Okawa Onsen ♨️

20250920 I stopped by for a hot spring bath on my way to eat Saga ramen. The location, as seen from the main road, is clearly different from the surrounding rural area, with a few palm-like trees standing in the middle of rice paddies. The building is located down a narrow road through the rice fields, too narrow for two cars to pass each other. There seems to be an eel fishing area, though I'm not sure if it's still operating. The hot spring is surprisingly a moor spring. When I think of moor springs in Kyushu, I imagine the remote mountain areas of Ajimu, Kusu, and Yabakei in Oita Prefecture, so encountering one in the middle of rice paddies was unexpected. Please see the photos for the interior and prices. The hot spring water is a clear, reddish-brown color, different from the moor springs in Oita. There are outdoor and indoor baths with temperatures below 38-40 degrees Celsius, an outdoor bath below 35 degrees Celsius, and a low-temperature steam sauna. Personally, like Ongagawa Onsen, it's a hot spring where you can endlessly cycle between warm and cold. If it were in my hometown, I would definitely go regularly. The heat retention after bathing is also excellent. I'll visit again when I'm in the area.

Imagine rice fields as far as the eyes can see. Imagine an onsen right in the middle of it. Truth be told, being used to locating authentic hot springs in the mountains and rivers, I truly thought we were lost. Not so for Okawa Onsen. It is located amidst rice fields and it is common to see locals enjoying their fishing. The hot spring baths of Okawa Onsen are housed in beautiful Japanese cedar wood structures with a two-storey high ceiling. There are family baths and segregated public indoor and outdoor (rotenburo) baths. The family bath is rather small but the public baths are awesome. The water is good and the rotenburo come in three varying water temperatures, from cold to hot, and a 2-by-4 metre steam sauna that has rivulets of hot spring water running down my back. I lifted my chin and the water ran down my face. It appeals to the child in me. It was awesome!

The bathing fee is 800 yen and body soap and shampoo are provided. Hair dryers are also free. The water is not too hot, but just the right temperature, so you can soak for a long time. The spring water is soft and slightly yellowish, but it left my skin feeling smooth. The location is a little difficult to find, especially at night, so it can be a bit scary to walk down the road, but if you follow the signs you'll be fine. There is plenty of parking. You purchase your bathing ticket from the ticket machine, but you can also conveniently pay with your credit card by tapping. There is also a restaurant, so I think they are doing a good job.

I've been here once before for a family bath because of the hot springs. It was my second time, but I felt like I was getting some hot spring therapy. My mind and body were exhausted. It was close to Hasuike. The natural moor spring had been thoroughly tested, so I was able to bathe with peace of mind. It's a place you can just drop in by yourself. I had some hot spring motsu champon and a hot spring egg before heading home. There are several places to relax. I've recommended it to my friends and family.

I went there with my family to moisturize. As soon as I got in the bath, I noticed a change in my skin. It's a good idea to specify a time for the eel steamer meal before you get in the bath. What's more, you can get a JAF discount when you buy it as a set with a bath. There was a sake brewery opening nearby. I'll go again. I went back at night a week later.