hot spring destination during this era became the cornerstone of present-day Ureshino Hot Spring. Several long-established inns that continue from the Edo period still exist, conveying the spirit of traditional hospitality to the present day.
Japan’s Three Great Beautiful Skin Hot Springs | Ureshino Hot Spring’s Spring Quality and Benefits
The Secret Behind the Silky Hot Spring Feel
The reason Ureshino Hot Spring is known as “One of Japan’s Three Great Beautiful Skin Hot Springs” (alongside Hinokami Hot Spring in Shimane Prefecture and Kirenagawa Hot Spring in Tochigi Prefecture) lies in its unique spring quality.
Spring Quality: Sodium-Bicarbonate and Chloride Spring
The source water temperature is extremely high at 85 to 90 degrees Celsius, and it boasts abundant hot spring volume. The characteristic of this spring quality is its strong alkalinity and “emulsifying action” that removes old dead skin cells from the skin. The sodium bicarbonate contained in the hot spring water works like natural soap, smoothing the skin.
Upon bathing, there is a silky, smooth sensation as if soaking in toner, and after bathing, the skin becomes moist and smooth, making it particularly popular among women.
Abundant Benefits
The benefits of Ureshino Hot Spring extend beyond beautifying effects. It is said to be effective for the following various conditions:
Applicable Conditions:
- Rheumatic diseases
- Neuralgia
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Skin diseases
- Chronic digestive disorders (when drinking the spring water)
- Cuts
- Burns
- Chronic women’s diseases
Particularly, drinking the spring water is said to be effective for stomach and intestinal diseases, and it has long been loved by many people as a therapeutic hot spring destination. However, when drinking from the spring, it is important to follow the instructions of each facility and observe appropriate amounts.
Recommended Inns and Hotels at Ureshino Hot Spring
A Diverse Range of Accommodations from Traditional to Modern Styles
Ureshino Hot Spring offers a variety of lodging facilities, from traditional long-established inns to modern hotels.
Wataya Bessou
An old-established inn with a vast 20,000-tsubo property, where one can experience the traditions of hospitality continuing from the Edo period. A Japanese garden spread along the Ureshino River flowing through the grounds displays seasonal beauty and provides peaceful moments. The inn is proud of its source water flowing directly to guest rooms and kaiseki cuisine prepared with ingredients from Saga Prefecture.
Ureshino Hachijuhasshi
A new-style hot spring inn where all 36 rooms feature 100% source-fed hot spring water. The large bath features a tea-aroma sauna and tea-scented dry sauna, allowing guests to enjoy both hot springs and sauna. A hot spring inn themed on “tea and hot springs,” characteristic of the tea region of Ureshino, where mind and body are restored.
Tea-Hearted Inn Waraku-en
An inn famous for its “tea bath” soaked abundantly in Ureshino tea. This rare tea bath in Japan allows guests to enjoy the beautiful skin effects of the hot spring plus the benefits of catechins and vitamin C contained in tea. Popular as an inn offering unique experiences characteristic of the tea region of Ureshino.
Shiiba Sanso
A secluded inn nestled at the foot of Shiiba Mountain, slightly removed from Ureshino’s hot spring district. In a quiet environment beside a mountain stream, surrounded by pristine nature, one can enjoy a non-everyday space. Its charm lies in the naturally rich environment that makes one exclaim “Is this really Ureshino?”
Room Types and Lodging Plans
Ureshino Hot Spring inns offer diverse room types centered on Japanese-style rooms, including rooms with private open-air baths and Japanese-Western hybrid rooms. A variety of lodging facilities accommodate diverse needs, from solo travelers to group trips and families.
Enjoying Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities
Experience Beautiful Skin Hot Springs at Ease
Even those without time to stay overnight can enjoy Ureshino’s beautiful skin hot springs at day-trip facilities.
Hyakunen-no-Yu (formerly Motoyu Hot Spring)
The only public bathhouse in Ureshino with its own source spring. It uses hot spring water abundantly flowing from a source spring boasting a hundred years of tradition. The silky spring quality like toner can be experienced at reasonable rates. The large bath and open-air bath are loved by both locals and tourists.
Yuyado Hiroba
A foot bath spot located in the center of the hot spring district. Free to use and convenient to stop by during sightseeing. Perfect for relieving tired feet from walking through the hot spring district, it has become a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Ureshino Hot Spring Specialty | Hot Spring Tofu
Exquisite Cuisine with a Melting Texture
When visiting Ureshino Hot Spring, one must try “hot spring tofu.” This is a regional dish where tofu is simmered using hot spring water from Ureshino Hot Spring, a rare dish found throughout the nation.
