Funagoya Onsen | A Journey to Local Flavors, Handcrafts, and Art

Located about an hour by car from central Fukuoka and just minutes from Chikugo-Funagoya Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen, Funagoya Onsen is a tranquil hot spring area nestled along the Yabe River. The mineral-rich waters that bubble up here are a rare iron-rich carbonated spring, known nationwide for retaining warmth long after bathing.

At the symbolic Funagoya Mineral Spring, visitors can even experience these unique minerals through drinkable onsen water. After relaxing in the hot springs, take a stroll to the neighboring city of Yame and explore the historic Yame-Fukushima White-Walled Townscape, centered around Fukushima Hachimangu Shrine, dedicated to success and victory. The atmospheric streets are lined with renovated traditional houses now home to cafés and specialty shops, making it a delightful area to wander.

What is “Funagoya Onsen”?

With a history spanning more than 200 years, Funagoya Onsen is a rare hot spring village blessed with iron-rich carbonated waters, surrounded by the clear flow of the Yabe River and lush greenery of Chikugo Regional Park. Said to have been discovered during the Nara period, this historic onsen area also offers alkaline simple hot springs, often referred to as “waters for beautiful skin.” The peaceful, nature-rich setting makes it an ideal retreat for relaxation.

Chikugo City Tourism Association
Tel: 0942-53-4229

Chikugo City Tourism Association

[Accommodation]

Grand Hotel Higuchiken

Standing gracefully along the Yabe River—where fireflies dance in early summer—Grand Hotel Higuchiken is a long-established symbol of the Funagoya Onsen area. Surrounded by abundant nature, it offers a serene environment for a truly relaxing stay.
In 2025, new Western-style and Japanese–Western rooms were added to accommodate a wider range of travel styles. On the first floor, guests can also enjoy a private open-air bath with sauna, allowing for a refreshing and completely private experience.

Address: 805-1 Ojima, Chikugo City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Tel: 0942-52-2101
[1 night / 2 meals] From ¥17,000
[Hot Spring Facilities] Large public baths (Indoor ×2); Private bath ×1
[Spring Quality] Not classified (contains carbon dioxide)
[Check-in / Check-out] 15:00 / 10:00
[Day-use bathing] Available with conditions

[Nearby Day-Trip Spots]

[Must-see spot] Funagoya Kousenjo

Located at the heart of the Funagoya Onsen area, Funagoya Kousenjo is a free public drinking spring with a charming retro appearance. Rich in iron and carbon dioxide, visitors can sample the mineral water and experience its distinctive flavor firsthand. Nearby is Kawano-Eki Funagoya Koibotaru, a roadside market offering local specialties—perfect for souvenir shopping.

Address: 457-1 Ojima, Chikugo City, Fukuoka Prefecture
[Parking] 7 spaces

[Experience] Kyushu Geibunkan (Chikugo Regional Park Art and Culture Center)

Located in front of Chikugo-Funagoya Station, Kyushu Geibunkan is an arts and cultural hub designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Its striking modern architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Inside, visitors can enjoy a wide range of art exhibitions, workshops, and concerts held throughout the year, making it a vibrant place where creativity and community intersect.

Address: 1131 Tsushima, Chikugo City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Tel: 0942-52-6435
[Hours] 9:00–21:00
[Closed] Mondays (next day if a public holiday)
[Credit Cards] Accepted
[QR Payments] Accepted
[Parking] 100 spaces (first 2 hours free)

[Gourmet] Fukamachi

A hidden gem for game cuisine, Fukamachi sources exceptionally fresh wild game directly from hunters, along with river fish raised in pristine streams and the rare local delicacy Yamataro Crab. Each dish highlights the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients, offering a powerful taste of nature rarely experienced in urban settings.

Address: 237-1 Tsuruta, Chikugo City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Tel: 090-4488-7729
[Hours] 18:00–21:00 (reservation recommended)
[Closed] Sundays
[Credit Cards] Not accepted
[QR Payments] Accepted
[Parking] 8 spaces

[Shopping] Kurume Kasuri IKEDA KASURI TEXTILE

Founded in 1919, Kurume Kasuri IKEDA KASURI TEXTILE is one of the few remaining ateliers preserving the traditional techniques of indigo dyeing and hand weaving. The beautifully crafted Kurume Kasuri textiles reflect over a century of craftsmanship and dedication.

Visitors can observe the production process and even participate in indigo-dyeing workshops. Advance reservations are required, making this a memorable hands-on cultural experience.

Address: 1840 Hisadomi, Chikugo City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Tel: 0942-27-8033
[Hours] 10:00–16:00
[Closed] Sundays, public holidays, and irregular days
[Credit Cards] Accepted
[QR Payments] Accepted
[Parking] 7 spaces