Will you choose Beppu Onsen in Oita Prefecture , one of Japan's largest hot spring resorts? Or Ureshino Onsen in Saga Prefecture , one of Japan's three best hot springs for beautiful skin? Our staff, who are certified hot spring sommeliers, will compare Take to Tsubaki no Yado Hanabeppu and Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA and guide you to the perfect hot spring trip for you.
Written by
JR Kyushu Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd., a member of the JR Kyushu Group, operates lodging-focused hotels in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Naha, as well as hot spring inns in Beppu and Ureshino, two of Japan's leading hot spring resorts.
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Table of Contents
- 1. Where are Beppu Onsen and Ureshino Onsen located?
- 2. Which one is right for you? 30-second hot spring diagnosis
- 3. Diagnosis Result: Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is recommended for those who...
- 4. Diagnosis Result: Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is recommended for the following people
- 5. A thorough comparison of Hanabeppu and Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA
- 6. A hot spring sommelier explains! Why are the water qualities different?
- 7. The Charm of Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu in Beppu Onsen , Oita Prefecture
- 8. The Charms of Ureshino Onsen , Saga Prefecture
- 9. The honest opinion of a hot spring sommelier
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 11. A hot spring trip that's perfect for you
- The person who wrote this article
1. Where are Beppu Onsen and Ureshino Onsen located?
Beppu Onsen is located in Oita Prefecture and is known as one of Japan's largest hot spring resorts. Its charm lies in the steam rising from the hot springs throughout the town and its rich hot spring culture.
Meanwhile, Ureshino Onsen is located in Saga Prefecture and is popular as one of Japan's three best hot springs for beautiful skin. It is characterized by its smooth waters and tea culture.
Both are representative hot spring resorts in Kyushu, but the way you enjoy the hot springs and the overall atmosphere of the trip are quite different.
2. Which one is right for you? 30-second hot spring diagnosis
Q1. What do you look for in a hot spring trip?
A. I want to relieve my daily fatigue → Proceed to Q2
B. I want to experience the unique feel and skin-beautifying effects of a hot spring → Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is recommended.
Q2. Which do you prefer on weekends?
A. I want to relax in a quiet place → Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is recommended.
B. I want to enjoy new experiences and discoveries → Proceed to Q3
Q3. Which experience do you look for in a hot spring?
A. A relaxing and healing time → Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is recommended.
B. A memorable hot spring experience → Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is recommended.
3. Diagnosis Result: Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is recommended for those who...
If the diagnosis led you to Hanabeppu, you might be the type of person who seeks "healing" rather than "excitement" in hot springs.
Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu Onsen is recommended for those who want to relax their mind and body.
Recommended for people like this
✅ I want to relieve my daily fatigue
✅ I want to spend some quiet time.
✅ I like the gentle feel of the water.
✅ I want to experience a traditional Japanese hot spring inn.
✅ I want to relax and refresh myself in a hot spring.
✅ My first time staying at a Japanese hot spring inn
~A word from the hot spring sommelier~
Rather than being a hot spring that surprises with its strong individuality, the charm of Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu spring lies in its comforting feel that makes you want to soak in it again and again. It is the perfect hot spring for those seeking a relaxing and healing time.
4. Diagnosis Result: Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is recommended for the following people
If your diagnosis led you to Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA, you might be the type of person who seeks new discoveries and memorable experiences when traveling. The unique, smooth texture of the Ureshino Onsen waters is an unforgettable experience for many.
Recommended for people like this
✅ I want to experience a hot spring that's good for the skin.
✅ I want to experience the difference from other hot springs.
✅ I want to enjoy the unique characteristics that only hot springs can offer.
✅ I want to have a memorable trip.
✅ I love discovering new things
✅ I want to enjoy an anniversary or a special trip.
~A word from the hot spring sommelier~
The defining characteristic of Ureshino Onsen is the unique smoothness you feel the moment you step in. Many first-time visitors exclaim, "I've never experienced a hot spring like this before," and enjoy a truly memorable hot spring experience.
