Fukuoka Prefecture has over 30 hot springs, and is a great place for families, couples, and solo travelers to enjoy. Hot springs have the added benefit of helping to relieve fatigue and boosting the immune system. Depending on the quality of the spring water, you can also expect benefits such as beautiful skin, stress relief, and better sleep.

We will also introduce recommended hot springs in Fukuoka Prefecture. When choosing a hot spring in Fukuoka Prefecture, compare the effectiveness and surrounding area to find the perfect place for your trip.

How to choose a hot spring inn in Fukuoka Prefecture

To ensure your trip is a memorable one, choose a hot spring inn by keeping the following points in mind. Here we will introduce how to choose a hot spring inn.

Choose from the characteristics of hot spring inns

When choosing a hot spring inn, choose one based on its characteristics. Each hot spring inn has its own characteristics.

In Japanese-style inns, meals are Japanese, but in hotel-style inns, Japanese, Western and Chinese meals are often served. Also, if you want to relax with your family or partner, a ryokan with a calm atmosphere is perfect.

The characteristics of an inn will vary depending on the target demographic of the inn. For example, if you are staying at a hotel for families with small children, check the meals and facilities for children. Some inns even offer stroller rentals and childcare facilities.

If you are traveling with friends or as a couple, it is a good idea to choose an inn with a memorable open-air bath. Furthermore, if you are traveling alone, it is recommended to choose an inn where you can enjoy meals in a private room rather than a large inn.

Choose from the effects of hot springs

When choosing a hot spring inn, it is a good idea to consider the benefits of the hot spring. The basic effects of hot springs include improving blood circulation, relieving muscle tension, recovering from fatigue, and improving immunity. While you can get the same warming effect from a bath at home, hot springs are characterized by their additional moisturizing and vasodilatory effects.

Regarding the quality and efficacy of hot springs, simple hot springs are gentle on the body and are suitable for people with sensitive skin. Chloride springs have excellent heat retention and moisturizing effects, while bicarbonate springs are excellent for beautifying the skin. Sulfate springs have a heat retention effect and are effective for lower back pain and stiff shoulders. Carbon dioxide springs promote metabolism, and iron-containing springs are effective for menopausal disorders.

In addition, acidic springs are effective against atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, just visiting a hot spring can have a relaxing effect, so it is also recommended as a travel destination.

Choose from private hot springs

When choosing a hot spring inn, choose one that has a high-quality source and whether or not it has a private hot spring. If it has a private hot spring or an open-air bath in your room, you can enjoy it without worrying about other people.

Private hot springs are recommended for family trips and couples trips. Hot springs where men and women bathe separately are nice, but hot springs where families and couples can bathe together will be memorable.

In addition, private hot springs tend to be of higher quality and cleaner because the baths are smaller. There are also private hot springs with free-flowing water from the source and barrier-free facilities.

Depending on the inn, you may be able to rent the facility for an hour or two. Usage methods vary depending on the inn and plan, so be sure to check when making your reservation.

Choose from the view from the hot spring inn and the surrounding facilities

When choosing a hot spring inn, choose one based on the scenery and surrounding facilities. Hot spring areas tend to have beautiful scenery and good surrounding facilities.

Enjoy the unique nature and seasonal changes of hot spring resorts. If you are traveling with your family, be sure to check whether there are any leisure facilities for children and baby centers.

If you are traveling as a couple or with friends, you may want to plan a trip to see tourist spots. Consider whether to go to the city or the mountains depending on the content and purpose of your trip.

The advantage of staying in a city is its convenient location, while the mountain areas are rich in nature. Depending on the location, there may be hot spring-related shows or food sales. Be sure to research not only the hot spring inn, but also the scenery and surrounding area.

Choose from the dishes served at the hot spring facility

When choosing a hot spring inn, choose based on the food, as food is one of the best parts of traveling.

Be sure to check what kind of food is served at the hot spring inn you are considering. If you are traveling alone or would like to enjoy a meal at your leisure in the privacy of your room, we recommend in-room dining.

If you want to enjoy a variety of cuisines, a buffet style is a good option. Hot spring inns offer a wide variety of food, and you can enjoy luxurious menus such as seafood, steak, and tempura.

Many inns offer luxurious breakfasts as well as dinners, and you can enjoy set meals, buffets, and local ingredients. Be sure to check out the menu at your hot spring inn to make your trip even more enjoyable.

Fukuoka Prefecture's hot spring facilities have distinctive features

Here we will introduce the characteristics of hot spring facilities in Fukuoka Prefecture. To ensure your trip is a fulfilling one, choose a hot spring facility by keeping the following characteristics in mind.

There are many facilities available for day trips

Many hot spring facilities in Fukuoka Prefecture are open for day trips. Staying overnight is fine, but a day trip is a more casual option.

There are many hot spring facilities around Fukuoka Airport and in the Tenjin/Hakata area that offer day trips, making them a convenient option. Some facilities also offer day trip plans, and some lodgings offer meals.

Some hot spring facilities offer a wide range of services, such as plans with no overnight stays and two meals, so try looking for a plan that suits your travel needs. Even day-use facilities have a wide range of facilities, and some have open-air baths, bedrock baths, pet-only baths, and private baths.

Some facilities are open 24 hours a day, so you can easily stop by during your trip.

Extensive hot spring facilities

Fukuoka Prefecture has a wide range of hot spring facilities. There are over 30 hot spring facilities in Fukuoka Prefecture, and in addition to open-air baths, they also have saunas and cold baths.

Saunas have a variety of physical benefits, helping to relieve fatigue and stress. The high temperature environment also promotes blood flow and relieves muscle tension, making you feel refreshed.

