[Fukuoka Prefecture Day Trip Hot Springs] Natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source for only 350 yen! A long-established hot spring inn in Kyushu's oldest hot spring area, recommended by a "hot spring sommelier".

Kyushu boasts many nationally renowned hot springs, such as Beppu and Yufuin in Oita Prefecture, Ureshino and Takeo in Saga Prefecture, and Kurokawa in Kumamoto Prefecture. But did you know that the oldest hot spring in Kyushu is located in Fukuoka Prefecture?

If there's such a historic hot spring resort that's easily accessible from the center of Fukuoka City and perfect for a casual day trip, wouldn't you definitely want to visit?

So, I, Tsubaking, a writer with the qualification of "Onsen Sommelier" (certified by the Onsen Sommelier Association), will introduce you to a long-established day-trip hot spring located in Kyushu's oldest hot spring resort!

It's located in a place you can easily visit today or tomorrow, so after reading this article, why not head out right away!

Hakata-yu (Chikushino City), a day-trip hot spring located in Futsukaichi Onsen, the oldest hot spring resort in Kyushu, which has been in operation for 1300 years.

Located less than 30 minutes by JR train and on foot from JR Hakata Station, and about 30 minutes by express bus from Tenjin, is Futsukaichi Onsen, said to be "the oldest hot spring resort in Kyushu."

Image: Mr.tsubaking

Its name first appears in history 1300 years ago during the Nara period, mentioned in the Manyoshu anthology. Later, it became a favorite of Natsume Soseki, a renowned author known for his love of hot springs.

Our destination this time is Hakata-yu, a long-established day-trip hot spring located in Futsukaichi Onsen.

Founded in 1860, over 160 years ago, it is a long-established business that has been around since the Edo period.

Image: Mr.tsubaking

Its dignified presence conveys that this is not a hastily put-together retro piece, but rather something that has truly stood the test of time.

You'll know the moment you step inside! A "beauty-enhancing" hot spring with the scent of sulfur.

After paying the entrance fee (350 yen for adults on weekdays, 450 yen for adults on weekends and holidays, 200 yen for children aged 6-11, and 100 yen for children aged 4-5) and entering the changing room, you're already greeted by the smell of sulfur, making you excited even before you get in the bath and think, "I've arrived at a hot spring!"

In today's information-saturated world, we sometimes feel like we know something just by looking at a screen, but hot springs are an "experience" that engages all our senses, including touch and smell, and I always realize how important that is.

Image: Mr.tsubaking

The scent becomes even more concentrated once you enter the bathroom!

And for good reason, as Mr. Eto of Hakata-yu proudly states, "Our pride and joy is, without a doubt, the quality of our hot spring water."

Image: Mr.tsubaking

The pH value, which indicates the degree of acidity/alkalinity, is 8.0, making it weakly alkaline. Like soap, it has the property of dissolving dirt and sebum from the skin, and is known as a "beauty spring."

Furthermore, the hot spring analysis report shows that it contains 56 mg/kg of metasilicic acid. This component is also used in cosmetics, and springs with a concentration of 50 mg/kg or more are often referred to as "beauty springs."

Having such hot spring water flowing directly from the source is the ultimate luxury!

Take a deep breath! Hot springs that allow you to absorb radon into your body.

While bathing at Hakata-yu, one thing you should definitely try is deep breathing.

Image: Mr.tsubaking

The hot spring water here contains a lot of a component called "radon."

Radon is a historical ingredient that has been used for centuries in hot spring therapy to treat conditions such as rheumatism and neuralgia.

This vaporizes from the hot water and fills the bathroom, and the appeal of this method is that you can refresh yourself from the inside out by taking deep breaths of it.

Image: Mr.tsubaking

The secret to fully experiencing the power of the ingredients lies in the "proximity" and "shallowness" of the hot spring source. If the hot spring water is drawn from far away or from deep within the ground, some of the ingredients tend to be lost before it reaches you.

However, the source of Hakata-yu's hot spring is directly beneath the property, and the drilling depth is relatively shallow at 260m. Therefore, the water is delivered to the bathtub without ever being exposed to the air.

Furthermore, because the amount of spring water is sufficient, we do not add water to dilute the mineral content of the hot spring. (Heating is applied as needed.)

So here, you can enjoy the luxury of immersing yourself in the freshest hot spring water, a gift of nature in its purest form.

Immerse yourself in the bathtub and let the energy of the earth soak into your skin and fill the air of the bathroom. Take in plenty of the earth's energy with your whole body. The feeling of bliss as the pure, unadulterated hot spring water envelops your entire body is truly exceptional!

Image: Mr.tsubaking

Enjoying coffee made with natural hot spring water after a bath.

The second floor features a spacious tatami-matted relaxation room (free of charge). Many people seem to enjoy spending some relaxing time here after their bath.

Image: Mr.tsubaking

How about enjoying some "Hot Spring Coffee" (120 yen) or "Hot Spring Steamed Egg" (100 yen) with your meal? You can enjoy the hot springs from the inside out!

Image: Mr.tsubaking

Even when the consumption tax was increased in October 2019, Hakata-yu kept its bathing fees unchanged. In other words, it effectively lowered its prices.

The recent surge in utility costs must be a major expense for hot spring facilities, but Mr. Eto says that the reason they are able to offer baths at low prices is due to a long-standing policy.

"At our company, we believe that 'hot springs are a local asset, and that asset should be shared by everyone,' and we are working hard to make that a reality."

Image: Mr.tsubaking

In these times, Hakata-yu continues to operate at the low price of 350 yen (weekdays for adults).

In return for that feeling, I feel like buying these kinds of food and drinks. I also tried the "Hot Spring Coffee," and it's incredibly delicious, so I highly recommend it after a bath!

Hakata-yu is the epitome of simplicity, with just one bathtub each for men and women. This simplicity allows you to truly appreciate the quality of the hot spring water.

Take your time and enjoy the hot springs while feeling the weight of its long history! (Text by Mr.tsubaking)

<Click on the store name for more details>
■Hakata Yu
Address: 1-14-5 Yumachi, Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Last entry 9:00 PM)
Closed days: None (except for maintenance closures)
Bathing fees: Adults: 350 yen (450 yen on weekends and holidays), 6-11 years old: 200 yen, 4-5 years old: 100 yen
*This article is current as of the time of publication. *Prices in the article include tax.
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