Ureshino Onsen: An ancient hot spring famed for its skin-beautifying waters

Ureshino Onsen: An ancient hot spring famed for its skin-beautifying waters

Nestled among the gentle hills of southern Saga Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Ureshino Onsen is renowned as one of Japan’s “Top Three Hot Springs for Beautiful Skin.” It’s said that its mineral-filled waters, naturally rich in sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride, gently remove dead skin cells and leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated. The luxuriously smooth, almost velvety waters have captured hearts for centuries, earning mention in historical records as early as 713. To truly experience the history behind such an iconic onsen, it’s well worth exploring the old streets and shrines that still remain in the hot spring town. Once a prosperous post town along the Nagasaki Kaido during the Edo period (1603–1868), echoes of its illustrious past still linger throughout the town, creating a distinctive atmosphere where rising steam and centuries of history quietly intertwine.
After strolling through the town and soaking in the hot springs, you’re bound to work up an appetite. When it comes to local specialties in Ureshino, two standouts are Ureshino tea and Onsen Yudofu (tofu simmered in hot spring water). Sipping a cup of fragrant tea brewed from locally grown leaves brings a comforting calm that seems to flow from within. The tea leaves also make wonderful souvenirs.
Equally delightful is the Onsen Yudofu, made using Ureshino’s mineral-rich waters. Its silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture mirroring the luxurious feel of the hot spring waters is a treat in itself, with the added nutritional benefits making it all the more appealing. You can enjoy it at local restaurants and ryokan throughout the town.
With a relaxing soak in the springs and a leisurely stroll through the town’s historic streets, you’re sure to leave feeling refreshed in both body and mind.

You’ll be amazed by just how silky and thick the hot spring water feels, a texture you would never expect from its clear and colorless appearance.

Along the Ureshino River, you’ll find a charming stretch of traditional bathhouses, long-established inns, and local eateries.

Ureshino is also one of Japan’s leading soybean-producing regions, and the Onsen Yudofu here is made using locally grown soybeans simmered in the area’s mineral-rich hot spring waters.

Rolling tea fields, gradually unfolding across the hills, are among the area’s most iconic landscapes.

■From the Editor

The lush natural surroundings that embrace the hot spring town are another part of its charm. If you visit during cherry blossom season (mid to late March), be sure to stop by the “Hundred-Year Cherry Tree of Nando-ryo.” Standing gracefully amid the tea fields, this solitary cherry tree, over a century old, is a truly unforgettable sight.

More Info

Ureshino Onsen Tourism Association
TEL: 0954-43-0137