12 Best Onsen in Fukuoka | Places to Check Out and Relax

Fukuoka is the most populous prefecture in Kyushu, one of the large islands of southern Japan. Although few people may think of onsen when they hear the word “Fukuoka,” there are surprisingly many attractive onsen spots.

In this article, we have picked onsen facilities that can be enjoyed on a day trip, onsen facilities (hotels and ryokan) where you can stay overnight, and famous onsen areas in Fukuoka.

This article will be useful for those who are going to Fukuoka on a trip for the first time, as well as for those who already live near Fukuoka and are looking for an onsen.

Lets get started

Table of Contents

Day trip onsen

• • Amandi
  • Manyo no Yu
  • Kirara Hoshino Onsenkan
  • Yamatsubasa

Overnight trips

• • Taisenkaku
  • Nansuikaku
  • Harazuru no Mai
  • Daimaru Bessou
  • Miyako Hotel Hakuta

Onsen Towns

• • Harazuru Onsen
  • Chikugogawa Onsen
  • Futsukaichi Onsen

Conclusion

Day trip onsen

In the past, it was normal for onsen facilities to not have hotel facilities. Before plumbing and private baths at home were common place, many Japanese frequented local sento and onsen.

Today, with modern plumbing, most Japanese go to onsen on day trips to relax and enjoy large baths and natural onsen water that they can’t at home. If you want to experience an onsen in Fukuoka that you can’t at home, consider the onsen bathhouses and spas below.

Amandi (アマンディ)

Amandi is an Indonesian-themed one-day spa resort onsen. The onsen waters come from 1200 meters underground at a temperature of 32 C°. They have a traditional Japanese-style onsen bath, an Indonesian-style onsen bath, a hot stone room, and multiple private rental onsens for families. Check out the VIP room, where you can kick back in a massage chair with a drink and a personal TV. Amandi has the atmosphere of a full-fledged resort with waters that relieve fatigue and moisturize skin.

Amandi offers calming scented oil massages, Thai massages, Korean exfoliation massages, facial massages, body scrubs, head massages, back therapy, body and foot care, and more. When you get hungry, head to the restaurant on the first floor for Japanese sashimi and a variety of foods from all over Kyushu.

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Manyo no Yu (万葉の湯)

Manyo no Yu is an onsen bathhouse in the heart of Fukuoka. Located between Hakata Station and Fukuoka Airport, Manyo no Yu is perfect for those who want to check out a Japanese onsen on their vacation. They have many floors and facilities for single users, couples, friends groups, and families. The onsen waters and steams are high-quality and have various minerals and elements that are good for removing dead skin cells and improving blood circulation.

After your bath, you can rent a room during the day to relax in private, find an open futon in the nap room, or choose a seat in the relaxation room with reclining sofa chairs. They have a room of manga with over 25,000 books, so you can grab one and kick back. Pick whichever relaxation method suits you best. The 2,000 JPY entrance fee covers towels, indoor clothes, and many different other amenities. Come empty handed and leave satisfied and relaxed after enjoying a day of leisure. Check out Manyo no Yu below.

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Hoshino Onsenkan Kirara (星の温泉館きらら)

Hoshino Onsenkan Kirara is an onsen facility located right next to Ike no Yamaso, a Japanese ryokan. Onsenkan Kirara does not have any overnight facilities, but, because it’s about an 80-minute drive away from Hakata Station, you might want to consider spending a night next door at a nearby ryokan.

Onsenkan Kirara will put you in the heart of the Japanese countryside with great views. They have 2 outdoor onsen baths, a private onsen bath, and 2 large public open-air onsen, typical of a classic Japanese onsen. When you finish bathing, grab a soft serve ice cream cone and take a stroll in the Japanese countryside.

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Yamatsubasa (やまつばさ)

Yamatsubasa is a luxury onsen day spa with high-quality spring water. The water is pumped from 1,400 meters underground from 2 different onsen sources and is said to make your skin smooth and moisturized. The onsen, including the private rental onsen, are filled with this healing water. Book a session in their relaxation salon, Kinuha. They also have a beauty salon, a massage parlor, a Thai stretch massage, and an exfoliation treatment.

