We visited Ureshino Onsen “Kisenkan” in Ureshinomachi Ōaza Shimojuku, Ureshino, Saga, which opened in 1981. Ureshino Onsen had been popular among those who need medicinal hot spring therapy living in neighboring cities such as Omura and Nagasaki; however, recently, it has been popular among women because the hot spring is reputed as a “Skin-Smoothing Bath.”

Teruyuki’s wife Miyuki kindly welcomed us at the reception. The stuffed toy on the right is a mascot of Ureshino Onsen called “Yuttsura-kun.”

There are open compartments in the dressing room.

This is the bathroom. As soon as you get in the room, a big Japanese raccoon dog statue will catch your eye. This is a Shigaraki ware (famous pottery in Japan) gifted from a Teruyuki’s uncle, because it is said raccoon dog will bring a success in business in Japan. The water type is sodium bicarbonate saline spring and the temperature is 90°C|194°F to 95°C|203°F; however, Kisenkan has been using the water as is without being recycled or mixing with cold water. The bathtub is emptied and cleaned up at 11pm every day, and then the bathtub is re-filled with the pure hot spring water spending the night-time. By doing this, the bath temperature becomes moderate at the next morning.

The water is drinkable, and it is said to be good for stomach flu. Also, as it is a little bit salty, the water is used for making miso soup, tōfu, or shōchu.

Tetsuya is a frequent bather and came from Omura with his wife on this day. He likes the pure hot spring water and its texture, and always comes to Kisenkan when he visits Ureshino.

He is the owner Teruyuki. He has been paying a lot of attention to how to pump up the water as well as using the pure hot spring water. In many other onsen, a pump is placed in a hot spring source located under the ground; however, he has adopted the air-lifting system. This system stirs the water while pumping up and that makes the water texture so smooth. He said adjusting the bath temperature and managing the hot spring source require a great care. His efforts have been evaluated by many frequent visitors, and that attracts new visitors.

There is Toyotamahime Shrine nearby Kisenkan, this is the symbol of Ureshino Onsen. If you have a time, please visit this shrine after taking a bath when you visit Ureshino.

MAP

INFORMATION

Name: Kisenkan (Ureshino Onsen)

Address: Otsu-2202-18 Ureshinomachi Ōaza Shimojuku, Ureshino, Saga

Tel: 0954-43-0665

Access (Car): 51 min from the centre of Saga City. 58 min from the Saga airport

Parking Lot: 20

Opening Hours: 11:00 – 21:00

Closing Days: Not specified

Price: JPY 600