The sodium bicarbonate contained in the hot spring water breaks down the tofu’s protein, creating a unique melting texture on the surface. When it enters the mouth, a smooth, creamy sensation spreads, bringing an involuntary smile due to its deliciousness.
Soan Yokocho
A long-established restaurant known as a famous shop for hot spring tofu. The tofu prepared using traditional methods passed down since its founding has impressed many food connoisseurs. In the hot spring tofu set meal, one can also enjoy dishes prepared with ingredients from Saga Prefecture alongside the tofu.
The Charm of Ureshino Tea
One of Japan’s Premier Tea Regions
Ureshino is famous nationwide not only for hot springs but also as a tea-producing area. Ureshino tea is known as tamaryoku (gyokuro-style) tea, characterized by its distinctive rounded shape and mellow taste.
Nakajima Mika-en
A specialty shop for Ureshino tea where various types can be purchased. Tastings are available, allowing visitors to find their preferred tea. The shop is well-stocked with sweets and souvenirs using tea, making it ideal for finding mementos of Ureshino sightseeing.
224shop+saryo
A cafe where tea can be enjoyed in contemporary style. Drinks and sweets using Ureshino tea are popular, conveying the charm of Ureshino tea to younger generations as well. In a stylish space, one can spend leisurely moments with tea.
Sightseeing Spots Around the Hot Spring District
Toyotama Hime Shrine
A shrine revered as the guardian deity of Ureshino Hot Spring. The enshrined deity Toyotama Hime is known as a goddess of beautiful skin, with visitors constantly coming to pray for beautiful skin. On the shrine grounds, “Namazu-sama” is enshrined, with a legend that one’s skin becomes as smooth as a catfish’s.
The area surrounding the shrine displays the picturesque scenery characteristic of a hot spring district, where visitors can enjoy strolling.
Ureshino Exchange Center
A facility where tourist information about Ureshino can be obtained. Maps of the hot spring district and sightseeing pamphlets are available, making it convenient as a starting point for sightseeing. There is also a corner selling local specialty products, useful for selecting souvenirs.
Gourmet Spots in Ureshino Hot Spring
Savoring Saga’s Flavors in the Hot Spring District
Tsukkisai-Zen & Sushi-Doro Ariake
A restaurant where creative dishes and sushi made with fresh Saga Prefecture ingredients can be enjoyed. Cuisine that makes use of local seafood and mountain vegetables offers new discoveries with menus that change seasonally with each visit.
Izakaya Yutaka Ureshino
An izakaya loved by locals where Saga regional cuisine and local sake can be enjoyed. In a homey atmosphere, one can experience Saga’s food culture at reasonable prices. Menus unique to Ureshino, including hot spring tofu, are well-featured.
Access to Ureshino Hot Spring
Access Methods from Various Locations
Access by Train
The Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen “Kamome,” which opened in September 2022, established Ureshino Hot Spring Station. This allows access from Hakata Station in approximately 50 minutes and from Nagasaki Station in approximately 30 minutes, greatly improving convenience.
From Ureshino Hot Spring Station to the hot spring district is approximately 5 minutes by bus or taxi.
Access by Car
- From Fukuoka direction: Approximately 5 minutes from “Ureshino IC” on the Nagasaki Expressway
- From Nagasaki direction: Approximately 5 minutes from “Ureshino IC” on the Nagasaki Expressway
Parking is available at each inn as well as public parking lots around the hot spring district.
Access by Express Bus
Express buses to Ureshino Hot Spring operate from Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Saga City. From Fukuoka, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Events and Festivals at Ureshino Hot Spring
Ureshino Hot Spring Autumn Festival
Ureshino Hot Spring’s largest event, held every autumn. The entire hot spring district is enveloped in festival atmosphere with various events. A product exhibition featuring local specialty items, stage events, and a fireworks display in the evening draw many tourists.
As a hot spring appreciation festival, special plans and events are sometimes held at various inns and facilities, allowing visitors to experience Ureshino Hot Spring’s charm more deeply when visiting during this period.
Spring Tea Picking Experience
From late April to early May, Ureshino enters the tea picking season. Some tea plantations offer tea picking experiences, allowing visitors to experience Japanese traditional culture surrounded by the fragrance of new tea. Some facilities allow visitors to observe the tea processing steps, providing experiences unique to a tea-producing region.
Sightseeing Areas Around Ureshino Hot Spring
Takeo Hot Spring
Located approximately 20 minutes by car from Ureshino Hot Spring, another hot spring destination representative of Saga Prefecture. The Takeo Hot Spring Gate Tower is designated as a national important cultural property, allowing visitors to view historic structures. Many tourists visit both Ureshino and Takeo hot springs, enjoying hot spring tours of Saga.