5. A thorough comparison of Hanabeppu and Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA
| Beppu Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu | Ureshino Onsen Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA | |
| first impression | kind | creamy |
| keyword | Healing, tranquility, peace | Beauty, radiance, and discovery |
| Hot spring experience | A relaxing and healing time for the soul. | A memorable hot spring experience |
| Hot water texture | Soft and approachable | Smooth and high quality |
| Recommended trips | A relaxing hot spring trip | A hot spring trip to enjoy the hot springs |
| Suitable people | Prioritizing relaxation | I love hot springs and I value experiences. |
| From the perspective of a hot spring sommelier | The comfort of being embraced | A feeling of being special that is fulfilled |
6. A hot spring sommelier explains! Why are the water qualities different?
Both Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu and Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA are representative hot springs of Kyushu, but the feel of the water and the impression after bathing are quite different. The reason for this lies in the difference in the components contained in the hot springs, in other words, the "water quality."
From the perspective of a hot spring sommelier, I will introduce the unique characteristics of each.
The reason why Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu's bathwater feels soft
Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu Onsen is a sodium bicarbonate spring. Bicarbonate springs are sometimes called "beauty springs" in Japan, and are known for their skin-smoothing properties. The water feels gentle and soothing, almost like it's enveloping your body. It's ideal for those who want to relax their mind and body while enjoying a long, leisurely soak.
The reason why the hot spring water at Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA feels so smooth and silky.
Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA Onsen is a sodium bicarbonate-chloride spring. Combining the smoothness of a bicarbonate spring with the characteristics of a chloride spring, it offers the unique, slightly viscous feel characteristic of Ureshino Onsen. Many bathers report a smoothness reminiscent of lotion, and it's cherished as one of Japan's leading "beauty springs."
7. The Charm of Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu in Beppu Onsen , Oita Prefecture
Beppu Onsen, one of Kyushu's most representative hot spring resorts.
Beppu Onsen is one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts, boasting the largest number of hot spring sources and the highest volume of hot spring water in Japan. As you walk through the town, steam rises everywhere, allowing you to feel the hot spring culture that has been passed down for generations. Even for those visiting Japan for the first time, it is a hot spring resort that can be called "the quintessential Japanese hot spring."
Enjoy a relaxing and healing time at Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu.
The charm of Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu lies not in its luxury or flashiness, but in the comfortable atmosphere that allows you to relax and unwind. Stepping inside, you are greeted by a calm space filled with the warmth of bamboo and wood, where time seems to slow down, a stark contrast to its proximity to Beppu Station.
Enjoy a worry-free stay with our all-inclusive package.
At Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu, we offer light snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages in the lounge for all our guests. These are available even with room-only or breakfast-included plans, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time as you please between sightseeing or after a soak in the hot springs. Furthermore, guests with dinner-included plans have their drinks included in the accommodation price, allowing you to enjoy your favorite beverages with your meal without any worries. Relax your mind and body in the hot springs, unwind in the lounge, and savor delicious food and drinks. At Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu, you can experience the all-inclusive charm of a stay where you can fully enjoy every moment.
How to enjoy hot springs as recommended by a hot spring sommelier
At Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu, we encourage you to enjoy some "time to do nothing." Instead of cramming in sightseeing, soak in the hot springs, read a book, and relax in the lounge. The pleasant feeling you get after getting out of the hot springs is one of Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu's charms.
Recommended for people like this
✓ I want to relieve my daily fatigue
✓ I want to spend some quiet time.
✓ I want to experience traditional Japanese inn culture.
✓ First time visiting Beppu Onsen
✓ I want to refresh my mind and body in a hot spring.
✓ I want to enjoy my stay without worrying about extra charges.
Easily accessible from JR Beppu Station. Ideal as a base for sightseeing in Beppu.
Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is located about a 6-minute walk from JR Beppu Station, making it easily accessible even for first-time visitors to Beppu. In addition to exploring the area around the station, it also offers easy access to major tourist attractions in the city, such as the Beppu Hells Tour and steam observation spots, allowing you to enjoy a well-balanced hot spring trip and sightseeing.