Since Yamatsubasa is located far from the center of Fukuoka, consider staying a night at the next-door ryokan, Hakuto. It’s a luxury ryokan that has private onsen with water straight from the source in every room. Check out Yamatsubasa below.

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Overnight Trips

Overnight trips to Japanese ryokan and onsen are one of Japan’s favorite and most historical past times. Onsen were traditionally built outdoors, and have been in Japan for over 1300 years. Onsen have been healing wounds and destressing weary travelers for a long time in Japan, and people still use them to this day.

Take an overnight trip to these ryokan with large onsen baths.

Taisenkaku (泰泉閣)

If you are looking for a classic Japanese experience in Fukuoka, check out Taisenkaku. Located in Harazuru Onsen, they make use of both of the local onsen water sources. It’s for a good reason too, as the alkaline simple springs and sulfur springs are both regarded as good for beautifying and moisturizing skin. The men’s and women’s baths change daily so that guests can experience both. You’ll want to experience their jungle bath, which is decorated with lush green plants and is their most popular.

For special occasions, book a room with a private onsen attached. These traditional Japanese suites are located in quiet and secluded locations in the ryokan, and have expansive views of their well kept traditional Japanese garden. You can use the onsen bath whenever you want and as much as you want. They have private outdoor rental onsen bath for couples and families who want to bathe together. Put on the yukata provided in your room and explore Taisenkaku. Check it out below.

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Nansuikaku (楠水閣)

Nansuikaku is located about 40 minutes away by car from Hakata station. Here, you can enjoy the sounds of the Inunaki river while soaking in the healing onsen waters. The men’s and women’s baths are switched every morning so that you can enjoy each special area. There are multiple private onsen baths and family onsen baths so that you can bathe in private (or with tattoos). The water has the effect of healing cuts and bruises.

Nansuikaku is a laidback and natural space. There are multiple high-quality Japanese restaurants, bars, and lounges for you to relax. Check out their restoring beauty salon, Shirodhara, for the ultimate post-onsen relaxation. Book a room with a private onsen so that you can experience true tranquility from the privacy of your room at Nansuikaku.

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Harazuru no Mai (原鶴の舞)

Harazuru no Mai is a luxury onsen ryokan where you can enjoy a free-flowing private onsen bath with water from the source in all rooms. Put on a yukata and stroll around the luxury ryokan. The quality of food, customer service, and facilities are all top-class. The onsen water has the effect of smoothing and moisturizing skin after use. Choose between a room with an outdoor garden onsen bath or a room with an onsen bath and views of the lake.

Enjoy a large spread of food while being served a fresh Japanese kaiseki meal for dinner and breakfast. The portions are small, but with over 10 different plates of food, you will be sure to taste a variety of delicious and hand-picked ingredients. Relax in a luxury ryokan by the riverside at Harazuru no Mai.

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Daimaru Besso (大丸別荘)

Daimaru Besso is close to Hakata, located about 30 minutes away by car. If your goal is to relax in a traditional onsen as quickly as possible, Daimaru Besso might be the best option for you. They have been in business since 1865, and have used the same original onsen water since they opened. Each of the onsen baths are surrounded by tall and thick trees, which will help you forget that you’re actually in the middle of the city. There are also private retro onsen baths available 24 hours a day.

If you enjoy Japanese nature, check out their 3-acre Japanese garden that the Japanese ryokan encapsulates. Many rooms have private onsen baths attached. There are also some large suites where you can enjoy the ultimate privacy in. If you’re interested in traveling back in time to old Japan and experiencing some traditional Japanese culture, consider staying at Daimaru Besso.

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Miyako Hotel Hakata (都ホテル 博多)

Miyako Hotel Hakata is a hotel in the center of downtown Fukuoka. Their concept is green, water, and light, located right in front of Hakata Station. Even though they’re located in the heart of the city, it feels like you’re transported into a different world. The onsen baths are on the top floor, along with waterfalls, pools, saunas, and various different relaxing areas. The rooms at Hotel Hakata are large with huge windows and a Japanese design. You’ll be staying in comfort with easy access to onsen waters.