Arita and Imari
Nearby are ceramic porcelain producing regions famous for Arita ware and Imari ware. Visitors can enjoy kiln tours, gallery viewings, and pottery experiences, experiencing Japanese traditional crafts. Located approximately 30 minutes by car from Ureshino Hot Spring, it is also possible to visit on a day trip.
How to Enjoy Ureshino Hot Spring | Model Courses
Day-Trip Plan
10:00 Arrival at Ureshino Hot Spring Station, transfer to hot spring district
10:30 Pray for beautiful skin at Toyotama Hime Shrine
11:00 Explore hot spring district, tea break at 224shop+saryo
12:00 Lunch of hot spring tofu at Soan Yokocho
13:30 Day-trip bathing at Hyakunen-no-Yu
15:00 Purchase souvenirs at Nakajima Mika-en
15:30 Foot bath at Yuyado Hiroba
16:00 Depart from Ureshino Hot Spring Station
One-Night, Two-Day Plan
Day 1
- Afternoon: Arrive at Ureshino Hot Spring, check in to inn
- Evening: Relax in the hot spring
- Night: Enjoy kaiseki cuisine at the inn
Day 2
- Morning: Early morning bath, breakfast at inn
- After checkout, explore hot spring district
- Visit Toyotama Hime Shrine
- Lunch of hot spring tofu
- Tour tea shops, purchase souvenirs
- Afternoon: Depart
Ureshino Hot Spring’s Seasonal Charm
Spring (March to May)
The new tea season arrives, and tea fields become painted in vibrant green. During cherry blossom season, blossoms can be enjoyed around the hot spring district, allowing visitors to experience spring while enjoying hot springs. Tea picking experiences are also available during this season, offering experiences unique to Ureshino.
Summer (June to August)
Amid lush greenery, visitors can soothe the summer heat in cool hot springs. Summer festivals and other events are held, allowing enjoyment of an active hot spring district. Evening strolls through the hot spring district are pleasant, with tourists in yukata enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Autumn (September to November)
The season of autumn leaves arrives, with mountains around the hot spring district turning colors. The Ureshino Hot Spring Autumn Festival is held, making this the busiest season of the year. Cuisine featuring autumn ingredients is served at inns, allowing visitors to enjoy autumn flavors.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the season to truly savor the essence of hot springs. The spring quality of Ureshino Hot Spring, which does not cool quickly after bathing, is perfect for winter bathing. Soaking in an open-air bath in the crisp winter air is exceptional, with the warmth of the hot spring penetrating deeply.
Spending Healing Time at Ureshino Hot Spring
Ureshino Hot Spring is a traditional hot spring destination with 1,300 years of history that continues to evolve by incorporating new attractions. The spring quality known as one of Japan’s three great beautiful skin hot springs, the atmosphere of an Edo-period post town, specialty gourmet items like hot spring tofu and Ureshino tea, and warm hospitality—all of these harmonize to provide special moments for visitors.
As a representative tourist destination of Saga Prefecture and one of northern Kyushu’s finest hot springs, Ureshino Hot Spring continues to captivate many people. Refresh both mind and body with beautifying hot spring water, indulge the palate with cuisine prepared from local ingredients, and stroll through the historic hot spring district. Such luxurious moments await at Ureshino Hot Spring.
With the opening of the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, access to Ureshino Hot Spring has improved dramatically. Whether for a day trip or overnight stay, various ways to enjoy the hot spring exist. On your next day off, please visit Ureshino Hot Spring and experience the charm of one of Japan’s three great beautiful skin hot springs.
What to Do Next? To Fully Enjoy Ureshino Hot Spring
Gathering information before visiting Ureshino Hot Spring will make for a more fulfilling trip. As popular inns’ reservations fill up quickly, early booking is recommended. Particularly during weekends, holidays, and the autumn festival period, congestion is expected, so plan with some flexibility.
The hot spring district is a compact size that can be explored on foot, but a rental car is convenient when visiting nearby sightseeing areas. Car rentals can be arranged at Ureshino Hot Spring Station or major inns.
To maximize enjoyment of the beautiful skin hot springs, post-bath skincare is important. Many inns also sell cosmetics using Ureshino Hot Spring water, making them recommended purchases as souvenirs.
Interaction with locals is also a pleasure of visiting Ureshino Hot Spring. Staff at hot spring district shops and restaurants are friendly and often share local information.
Being healed in body and mind at Ureshino Hot Spring, obtaining beautiful skin, enjoying delicious meals, and experiencing history and culture—Ureshino Hot Spring, where such enriching moments can be spent, is a fascinating hot spring destination where new discoveries await with each visit.
