Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Harazuru Onsen, located right along the banks of the Chikugo River, has long been famous for its skin beautifying waters. In this historic hot spring area sits a secluded retreat designed for ultimate privacy. That place is Harazuru no Mai. Today, we spoke to Mr. Tsuruoka to learn about the property’s unique approach to hospitality and why guests love it so much.
(Left) Mr. Tsuruoka, the manager of Harazuru no Mai.
Following the pandemic, he relaunched the inn with a wealth of fresh, thoughtful updates, bringing a truly restorative escape to all of their guests.
Harazuru no Mai in Asakura, Fukuoka Prefecture.
A secluded retreat famous for its creative Japanese cuisine and stunning river view rooms, where you can take in the scenic views of the Chikugo River all to yourself.
Evolving the Private Sanctuary Concept After the Pandemic
—To start, could you tell us about the local hot springs?
Mr. Tsuruoka: This area is famous for its skin beautifying water, particularly our alkaline simple springs and sulfur springs. A major highlight is that individual ryokans often have their own uniquely tapped water sources. While the surrounding area does not have many big tourist landmarks, that actually works in our favor. Most of our guests come here purely to relax and enjoy the hot springs.
—What is the core philosophy behind Harazuru no Mai?
Mr. Tsuruoka: We aim to be a true private sanctuary where guests can unwind completely undisturbed. Following our rebranding and opening in 2017, the pandemic prompted us to rethink how we could offer total peace of mind. To ensure guests could relax in their own space without worrying about crowded public areas, we renovated all of our guest rooms in 2019 to feature their own private, free flowing hot spring bath.
—Having a private bath in every room is incredibly luxurious. Does each room have a different feel?
Mr. Tsuruoka: Yes, we designed every single room with a distinct concept, even within the same price tier, so that returning guests never get tired of staying with us. For example, Room 102 features both an outdoor open air bath and an indoor bath, making it perfect for multi generational family trips where grandparents and grandchildren can make memories together. We also focused heavily on an accessible, barrier free design, minimizing steps and thresholds throughout the property so wheelchair users can navigate the rooms seamlessly.
River Views and Creative Local Cuisine
—We heard the views from the rooms are spectacular.
Mr. Tsuruoka: Our river view rooms are a major point of pride for us, offering a direct view of the sweeping Chikugo River flowing right outside. We even put glass walls in the bathrooms so you can take in the scenic river views right from the bath.
—What is your approach to dining?
Mr. Tsuruoka: We are deeply committed to local sourcing. Our head chef and owner personally hand select fresh ingredients from nearby spots like Michi no Eki Ukiha and local agricultural cooperatives. By operating strictly on a reservation only basis, we avoid buying in bulk and ensure we only serve what is exceptionally fresh. Our style is creative Kaiseki, crafted by a head chef dedicated entirely to Japanese cuisine. He blends traditional Japanese techniques with Western elements, focusing on beautiful presentation that looks just as good as it tastes. We are always incredibly grateful to hear our guests tell us how beautiful and delicious the meals are.
A “Never Say No” Philosophy and Continuous Growth
—Tell us about your style of service.
Mr. Tsuruoka: Our ultimate goal is to provide a never say no style of hospitality. We strive to anticipate the subtle, unspoken needs of our guests and do everything within our power to accommodate them. Every detail matters, from the soothing scent of the tea incense burner that greets you at check in, to custom slippers designed with a refreshing texture to provide a uniquely memorable feel during your stay.
—You have a lot of repeat guests, correct?
Mr. Tsuruoka: Yes, and we are incredibly fortunate that many of our returning guests tell us they came back specifically to see a particular member of our staff.
—Finally, do you have a message for future guests?
Mr. Tsuruoka: Because we are a small boutique inn, we take guest feedback very seriously. We review our guest surveys daily and act on areas of improvement immediately. We invite you to experience our hospitality, and if anything catches your attention, please let us know. On your next visit, we hope you will see firsthand how we have evolved.
Following its 2017 rebranding, Harazuru no Mai quickly adapted to changing traveler needs to become the ultimate private sanctuary. Between the peaceful sounds of the Chikugo River from the riverfront rooms, the locally sourced creative cuisine, and the private skin beautifying baths in every room, the physical details are stunning. Yet, what truly defines this property is the sincere dedication of the staff, who constantly read between the lines to anticipate needs and instantly turn guest feedback into real improvements.
That passion creates an effortless comfort that brings new inspiration with every stay, keeping loyal guests returning time and time again. Ever evolving, Harazuru no Mai continues to flow alongside the Chikugo River, offering a deeply personal escape for every traveler.
Interviewer: Yohei Osaki
Translation: Alyssa Rossi
Haratsuru-no-Mai
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