We visited Genchiku Onsen “Takatori no yu” in Tanushimarumachi Moribe, Kurume, Fukuoka. This falcon statue is the landmark of Takatori no yu.

Turn left at the statue, then you will find this flat building.

The owner Makio welcomed us with a smile at the reception.

The dressing room is big and clean. There are both open compartments and lockers, you can use a locker to keep your valuables safe.

There is a big open-air bath in the bathroom. The bathtub on this side contains tepid water, and the other one contains hot water. The hot spring water is clear and transparent, also it has the exceptional silky touch. To experience the touch, touch and stroke your body while soaking in the bath, which would be quite soothing. The water is not recycled, and the bath temperature is adjusted by controlling the amount of new water flowing out of the faucet. Also, please be careful that the water around the faucet is really hot.

Although it changes depending on the weather conditions, the original temperature of the hot spring is 63.6°C|146.48°F. It is used as is in this bath (not recycled). Frequent bathers say bathing at Takatori no yu can ease back pain or knee pain.

Shigenobu is 67 years old and comes to Takatori no yu every day. He also said bathing at this bath can ease back pain really well.

The owner Makio said he drilled the ground to discover a ground water source; however, unexpectedly a hot spring was found, then he changed his plan and opened Takatori no yu so that everyone in this district can enjoy the hot spring bath. Takatori no yu doesn’t have an indoor bath, which is uncommon, so we asked him about it. He answered that he decided to construct only a big open-air bath to naturally cool down the hot spring water without adding cold water or using any artificial device, because he didn’t want to recycle the water and did want to keep the water always fresh.

You can see Mt. Takatori from Takatori no yu. As you notice, the name derives from this mountain. Soaking in a good hot spring with enjoying the mountain view is quite relaxing. Makio said you can see snow white mountains in winter, and that is so nice.

MAP

INFORMATION

Name: Takatori no yu (Genchiku Onsen)

Address: 106-3 Tanushimarumachi Moribe, Kurume, Fukuoka

Tel: 094-372-4793

Access (Car): 60 min from the centre of Fukuoka City. 57 min from the Fukuoka airport

Parking Lot: 20

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 21:00

Closing Days: Wednesday (opens if falls on a holiday)

Price: JPY 500