For those who also want to enjoy sightseeing in Beppu
Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is located within walking distance of Beppu Station, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in Beppu .
You can enjoy the unique charm of one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts, including the famous "Hell Tour," the scenery of rising steam from the hot springs, strolling through towns that evoke the hot spring culture, and the rich natural landscape surrounded by the sea and mountains.
Relax in the hot springs, enjoy sightseeing, and unwind at your accommodation. Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu makes this ideal Beppu stay a reality.
8. The Charms of Ureshino Onsen , Saga Prefecture
Ureshino Onsen is known as one of Japan's three best hot springs for beautiful skin.
Ureshino Onsen in Saga Prefecture is known as one of Japan's three best hot springs for beautiful skin.
The unique smoothness you feel when soaking in hot springs has continued to fascinate many people.
While it has a long history as a popular hot spring resort, it has now become a popular destination for many travelers from both within Japan and overseas.
Enjoy a "hot spring experience that engages all five senses" at Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA
The appeal of Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is not simply about soaking in the hot springs.
Architecture, fragrance, cuisine, tableware, music—every detail throughout the building is carefully considered to create a pleasant and memorable experience, ensuring that your stay itself becomes a special one.
Enjoy a peaceful time soaking in a hot spring, savor seasonal ingredients, and experience the local culture.
Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is a hot spring inn that offers a stay that engages all five senses.
A unique stay in Ureshino , enjoyed with Ureshino tea.
When discussing Ureshino Onsen, it's essential to mention the tea culture of Ureshino, which is known as one of Japan's leading tea-producing regions.
The name of Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA Houses) originates from "Hachijuhachiya" (the eighty-eighth night), which is essential for tea making.
Inside the facility, you can experience Ureshino tea in various ways, and enjoy the unique culture of this region, which combines hot springs and tea, at the same time.
Soaking in a hot spring and enjoying a cup of tea after your bath—these simple moments make a trip even more enriching.
This is a luxurious way to spend time in Ureshino that you can't easily experience in other hot spring resorts.
How to enjoy hot springs as recommended by a hot spring sommelier
If you're staying at Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA, be sure to notice the difference in your skin's texture before and after bathing in the hot springs. The smooth, high-quality water unique to Ureshino Onsen is sure to be a memorable experience for many.
Also, after your bath, we recommend slowly savoring some Ureshino tea.
Hot springs and tea. I believe that the time spent where these two cultures naturally connect is what makes Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA so appealing.
Recommended for people like this
✓ I'm interested in hot springs that are good for the skin.
✓ I want to experience the unique differences that only hot springs can offer.
✓ I want to stay at a high-quality hotel for a relaxing time.
✓ I want to experience Japanese tea culture.
✓ I want to enjoy a memorable hot spring trip.
✓ Planning a special trip with someone special
Ureshino Onsen, accessible via the West Kyushu Shinkansen, boasts a convenient location for sightseeing.
Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is located about a 5-minute drive from Ureshino Onsen Station on the West Kyushu Shinkansen line. It is easily accessible from Fukuoka and offers the appeal of combining hot springs with sightseeing, such as strolling through the hot spring town, visiting tea plantations, and experiencing Ureshino tea culture.
For those who also want to enjoy sightseeing in Ureshino
The Ureshino hot spring town is dotted with footbaths and historic public baths, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town.
Furthermore, the surrounding area is covered with tea plantations, making it possible to experience Japanese tea culture firsthand, which is another unique charm of Ureshino.
Beyond the hot springs themselves, one of the biggest attractions of Ureshino Onsen is the opportunity to enjoy the local culture, food, and encounters with the people.
9. The honest opinion of a hot spring sommelier
If you're tired from work, Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu. If you want to enjoy the differences between hot springs themselves, Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA.
If it's your first time staying at a Japanese hot spring inn, Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu. For anniversaries or special trips, Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA.
Rather than focusing on which is superior, I believe that choosing the hot spring that suits you best at that particular time is what leads to a truly satisfying Kyushu hot spring trip.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the biggest difference between Beppu Onsen and Ureshino Onsen?
