🗺️ Yukuharu Onsen原鶴温泉

Asakura City, located at the border of Fukuoka and Oita, is home to the Harazuru Onsen, which is affectionately referred to as "Hakata's back garden." It is said that when anglers came to fish in the Chikugo River, they discovered a hot spring bubbling up in an area not covered by snow, marking the origin of Harazuru Onsen. There is also a legend about an injured crane that healed after soaking in this hot spring and then flew away, which is how the name "Harazuru" came to be. The most notable feature of the hot spring is its unique blend of weakly alkaline simple spring water and sulfuric spring water, resulting in a smooth and rich bath quality, making it one of Kyushu's most renowned hot springs. The onsen is known for its excellent skin-beautifying effects, helping to remove dead skin cells and leaving the skin smooth and delicate, attracting many visitors who come specifically to experience it. There are various facilities available, including long-established inns, hotels, and public baths, offering a wide range of options for both bathing and dining. Additionally, from May when the fishing of sweetfish is allowed until September, fishing with cormorants on the Chikugo River is a traditional summer activity in the Asakura region. Besides the must-see sight of the boat houses' lights reflecting on the water at dusk, witnessing the rare traditional fishing methods up close is also not to be missed.

It can remove old keratin and maintain the skin's smoothness with excellent spring water quality. The Chikugo River in summer is also a popular spot for water activities such as SUP and river rafting. In addition to staying overnight, visitors can enjoy various hot springs during the day. Some inns offer boat tours to watch cormorant fishing.