筑後川溫泉

These are my thoughts as a local resident. Despite its convenient location—just a few minutes from the Haki Interchange on the expressway and within walking distance of the Haki bus stop where express buses from Fukuoka City and other areas stop—it's not fully utilizing its advantages. Its presence as an entry point to Ukiha City from the expressway and the Chikuhō area is weak. Last year, a foreign-owned hotel opened next to the roadside station, and going forward, Chikugo River Onsen will need to function not only as a bathing area for the individual inns but also as a bathing area for guests of the foreign-owned hotel. The foreign-owned hotel has generally been well-received, so the ability of each facility and the local government to cooperate effectively will be put to the test.

It appears to be run by a hotel. Adult admission is 600 yen and PayPay is accepted. The large public bath and private bath (separate fee) are required. It's a clear alkaline sulfur spring with a nice smell. It's great for warming up and sweating. Coin lockers for valuables are 100 yen. There are only two hair dryers and air conditioning, no fans, so it's hot. The shower pressure is poor and the temperature is unstable. Furthermore, washing your hair takes a long time, so people fight over spots and it gets crowded, resulting in congestion. I hope they improve this. Only baskets are used in the changing area. Since only one employee is in charge, cleaning is incomplete. To locals, they say thank you! They say nothing to out-of-town guests.

There are no facilities at this location! It's simply the Chikugogawa Onsen area. There are several in the area, but these are my impressions after visiting two. Both have the same spring quality, with a sulfur smell and a slightly slimy feel, and no carbonation. Niji no Yu, located halfway along the road, is 400 yen with the JAF discount, and has a tatami mat washing area, a shower, and hot spring water, which is nice, but the water pressure is too weak, which is a problem. Kuwanoyu, at the very back, is 500 yen, has a large parking lot, and offers both hot and lukewarm baths. Both have indoor baths only, no lockers in the changing rooms, and shampoos are provided.

We visited Fukusenka for a day trip over the holidays. The hostess was very friendly and told us, "The hot spring water can be used as lotion, so feel free to take it home." It was a wonderful memory. At the other hot spring (at the back), we weren't guests, so no one even said "Welcome, thank you." The hot springs at both places were incredibly smooth and delicious! Chikugogawa Onsen: A Showa-era vibe, highly recommended.

Visited November 15, 2020 Chikugogawa Onsen "Hanakeshiki Niji no Yu" Bath admission is ¥500, and lockers are ¥100 (non-refundable). The large bath rotates daily. The photo shows the rock bath. The water was amazing! 🎵 A quick dip into the bath after viewing the autumn leaves is a great idea! 🍀😌🍀