There are two restaurants within Hotel Hakata, so you’ll be able to choose whichever menu suits your tastebuds more. Pick between Japanese and Western food in a fine dining establishment. Check out Hotel Hakata below.

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Onsen Towns

Most onsen baths are located near onsen sources, thus the creation of famous onsen towns, with lots of onsen baths and facilities was born. Your trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without a trip to an onsen.

Check out some of these onsen towns located around Fukuoka.

Harazuru Onsen (原鶴温泉)

Harazuru Onsen is one of the largest onsen towns in Fukuoka. Located perfectly between two different onsen sources, guests of the ryokan in Harazuru can experience two different types of healing water with different effects. Both of the waters are said to moisturize skin and relieve fatigue. Famously called “W”, a Japanese pun as “double yu” can also mean two waters. From the modern Japanese ryokan on the banks of the river, to on the traditional Japanese ryokan on the hills with great views of the town, choose an onsen ryokan which suits your stay best.

Harazuru is located far away from downtown Fukuoka, but its location makes it special, as it’s surrounded by nature. If you go in the right season, you can book a tour at an orchard and pick your favorite fruits like pears, persimmons, grapes, plums, and more. Check when various seasonal events are held throughout the year, as you may be able to participate in a fishing event or an herb festival. If you want, check out the Harazuru Music Box House to create a special personzlized memory of your trip to Fukuoka.

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Chikugogawa Onsen (筑後川温泉)

Chikugogawa Onsen is located near Harazuru Onsen, about an hour away from Fukuoka airport by car. Chikugogawa Onsen has been designated as a high-quality onsen hot spring, good for healing fatigue and joint pain, and national recreation hot spring onsen by the National Recreational Hot Springs Areas branch of the Ministry of the Environment.

Many ryokan in Chikugogawa have open-air baths that overlook the Chikugo River. The streets of Chikugogawa onsen are lined with traditional white Japanese walls and shops. Visitors can really feel the traditional Japanese atmosphere while exploring the streets. Surrounded by nature, Chikugogawa Onsen is a place where you can spend a relaxing and peaceful time. Check out the various flower fields, Shirakabe Street, or the Tsuzura Rice Terrace. Stay a night at Tsuzura Sanso to get the best view of the giant rice field steps. Book an orchard tour and explore the streets around Chikugogawa Onsen after relieving joint pain and relaxing in quality onsen waters.

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Futsukaichi Onsen (二日市温泉)

Futsukaichi Onsen is only 30 minutes away from Hakata Station by car and 15 minutes by train from Fukuoka Tenjin Station. Because of it’s proximity to downtown Fukuoka, Futsukaichi has recently been gaining popularity among young people. The onsen town is surrounded by beautiful nature and mountains perfect for hiking. There are a wide variety of Japanese ryokan in Futsukaichi, from new and modern hotels to long-established traditional and elegant Japanese lodgings. The water of Futsukaichi Onsen is radioactive, but don’t worry. The amount of radioactivity is miniscule, and diluted by ample amounts of warm onsen hot spring water. The small amount of radioactivity is said to be effective against all kinds of ailments, such as cuts, burns, joint pain, blood circulation, and much more. The onsen source is also known for its moisturizing effect on skin and healing skin problems.

Futsukaichi Onsen has over 1,300 years of Japanese history. Many warriors and samurai used Futsukaichi Onsen throughout various battles and wars. One of the most famous Japanese authors, Natsume Soseki, visited Futsukaichi on his honeymoon and wrote at the same time. You can visit historic sights, like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine with a view of Mount Tenpai. Check out the Futsukaichi Hachimangu, the beautiful Tenpaizan Historical Natural Park with amazing views of the city, and the Chija no Wisteria.

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Conclusion

Have you figured out what onsen you want to visit in Fukuoka? There are onsen and spas all around the prefecture, you might be surprised how close some actually are!

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