All Rooms Feature Free-Flowing Natural Hot Spring Baths – A Refined Hideaway with Only 13 Rooms
Located in Asakura City, Fukuoka, and overlooking the majestic Chikugo River and the Mino Mountain Range, Harazuru no Mai is a ryokan reborn through the renovation of a once-renowned inn. Each guest room is equipped with a private hot spring bath featuring the celebrated “Double Beauty Bath,” known for its skin-enhancing qualities. Thoughtful touches—such as a complimentary in-room wine cellar—create an atmosphere of exceptional hospitality, earning the inn high praise from guests.
Consult About Trip >
Services & Facilities
Haratsuru Onsen Haratsuru no Mai is a luxury ryokan with just 13 rooms, located along the Chikugo River in Asakura City, Fukuoka. Formerly known as “Hanamizuki,” this long-established inn has been fully renovated and reborn with all guest rooms upgraded to special suites featuring private baths with natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source.
Overlooking the gently flowing Chikugo River and the lush ridgelines of the Mino Mountain Range, the ryokan offers a peaceful and scenic setting where time seems to slow down. Every room boasts a river view and allows guests to enjoy Harazuru’s renowned “Double Beauty Bath” waters in complete privacy. Highly praised on social media and review platforms, the ryokan was ranked No. 2 in Fukuoka (under 50 rooms category) in Jalan’s 2021 guest satisfaction rankings. With its exceptional hot spring experience and heartfelt hospitality, Harazuru no Mai is a standout destination for a truly special stay.
Lobby Lounge
A warm and inviting lobby lounge.
The ryokan offers six distinct room types, including exclusive river-facing suites overlooking the Chikugo River and comfortable Superior Twin rooms ideal for casual stays. Both Japanese-style and Western-style designs are available, each thoughtfully appointed with refined interiors.
For example, the “Spacious Japanese-Western Room with Open-Air & Indoor Bath” features a private open-air bath and indoor bath, along with expansive river views. The “Japanese-Western Room with Garden Open-Air Bath” includes a natural hot spring open-air tub and a private garden — perfect for a special getaway with a loved one. Even the more affordable “Onsen Superior Twin” room is equipped with a private indoor bath filled with natural hot spring water.
Attention to detail extends to the in-room amenities. Every room includes a large flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, an advanced air purifier (Airdog), and a high-performance hair dryer (Repronizer). A private wine cellar is also provided, offering complimentary red and white wine, along with free beverages in the refrigerator. Plush microfiber bathrobes and organic cotton body towels further enhance the comfort, ensuring a relaxing and indulgent stay.
Haratsuru Onsen is renowned for its unique combination of different hot spring qualities and is widely known as the “Double Beauty Bath.” The area features three main types of spring water: mildly alkaline simple hot springs with a pH of around 8, stronger alkaline simple springs with a pH above 8.5, and simple sulfur springs. This rare combination is said to offer exceptional skin-beautifying benefits.
The alkaline waters gently soften and cleanse away old skin cells, much like a natural soap, leaving the skin smooth and hydrated after bathing. Meanwhile, the sulfur content is believed to help reduce excess sebum and brighten the complexion. The dual effects of alkaline and sulfur-rich waters create the signature “double beauty” experience unique to Harazuru Onsen.
At Haratsuru no Mai, guests can enjoy this celebrated spring water flowing directly from the source in every guest room. Instead of a public bath, each room features a private indoor or open-air hot spring bath, allowing guests to soak freely at any time without concern for other visitors. Relaxing in the soft, mineral-rich waters while overlooking the tranquil surroundings offers a truly luxurious and restorative experience — one that simply cannot be replicated at home.
Dinner features seasonal kaiseki cuisine that highlights the freshest ingredients of each season. Rooted in traditional Japanese techniques and elevated with the chef’s creative touch, each dish is thoughtfully crafted. Asakura City and neighboring Ukiha are known as the “Kingdom of Fruits and Vegetables,” and the region’s high-quality local produce is generously used throughout the course — from appetizers to dessert.
The main course showcases Kyushu-sourced A5-grade Japanese Black Wagyu filet steak, prized for its tenderness and rich flavor. Guests can also upgrade to a premium course featuring luxurious ingredients such as freshly delivered spiny lobster, live abalone, and even rare chateaubriand steak, offering an indulgent dining experience.