A. Beppu Onsen is known as a hot spring resort where you can slowly heal your mind and body. On the other hand, Ureshino Onsen is known as one of Japan's three best hot springs for beautiful skin, and is characterized by its smooth and high-quality water.
Q2. Which would you recommend for someone experiencing Japanese hot springs for the first time?
A. For those who want to enjoy a uniquely Japanese hot spring culture and the atmosphere of a hot spring town, Beppu Onsen is recommended. For those who want to experience the differences in the hot springs themselves and the feel of the water, Ureshino Onsen is recommended.
Q3. How do the water qualities of hot springs differ?
A. Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is a sodium bicarbonate spring, while Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is a sodium bicarbonate and chloride spring. Both have smooth water, but many people tend to feel that Ureshino Onsen has a more "viscous" feel.
Q4. Which would you recommend for a couple's trip?
A. Both are recommended, but Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is recommended for those who want to enjoy a quiet time at their own pace, while Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is recommended for those who want to enjoy a high-quality hot spring experience and tea culture.
Q5. Can I enjoy traveling alone?
A. Absolutely. Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is recommended for those who want to enjoy a relaxing stay, Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is recommended for those who want to spend quality time rejuvenating themselves.
Q6. Can we visit Hanabeppu and Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA with children?
A. Yes. Both Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu and Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA are available for families with children.
Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu offers Japanese-Western style rooms with tatami flooring throughout. Guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese atmosphere while comfortably resting in a bed, making it suitable for everyone from young children to the elderly, and is also recommended for multi-generational family trips.
On the other hand, Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA has a kids' room, making it a great environment for families with children. You can spend a special time with your family while enjoying the hot springs and Ureshino tea culture. Depending on your family's travel style, if you are looking for relaxation and healing, Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is recommended, but if you are looking for a special experience that includes hot springs and tea culture, Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is recommended.
Q7. Is it okay if I don't know the proper etiquette for hot springs?
A. It's fine. Both accommodations provide instructions on how to use the hot springs within the building. Even those using Japanese hot springs for the first time can enjoy them with peace of mind.
Q8. Is it possible to visit both hot springs during a trip to Kyushu?
Yes. Both Beppu Onsen and Ureshino Onsen are located in Kyushu, and it's possible to visit both on a trip of a few days. Since each offers a different kind of charm, a tour of both is highly recommended for hot spring enthusiasts.
Q9. How many nights would you recommend staying at Hanabeppu and Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA?
A. If you just want to enjoy the hot springs, one night is enough, but if you want to fully appreciate the charm of each inn and hot spring area, we recommend two nights. At Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu, you can enjoy the hot springs and an all-inclusive stay, while at Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA, you can enjoy the hot springs and tea culture more deeply.
Q10. If I were to take a hot spring trip in Kyushu, which should I choose: Beppu Onsen or Ureshino Onsen?
A. For those who want to spend a relaxing and healing time, Beppu Onsen Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu is recommended. On the other hand, for those who want to enjoy the smooth and high-quality feel of the water and the unique experience of Ureshino Onsen, known as one of Japan's three best hot springs for beautiful skin, Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is recommended. Rather than choosing one over the other, choosing based on what kind of trip you want to enjoy will lead to a more satisfying hot spring trip.
11. A hot spring trip that's perfect for you
Hanabeppu in Beppu Onsen and Ureshino Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA in Beppu Onsen are both representative hot spring inns of Kyushu, but their charms are slightly different.
If you're looking for a relaxing and healing time to soothe your soul , Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu.
If you're looking for a smooth, high-quality bathing experience and a truly special feeling of satisfaction, then Saga Ureshino Onsen URESHINO YADOYA is highly recommended.
There's no single right answer when it comes to choosing a hot spring resort. What's important is what kind of experience you want to have right now. We hope this article will help you find the perfect hot spring trip for you.
The person who wrote this article
Our staff includes certified hot spring sommeliers. Based on their daily experience guiding many customers to hot spring inns, they share their insights on "how to enjoy hot springs" and "the unique charm of each inn," drawing on their actual experiences and knowledge.
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