Discover The Rejuvenating Hot Springs Of Saga City — A Day Trip Or An Extended Relaxing Getaway?
– Would you go on a day trip? Or a leisurely trip?
Saga City is home to many delightful hot springs. Furuyu Onsen is located about 200 meters above sea level along the upper reaches of the Kase River that flows through the city, with Kumanokawa Onsen lying about five kilometers farther down in the mountains. Both have long been cherished as therapeutic retreats and have welcomed many notable guests seeking rest and recuperation.
At around 38℃, near body temperature, the temperate waters feel exceptionally soft and soothing, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed. The waters are also said to help boost immunity and promote beautiful skin. If you enjoy a leisurely soak, you may find it hard to leave the bath.
For visitors on a casual day trip, after washing away the fatigue of daily life at the hot spring, we recommend savoring local cuisine at nearby restaurants. For a more private experience, couples and families can reserve a private bath, or choose to stay overnight at a traditional Japanese ryokan and indulge in seasonal kaiseki-style cuisine.
Surrounded by nature, with sunlight filtering gently through the trees, immerse yourself in the hot spring of your choice and let the tranquil atmosphere ease the weariness of your journey.
2 Hot Springs Perfect For A Day Trip
(1) “Chidori no Yu” — Where You Can Enjoy A Nostalgic Atmosphere
At Chidori no Yu, you can enjoy a charming, old-fashioned ambiance with tatami floors, a lounge furnished with low tea tables, and a shop selling local Saga Confectionery, pickles, and vegetables. The bath offers two types of inner tubs — Temperate and Heated — as well as a separate area to rinse off after bathing.
Admission is reasonably priced at 600 yen for adults and 350 yen for children, and the waters are said to help with gout, poor circulation, and other ailments.
The facility also features a cafeteria serving the local specialty, Kase River Dam Curry. There is also a wooden deck where you can relax, enjoying nature’s fresh air while gazing at the starry night sky.
Bus
- – Take a Showa Bus bound for Furuyu/Hokuzan at Saga Station Bus Center (40 minutes)
- – 3 minutes on foot from the “Kumanokawa Onsen Mae” bus stop
Car
- – Approximately 10 minutes (approximately 7 km) from Saga-Yamato IC (Nagasaki Expressway)
- – Approximately 20 minutes from Mitsuse tunnel
(2) “Yamabiko no Yu” -Ideal For Work Trips And Group Visits
“Yamabiko no Yu” in Mitsusemura has a conference room for meetings and seminars, a spacious Karaoke room and a large hall with a stage, where even business travelers and group travelers can leisurely enjoy the hot spring.
One wall of the large public bath is made of glass, offering stunning views of the surrounding natural scenery. Outside the glass doors, a spacious open-air bath awaits, where you can relax while enjoying the changing seasons and the refreshing countryside air.
After refreshing your mind and body in this tranquil setting, you can replenish your energy at the cafeteria, which serves hearty “stamina” set meals, including Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and Kara-age (deep-fried chicken).
Car
- – Approximately 30 minutes by car from Saga-Yamato IC
- – Approximately 20 minutes by car from Mitsuse tunnel
(3) “Toshoka” has an irresistible Japanese modern annex filled with an air of luxury
“Toshoka” located in Fuji-cho which is in the northern part of Saga City will not only boost your metabolism and help you get beautiful skin, but also you can enjoy various types of hot springs such as sauna, cold bath, jacuzzi, and hot waterfall shower. At the large public bath and open-air bath made of Japanese cypress and rock, you can enjoy “Japanese hot springs” to the maximum, and if you want to indulge in a bit of luxury, you will surely want to try the stylish, Japanese modern annex built making good use of wood. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy Gozen (Royal dishes) and desserts prepared using hot spring water.
Bus
- – Take a Showa Bus bound for Furuyu/Hokuzan at Saga Station Bus Center and get off at the “Kumanokawa Onsen Mae” bus stop, and take a short walk
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Car
- – Approximately 60 minutes by car via Mitsuse tunnel from Fukuoka Tenjin
- – Approximately 8 minutes from Saga-Yamato interchange of the Nagasaki Expressway
- – Approximately 60 minutes via Nanami in the direction of Karatsu
4 Hot Springs With Accommodation
(4) Private Cottages At Yama-Akari
“Yama-Akari” (http://www.yamaakari.com/) offers baths made of Japanese cypress and ceramic, alongside stylish semi-Japanese private cottages with tatami flooring that blends beautifully with comfortable beds. These accommodations are very popular for their elegant atmosphere. From cottages with attached gardens, guests can even see fireflies in the second half of June. While soaking leisurely in the bath, you can enjoy a glass of wine and fully relax.
The hot spring’s restaurant features a selection of carefully prepared dishes using local ingredients. Enjoy a sumptuous meal, including rice freshly cooked over a traditional stove, for a truly authentic experience.
Bus
- – From Saga Station Bus Center, take Showa Bus No. 73 toward Furuyu Onsen from Platform 2. Get off at the “Furuyu Onsen Mae” stop.
Car
- – From Fukuoka city, approximately 15 minutes from Saga-Yamato IC of Nagasaki Expressway via Tosu JCT on the Kyushu Expressway
- – From Nagasaki city, approximately 15 minutes from Saga-Yamato IC (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes) of Nagasaki Expressway
- – Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from JR Saga station
(5) Kakureisen: The Magic Of A Natural Sand Bath
“Kakureisen” (https://kakureisen.com/) has a special natural sand bath hot spring welling up from the sand paved to protect the bedrock. You can enjoy an unconventional hot spring that even relaxes your feet. A window in a private reserved bath offers a view of the pond with carp fish jumping and a garden beautifully colored with abundant flowers and trees, filled with soothing atmosphere.
To stay overnight choose a room of your liking, from relaxing Japanese-style rooms to higher grade premium rooms. Be it a stay plan or a day-trip plan, you can relish the sumptuous Kaiseki cuisine such as Saga beef shabu-shabu, seafood dishes etc.
Bus
- – From Saga Station Bus Center, take Showa Bus No. 73 toward Furuyu Onsen from Platform 2. Get off at the “Furuyu Onsen Mae” stop.
Car
Bus
- – From Saga Station Bus Center, take Showa Bus No. 73 toward Furuyu Onsen from Platform 2. Get off at the “Furuyu Onsen Mae” stop.
Car
- – 15 minutes by car in Fuji direction from Saga Yamato IC
(7) A Hotel Resort Surrounded By Rich And Beautiful Nature “Ryutouen”
Surrounded by water and greenery, this tranquil and welcoming inn offers a peaceful retreat. Guided by the themes of “Health, Environment, and Inspiration,” the hotel is committed to cultivating organic vegetables on its own farm and collaborating with local farmers. Through these efforts, it contributes to environmental conservation and supports local industries while striving to provide high-quality hospitality.
The inn is dedicated to creating a refreshing space where guests can take a deep breath and relax both body and mind.
Bus
- – From Saga Station Bus Center, take Showa Bus No. 73 toward Furuyu Onsen from Platform 2. Get off at the “Kawakami Kyo” stop.
- – Board the “Wakakusu” bus at platform 4 of Nishitetsu Tenjin Bus Center and get off at “Koshikan Koko Mae” bus stop (approximately 20 minutes), 20 minutes on foot
Car
- – Approximately 20 minutes from JR Saga station
- – Approximately 3 minutes from Saga-Yamato IC
