Aim for beautiful skin with the silky smooth water! Introducing the charm of Harazuru Onsen, which boasts an abundance of hot spring water!
Harazuru Onsen, located in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a hot spring resort that spreads along the Chikugo River. It is said that the name “Harazuru Onsen” originated from a legend that long ago, a crane was seen bathing in the riverbed of the Chikugo River, and that’s how the hot spring was discovered.
Known for its abundant hot spring water and skin beautifying effects, Harazuru Onsen is the perfect place to relieve daily fatigue and refresh both your mind and body. This article will fully convey the charm of Harazuru Onsen.
History of Harazuru Onsen
The history of Harazuru Onsen is old, and it is said that the hot spring was first opened more than 1300 years ago. It is believed to have originated when a Buddhist monk named Gyoki in the Nara period discovered a crane healing its wounds in the Chikugo River, and found that hot spring water was gushing out from that location.
During the Edo period, there are records that the lord of the Fukuoka domain, Nagamasa Kuroda, used Harazuru Onsen as a place for recuperation. Since the Meiji era, with the development of transportation networks, more people have started to visit, and it has developed as a hot spring town.
Features of Harazuru Onsen
1. Abundant Hot Spring Water
Harazuru Onsen boasts the largest amount of hot spring water in Fukuoka Prefecture. Hot spring water gushes out from 34 sources at a rate of 3,000 liters per minute. Therefore, you can enjoy free-flowing hot spring water in many of the ryokans (traditional Japanese inns).
2. Double Skin Beautifying Water
The water quality of Harazuru Onsen is of two types: weak alkaline simple spring and simple sulfur spring. The weak alkaline simple spring has a silky smooth texture and is excellent for moisturizing. The simple sulfur spring is expected to improve blood circulation and promote metabolism. It is said that the combination of these two types of water creates a synergistic effect and further enhances the skin beautifying effect.
3. Beautiful Natural Environment
Harazuru Onsen is located in a place surrounded by the rich nature along the Chikugo River. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season, such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. The time spent soaking in the hot springs while listening to the murmuring of the river is exceptional.
How to Enjoy the Hot Spring Town
Stay and Fully Enjoy the Hot Springs
Harazuru Onsen has various types of ryokans and hotels. The unique baths, such as open-air baths where you can bathe while viewing a Japanese garden, jungle baths, and tatami baths, are also attractive.
Easily Refresh with a Day Trip Hot Spring
There are also facilities that allow day trips, so you can easily enjoy the hot springs.
Nearby Tourist Spots
There are also tourist spots scattered around Harazuru Onsen.
- Haki IC Area: There are roadside stations and tourist farms where you can enjoy fruit picking.
- Chikugogawa Onsen: A hot spring area about 10 minutes by car from Harazuru Onsen.
- Akizuki: A tourist destination where historical townscapes such as samurai residences and castle towns remain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the water quality of Harazuru Onsen?
A. There are two types: weak alkaline simple spring and simple sulfur spring.
Q. Can I take a day trip to the hot spring?
A. Yes, there are facilities that allow day trips.
Q. What are some tourist spots near Harazuru Onsen?
A. Roadside stations and fruit picking farms near Haki IC, Chikugogawa Onsen, and Akizuki are recommended.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
| Name | Harazuru Onsen |
| Address | 838-1521 Fukuoka Prefecture, Asakura City, Haki Shiba 26-12 |
| Phone Number | 0946-62-0001 (Harazuru Onsen Ryokan Cooperative Association) |
| Access | About 10 minutes by car from JR Kyudai Main Line “Chikugo Yoshii Station” About 10 minutes from the Oita Expressway “Haki IC” |
| Parking | Available |
Conclusion
Harazuru Onsen is a hot spring resort where you can relax both your mind and body with its abundant hot spring water and highly effective skin beautifying water quality. Why not relieve your daily fatigue and refresh yourself in an environment surrounded by beautiful nature?