Ureshino Onsen: Enchanting Hot Spring Town

History

Ureshino Onsen, nestled in Saga Prefecture, is a hot spring town famed for its "beauty skin" waters and rich historical heritage. According to legend, Empress Jingu discovered the healing properties of Ureshino's waters after witnessing an injured crane rejuvenate in the onsen. This discovery marked the beginning of Ureshino's reputation for therapeutic hot springs, which have since been cherished for their smooth, skin-soothing effects. During the Edo period, Ureshino thrived as a vital post town on the Nagasaki Kaido, serving weary travelers and traders with its restorative waters and warm hospitality.

Ancient and Feudal Eras

Ureshino Onsen has been known since ancient times for its therapeutic waters. During the Edo period, it flourished as a post town along the Nagasaki Kaido, a major trade route connecting Nagasaki with Kokura (present-day Kitakyushu). The onsen served as a resting place for travelers, merchants, and samurai. The presence of numerous inns and bathhouses during this period highlights its importance as a hot spring resort.

Edo Period

The Edo period saw Ureshino Onsen becoming a significant spot on the Nagasaki Kaido, often referred to as Ureshino Yuyado or Ureshino Yucho. It hosted many travelers, including daimyo (feudal lords), officials, and traders. The inns along the route provided not only lodging but also access to the healing waters of the onsen. The historic checkpoints, such as the East and West Koguchi, marked the town's boundaries and were essential for controlling the flow of people and goods.

Modern Day Ureshino

Today, Ureshino Onsen offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comforts, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the historical ambiance, exploring the town's quaint streets, traditional inns, and local shops. Ureshino is also renowned for its tea culture, with tea cultivation dating back to the 15th century, offering a unique opportunity to taste the famous Ureshino tea. With its picturesque scenery, rich cultural heritage, and renowned hot springs, Ureshino Onsen invites visitors to unwind and experience the timeless beauty of this enchanting hot spring town.

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Hot Springs

Day Use Hot Springs in Ureshino Onsen:

  1. Chocolatory 6-ku: Experience hot springs and a unique chocolate shop.
  2. Siebold's Bath: Gothic-style public bath with barrier-free facilities.
  3. Hyakunen no Yu: Modern facilities with a large public bath and private baths.
  4. Wataya Besso: Famous for its "beauty skin" hot spring.
  5. Taishoya: Features a bright and open semi-open-air bath.
  6. Hotel Kasuien: Rooftop open-air bath offering scenic views.
  7. Yukai Resort Ureshinokan: Enjoy multiple baths with reputed skin benefits.
  8. Chagokoronoyado Warakuen: Known for its unique tea bath.
  9. Banshoukaku Shikishima: Offers private open-air baths with varied themes.
  10. Hamilton Ureshino: Private outdoor baths in a serene setting.
  11. Shoen: Large public bath with panoramic views.
  12. Hotel Sakura Ureshino: Rooftop baths with city views.
  13. Oomuraya: Offers riverside baths and multiple private options.
  14. Hatsuneso: Tatami-matted family baths, ideal for young children and seniors.
  15. Shiibasanso: Large outdoor baths surrounded by nature.
  16. Tokai: Noted for its Arita-yaki porcelain open-air baths.
  17. Yoshidaya: Features luxurious baths with reputed skin benefits.
  18. Ritouen: Offers a quiet setting with handmade cuisine.
  19. Takasago: Traditional inn with river-view baths.
  20. Kisenkan: Boasts 100% natural, non-circulated hot springs.
  21. Kotobukiya: Known for its high-quality water and riverside location.
  22. Hananoshizuku: Currently undergoing renovations.

Sightseeing & Activities

Famous Foods

  • Onsen Yudofu: Tofu cooked in hot spring water, resulting in a unique, creamy texture.
  • Ureshino Tea: Ureshino Onsen is also known for its connections to traditional Japanese tea culture. The cultivation of Ureshino tea, particularly kamairicha (pan-fried tea), began in the early 15th century when immigrants from China introduced tea cultivation methods. The unique processing techniques developed in Ureshino have been passed down through generations, contributing to the area's reputation as a tea-producing region. Ureshino Tea iIncludes varieties such as Ureshino Gyokuro, Steamed Tamaryokucha, and Pan-fried Tamaryokucha. These teas are celebrated for their rich flavor and numerous health benefits.

Sightseeing Spots

  • Toyotamahime Shrine: Dedicated to the goddess of beauty, known for its white catfish.
  • Nagasaki Kaido Ureshino Yuyado: Historical checkpoints from the Edo period.
  • Hyakunen Sakura: A century-old cherry tree located amidst tea fields.
  • Todoroki Waterfall Park: Features a scenic waterfall and picnic area.
  • Hizen Yoshida Pottery Museum: Showcases 400 years of pottery history and offers hands-on experiences.
  • Zuikouji Temple: Historical temple with expansive, green grounds.
  • Ureshino Traditional Arts Center: Offers traditional dance and kimono dressing experiences.

Activities

  • Yuttura Plaza: A new footbath facility in the shopping street.
  • Yushuku Hiroba: Footbath and foot steam bath in a plaza.
  • Kyushu Olle Ureshino Course: A trekking course through tea fields, pottery areas, and scenic spots.
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Access

To access Ureshino Onsen from Nagasaki or Fukuoka, there are several transportation options including train, bus, and car. Below are the detailed routes for each starting point:

From Nagasaki:

By Train and Bus:

  1. Train to Takeo-Onsen:

    • Starting Point: Nagasaki Station
    • Train: Take the JR Nagasaki Line to Takeo-Onsen Station. This usually involves taking a Limited Express train like the Kamome.
    • Travel Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

  2. Bus to Ureshino:

    • Starting Point: Takeo-Onsen Station
    • Bus: Take a bus from Takeo-Onsen Station to Ureshino Onsen. There are regular bus services connecting these two points.
    • Travel Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
By Car:
  • Driving Route: Take the Nagasaki Expressway and exit at the Ureshino Interchange.
  • Travel Duration: The drive takes approximately 1 hour.

From Fukuoka:

By Train and Bus:

  1. Train to Takeo-Onsen:

    • Starting Point: Hakata Station
    • Train: Take the JR Kyushu Shinkansen to Shin-Tosu Station and transfer to the JR Nagasaki Line to Takeo-Onsen Station.
    • Travel Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

  2. Bus to Ureshino:

    • Starting Point: Takeo-Onsen Station
    • Bus: Take a bus from Takeo-Onsen Station to Ureshino Onsen.
    • Travel Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
By Direct Bus:
  • Direct Bus: Take a direct bus from Fukuoka (Hakata Bus Terminal) to Ureshino Onsen.
  • Travel Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
By Car:
  • Driving Route: Take the Kyushu Expressway and then the Nagasaki Expressway, exiting at the Ureshino Interchange.
  • Travel Duration: The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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