Breakfast is a traditional Japanese set meal centered around freshly steamed rice sourced directly from contracted local farmers. The side dishes, carefully prepared by the head chef, offer comforting and delicate flavors. A guest favorite is the miso soup made with locally produced premium miso. Other highlights include sunny-side-up eggs served with Unzen ham and silky, high-quality local tofu — a refined yet heartwarming way to begin the day.
From May to September, guests can take part in a traditional cormorant fishing experience (ukai) on the Chikugo River. As night falls and torches illuminate the water, skilled fishermen known as usho expertly guide trained cormorants to catch sweetfish, creating a truly mesmerizing scene unique to this region. River cruises featuring cormorant fishing are rare in Kyushu, available in only two locations, making this a highly sought-after cultural experience. Guests staying at Harazuru no Mai receive a special discounted boat fare (1,500 yen instead of the regular 2,500 yen), making it an even more appealing evening activity.
In late May each year, the Harazuru Onsen Fireworks Festival celebrates the opening of the river season, with over 3,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky above the Chikugo River. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy both hot springs and a vibrant seasonal celebration.
Inside the ryokan lobby, guests can enjoy complimentary soft-serve ice cream — a delightful treat after a relaxing bath and especially popular with families traveling with children. The service is also offered to children visiting for day-use hot springs. For special occasions, the staff can assist with surprise celebrations, including whole cakes for anniversaries and birthdays, making the ryokan an ideal choice for memorable stays.
The surrounding area also offers notable sightseeing spots. Just a seven-minute drive from the ryokan stands the Koyama Shoryu Daikannon, a towering 28-meter statue located near the summit of Mount Koyama. It is said to be the largest “Rising Dragon Kannon” statue in Japan. Visitors believe that walking once around the statue brings blessings, while circling it twice invites protection from misfortune. The site is also known as a local spiritual power spot and offers panoramic views over Harazuru Onsen and the Chikugo River — well worth a visit for both its cultural significance and scenic beauty.
River View Onsen Corner Suite
This spacious river view room showcases a contemporary Japanese-Western design and includes a private bath fed by natural hot spring water. Thoughtfully arranged for guests of all generations, it features two semi-double beds as well as a tatami space perfect for stretching out and unwinding.
River View Onsen Suite
Blending seamlessly with the calm flow of the Chikugo River, this 63㎡ Japanese-Western style suite offers generous space and comfort. Sweeping river views and a modern interior enriched with natural wood create an elegant private stay, inviting you to fully unwind and escape the rhythm of daily life.
Spacious Tatami Living Room
Spanning over 100㎡, the room offers a spacious tatami living area where guests can sit together and enjoy shared moments. Perfect for three-generation families or group travel, the expansive layout ensures a comfortable stay without feeling confined — creating a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
River View Onsen Corner Suite
This spacious river view room, larger than other room types, features a private bath fed directly by natural hot spring water. The modern Japanese-Western design creates a relaxing atmosphere for guests of all generations, from seniors to families with young children. In addition to two semi-double beds, a tatami seating area offers a comfortable space to unwind and fully stretch out.
River View Onsen Suite
The 63㎡ Japanese-Western style suite blends seamlessly with the calm flow of the Chikugo River. Expansive river views and a modern interior enriched with natural wood create an elegant private stay, offering a peaceful escape from daily life.
Room with a Spacious Tatami Living Area
Spanning over 100㎡, the room offers an expansive tatami living space where guests can sit together and enjoy shared moments. Perfect for three-generation families or group stays, the generous layout ensures a comfortable, home-like atmosphere without feeling confined.
1-3 Haki Shiwa, Asakura City, Fukuoka 838-1521, Japan
Approximately 5 minutes from Haki IC on the Oita Expressway.
Take the Nishitetsu highway bus “Hita-go” (bound for Hita) and get off at Haki Bus Sto
Get off at Chikugo-Yoshii Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line.About 10 minutes by taxi from the station.
Ryokan Name
Haratsuru-no-Mai
Address
1-3 Haki Shiwa, Asakura City, Fukuoka 838-1521, Japan
Baths
| Spring Quality | Alkaline Simple Hot Spring,Simple Sulfur Spring |
| Free-Flowing | Natural Free-Flowing Hot Spring |
| Features | All Rooms Feature a Private Hot Spring Bath (Indoor or Open-Air) |
Facilities & Features
Common Amenities