It also lowers blood pressure and helps you sleep better. The drop in body temperature after the sauna will make it easier to fall into a deep sleep.

It is also effective in relieving stiff shoulders. The heat relaxes the muscles and improves blood flow, which reduces stiffness in the shoulders. It also promotes weight loss, as sweating profusely helps burn calories. In addition, regular sauna use strengthens blood vessels and improves overall circulation.

We also recommend taking a cold water bath after the sauna. Many hot spring facilities with saunas also have a cold water bath, so try using that.

Additionally, some hot spring facilities in Fukuoka Prefecture offer private open-air baths in Japanese gardens. Fukuoka Prefecture has many well-equipped hot spring facilities, so you can choose a facility that suits the purpose of your trip.

The quality of the spring water varies depending on the facility.

Hot spring facilities in Fukuoka Prefecture each have different spring quality, which is determined by the types and amounts of ingredients contained in the water.

The Ministry of the Environment has revised the names of the new spring qualities since 53. The hot spring facilities in Fukuoka Prefecture have a wide variety of spring qualities, so you can choose the hot spring that suits your taste.

For example, Haratsuru Onsen, Chikugogawa Onsen, and Wakita Onsen are alkaline simple springs with high moisturizing powers. Hakata Onsen is characterized by its calcium and sodium chloride springs, which warm you to the core after bathing.

Furthermore, Futsukaichi Onsen is a simple hot spring with radioactive water that increases metabolism and boosts immunity. As mentioned above, when choosing a hot spring facility, be sure to check the water quality.

Recommended hot springs in Fukuoka Prefecture

Recommended hot spring areas in Fukuoka Prefecture are Hakata Onsen, Futsukaichi Onsen, Yakuoji Onsen, Wakita Onsen, and Chikugogawa Onsen. All of these hot spring areas have a long history, so it is best to choose one based on the effects of each and the surrounding area.

Hakata Onsen in Fukuoka City

Hakata Onsen was founded in 1972. It is a completely free-flowing natural hot spring, and the spring quality is calcium-sodium chloride spring.

The hot spring water is of high quality and is 45℃, and a full water exchange system is implemented in which the water is replaced with new water every day. This hot spring facility allows you to enjoy clean, fresh hot spring water, and includes a large public bath, an open-air bath, and a one-way bath.

The owner recommends filling the bathtub with hot water until it is 9% full. While the bath is filling up, it will be filled with steam and you can enjoy the unique hot spring scent.

Futsukaichi Onsen in Chikushino City

Futsukaichi Onsen is a historic facility that was mentioned in the Manyoshu of the Nara period. Until 100 years ago, Futsukaichi Onsen was the only hot spring in Fukuoka City, so it is easy to see why it has such a long history.

The spring quality of Futsukaichi Onsen is radioactive and radium springs, which are said to be effective for all kinds of illnesses, including cuts. Radioactive and radium springs are safe and do not pose a health hazard.

There are various types of radioactivity and radiation, such as alpha, beta, and gamma, so not all radioactivity and radiation are dangerous.

Yakuoji Onsen in Koga City

Yakuoji Onsen was discovered in 1918. Yakuoji Onsen is located in a mountain village and can be enjoyed at inns or as a day spa.

The spring quality is alkaline and simple, and it is expected to have a skin-beautifying effect. Yakuoji Onsen has a variety of baths, including a Chinese herbal bath that has been featured on television many times, a hot spring bath with a jet bath and vibration, and an open-air bath where you can enjoy the scent of nature, so you can enjoy your favorite hot spring.

Some facilities also have steam saunas in addition to dry saunas.

Wakita Onsen in Miyawaka City

Wakita Onsen is a hot spring that has been flowing since the Nara period. The spring quality is alkaline and simple, and it is effective for anemia, neuralgia, rheumatism, and beautiful skin.

Wakita Onsen has a wide range of facilities, including a large public bath, the Yumegomori family bath, and an open-air bath. For example, the family bath is large enough for eight adults, and guests staying overnight can use it for free.

You will need a reservation if you want to stay overnight, so be sure to contact the accommodation when planning your trip.

Chikugogawa Onsen in Ukiha City

Chikugogawa Onsen is a hot spring that was discovered in 1955. The spring quality is highly alkaline, and it is said to be effective for beautifying the skin, rheumatism, stiff shoulders, arthritis, poor circulation, and bruises.

The area around Chikugogawa Onsen is also full of things to enjoy, such as flower fields, fireworks, seasonal events and sports. Also, Ukiha City, where Chikugogawa Onsen is located, is rich in fruits, so you can enjoy fresh fruits such as persimmons and strawberries.

Furthermore, you can also enjoy river fish such as sweetfish and carp at Chikugogawa Onsen.

This article explains the popular gourmet foods you can enjoy in Hakata. It also introduces recommended restaurants, so be sure to check it out.

Summary

We have introduced recommended hot springs in Fukuoka Prefecture. Fukuoka Prefecture has more than 30 hot springs.

Choose a hot spring facility that suits your occasion, whether it's a family trip, a trip for a couple, or a solo trip. Hot springs have many beneficial effects, such as relieving fatigue and boosting the immune system.

To enjoy hot springs in Fukuoka Prefecture, we recommend renting a car. Many places are difficult to access by public transportation, so renting a car allows you to enjoy a free trip. Uqey is a convenient rental car service where you can make reservations, unlock, and return the car all with just your smartphone.

The service is available 24 hours a day, without the need to make a reservation at a store, so you can easily make last-minute trip plans. You can also pay by smartphone.

If you download the app, you can use it with no joining fee or monthly fee, so please give it a try.