Ureshino and Takeo Onsen Hot Spring Hopping Model Course

Ureshino and Takeo are two of Saga finest hot springs. Ureshino, known for its silky waters, is one of Japan three great beautifying waters, while Takeo is an old spa greeted by a gate designed by Tatsuno Kingo who worked on Tokyo Station. This route hops between the two over two days, letting you enjoy the baths, history, and garden beauty at a relaxed pace. Fine architecture, a fine garden, and smooth waters. By touring two spa towns each with its own character, you can savor the gentle flow of time in Saga to your heart content.

Course Route

11:00 Start at the Takeo Onsen gate The vermilion gate is the symbol of Takeo Onsen. Its dignified form designed by Tatsuno Kingo marks the start of the journey. Completed in 1914, it is a masterpiece designated an important national cultural property.

11:30 A morning bath at the Takeo main bathhouse Enjoy the first fine spring in a public bath with soft, gentle water.

13:00 Stroll through Mifuneyama Rakuen A vast garden that borrows Mount Mifune as its backdrop. Seasonal flowers and ever changing scenery unfold.

15:00 Move to Ureshino Onsen About 30 minutes by car to one of Japan three great beautifying waters.

16:00 Check in at a Ureshino inn Soak in the silky bicarbonate spring and let the fatigue of travel melt away.

Next day 9:30 A morning bath at Siebolt no Yu Another bath at the public bathhouse in Taisho romantic style. Enjoy Ureshino along with a town walk.

Highlights

Ureshino Onsen is a bicarbonate spring rich in sodium, prized as a beautifying water that leaves skin smooth. The Takeo gate is a masterpiece built by traditional methods without a single nail, completed in 1914 and designated an important national cultural property in 2005. Takeo Onsen is an old spa where simple springs and bicarbonate springs flow. Mifuneyama Rakuen is a garden set against the cliffs of Mount Mifune, especially beautiful in the azalea and autumn leaf seasons, with evening illumination as a highlight.

Access and Tips

Takeo Onsen is within walking distance of JR Takeo Onsen Station, while Ureshino is reached by car or bus. The two spa towns are about 30 minutes apart by car, making a two day hop just the right pace. Day bathing reception hours differ by facility, so check before your bath hopping.

A Quick Tip

With beautifying waters, avoid soaking too long and drink water often. Ureshino is also famous for onsen boiled tofu, so be sure to try it after your bath.

Practical Travel Notes

• The Takeo Onsen gate, symbol of the town, was designed by Tatsuno Kingo who worked on Tokyo Station and was completed in 1914. It was designated an important national cultural property in 2005.
• Takeo Onsen has public bathhouses including the Motoyu, Horaiyu, and Saginoyu, where day bathing is possible. They are within walking distance of Takeo Onsen Station. The springs are simple springs and bicarbonate springs.
• Ureshino Onsen is a bicarbonate spring containing sodium and is counted among Japan three great beautifying waters. Its silky feel is its signature.
• Siebolt no Yu is a public bathhouse in Taisho romantic style in the Ureshino spa district. Hours and closing days can change, so checking official information in advance is reassuring.
• Takeo Onsen and Ureshino Onsen are about 30 minutes apart by car. A two day itinerary hopping between the two spas is recommended.
• With beautifying waters, avoid long soaks and drink water before and after bathing. Be sure to try the Ureshino specialty of onsen boiled tofu.

Practical Information for Your Visit

How this course works (time required and transport)

• 2 days and 1 night, linking Takeo Onsen and Mifuneyama Rakuen on day 1 with Ureshino Onsen on day 2.
• The facilities in the Takeo Onsen hot spring quarter (the Romon Gate, Motoyu, Horaiyu and Saginoyu) are gathered on the same grounds (7425 Oaza Takeo, Takeo-cho, Takeo City) and can all be visited on foot.
• From Takeo Onsen to Ureshino Onsen takes roughly 30 minutes by car. You can also combine train and route bus.

Opening hours and closing days of each facility

• Takeo Onsen Motoyu: bathing 6:30-23:45 (last admission 23:00).
• Takeo Onsen Horaiyu: bathing 6:30-21:30 (reception closes 1 hour before the end).
• Takeo Onsen Saginoyu: bathing 6:30-23:45 (last admission 23:00). It doubles as the bathing area of the Romontei inn, with an open-air bath and a sauna.
• Mifuneyama Rakuen: open 8:00-17:00.
• Siebold no Yu (Ureshino Onsen public bathhouse): 6:00-22:00 (entry until 21:30). Closed on the third Wednesday of every month (the following day when it falls on a public holiday).

Cost guide

• Takeo Onsen Motoyu and Horaiyu: 500 yen for adults, 250 yen for children (aged 3 through elementary school).
• Takeo Onsen Saginoyu: 740 yen for adults, 370 yen for children (aged 3 through elementary school).
• Mifuneyama Rakuen: 500 yen for adults (junior high school age and above), 300 yen for elementary school students (free of charge for overnight guests). Prices may differ during events such as the flower festival and the autumn leaves festival.
• Siebold no Yu: 450 yen for adults (junior high school age and above, under 70), 340 yen for those aged 70 and over, and 220 yen for elementary school students. A private bath costs 2,500 yen for 50 minutes.

Access

• Takeo Onsen: within walking distance of JR Takeo-Onsen Station. The Romon Gate and the public bathhouses are all in the same block.
• Ureshino Onsen: about 30 minutes by car from Takeo Onsen. You can also use Ureshino-Onsen Station on the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, or a route bus.
• Mifuneyama Rakuen: a short drive from the Takeo Onsen hot spring quarter.

Parking

• Siebold no Yu: free of charge for the first 90 minutes, then 100 yen for each 30 minutes, up to a maximum of 500 yen for 24 hours.
• Takeo Onsen and Mifuneyama Rakuen also have visitor parking. It gets crowded in busy seasons, so consider using public transport as well.

What needs to be booked

• No reservation is needed for day bathing at the public bathhouses.
• The private bath at Siebold no Yu (2,500 yen for 50 minutes) is applied for on site, and there may be a wait when it is busy.
• For overnight stays, and for day bathing at the inns, checking and booking in advance gives peace of mind.

Points to note and safety

• The spring quality at Ureshino Onsen is a sodium bicarbonate and chloride spring, and it is known for its high source temperature. Avoid long soaks and drink water frequently before and after bathing.
• The public bathhouses at Takeo Onsen do not admit bathers with tattoos or those who are intoxicated.
• Mifuneyama Rakuen is a garden with slopes and dips. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
• For the benefits and indications of the hot springs, check the hot spring analysis certificates posted at each facility.

* The details given here are subject to change. Please check the latest information on the official websites before you set out.

(Sources: Takeo City Tourism Association official website / Ureshino City official website \"Siebold no Yu\" / Mifuneyama Rakuen official website / As of July 2026)