Kiyonoya

About Kiyonoya

Founded in 1956, Seino-ya is the oldest established ryokan in Chikugo River Onsen. Conveniently located about one hour by car from central Fukuoka and just three minutes from the Haki IC on the Oita Expressway, it nonetheless sits quietly along the banks of the Chikugo River at the foot of the Mino mountain range—offering a peaceful hot spring retreat surrounded by nature.

This small, family-run inn features just 14 guest rooms. While the exterior retains a nostalgic Showa-era charm, the interior is immaculately maintained, and the warm, attentive hospitality is highly regarded. It is an ideal onsen stay for those seeking to unwind away from the bustle of the city.

Dinner and Breakfast

The seasonal kaiseki dinner highlights the flavors of Chikugo, featuring river fish, wild mountain vegetables, and locally grown produce and fruit. Guests can savor regional specialties such as sweetfish (ayu), freshwater crab, and eel from the Chikugo River, alongside carefully selected Japanese black wagyu beef and locally foraged greens—offering a taste of each season.

Special attention is given to preparation methods as well. A popular dish is the “Onsen Seiro-Mushi,” where ingredients are gently steamed using hot spring heat to lock in flavor while removing excess fat. There is also a luxurious plan that allows guests to enjoy both Chikugo’s famous horse sashimi and tender beef steak, a combination praised for its generous satisfaction.

Breakfast is a thoughtfully prepared Japanese set meal focused on wholesome ingredients. Signature dishes include “onsen-steamed salmon,” seasonal mountain vegetables, and freshly cooked rice from locally grown Ukiha grain.

Both dinner and breakfast are served in shared dining spaces, but guests can dine comfortably in spacious banquet halls or mid-sized rooms designed for a relaxed atmosphere.

Onsen

Seino-ya’s greatest highlight is its free-flowing hot spring sourced from a private well. The water is an alkaline simple spring with a pH of 8.9, known for its silky, slightly viscous texture that gently removes old skin cells and excess sebum—earning it the nickname “the beauty bath.” Because it contains no harsh components, the spring is gentle enough even for babies. Guests often remark that their skin feels smoother and softer with each soak, making it especially popular among women.

The inn is committed to 100% natural spring water flowing directly from the source, and the water is even safe to drink. Said to benefit the digestive system, it allows guests to experience the onsen’s effects from within as well.

Bathing facilities include separate large public baths for men and women, as well as three distinctive private family baths. The large bath, Momiji no Yu, rotates daily between men and women, allowing guests to enjoy both sides during their stay. The spacious tubs are constantly replenished with fresh spring water, and mineral deposits (yunohana) may sometimes be seen floating in the bath.

There are three private baths in total. Momiji no Yu offers a semi-open-air setting overlooking the Chikugo River, with tatami flooring that makes it safe and comfortable for families with small children. Hinoki no Yu, newly opened in 2020, is a fully indoor private bath where guests can soak in warmth surrounded by the soothing scent of hinoki cypress, even in winter. On the rooftop, Fugetsu, opened in 2018, is a scenic private open-air bath with sweeping views of the Chikugo River and the Mino mountain range. Equipped with reclining chairs, it provides a perfect place to cool down in the river breeze after a soak.

Room

All guest rooms are Japanese-style or Japanese-Western style, and most offer river views overlooking the Chikugo River. Options range from rooms with private hot spring baths to barrier-free Japanese-style rooms and more affordable compact rooms, allowing guests to choose according to their travel needs. Particularly popular are the Japanese-Western style rooms with private hot spring baths, where guests can enjoy free-flowing natural spring water at any time in their own space. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a refrigerator, a safe, and a washlet toilet, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Chikugo

The Japanese-Western Suite “Chikugo” offers a spacious layout featuring Simmons beds, a tatami living area, and a comfortable sofa for relaxing. Its standout feature is its workation-ready setup, complete with a private study booth for telework as well as a projector and screen within the room. In addition to high-speed Wi-Fi, the suite is equipped with a large smart TV, creating a hybrid space suitable for both business travelers and families. The room also includes a private indoor bath with free-flowing natural hot spring water, allowing guests to refresh in the “beauty bath” at any time—even between work sessions.

Izeki

Renovated in 2020, this Japanese-Western style room features two single beds in a twin configuration. Designed with refined Japanese-modern interiors, it includes a ceramic open-air bath where guests can enjoy the gentle sounds of the Chikugo River up close. It is especially popular with couples seeking a private and relaxing open-air bathing experience.

Chikase

A Japanese-Western style room with a semi-open-air bath. Open the large windows and soak in a wooden tub while gazing out over the shimmering surface of the Chikugo River—an indulgent moment of pure relaxation. With its stylish blend of Japanese and Western design, this room is ideal for those seeking a refined and extraordinary stay.

Mino

Renovated in 2024, this special suite is the only guest room at the inn to feature a private sauna. From the free-flowing open-air bath, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Chikugo River and bathe as often as they like in the fresh outdoor air. The room also includes a barrel-style private sauna, allowing you to alternate between sauna and bath at your own pace and fully enjoy the ultimate “totonou” experience. A higher-tier retreat, it is perfectly suited for anniversaries and other special occasions.

Yuzen

An 18-tatami Japanese-style room partially renovated in 2018, boasting beautiful views of the Chikugo River. Located on a separate level from other rooms, it offers added privacy, making it ideal for group stays. Designed to be as barrier-free as possible, it is comfortable for elderly guests and spacious enough for multi-generational travel.

Sumei

A standard 12-tatami Japanese-style room with a clean, spacious interior. Well-suited for couples or families, it offers a peaceful retreat accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Chikugo River outside the window.

Seoto

An 8-tatami Japanese-style room with a double bed, ideal for those seeking an affordable river-view stay. With both a bed and futon, it can accommodate up to three guests. While the room does not include a private bath, it is recommended for those content with using the large public bath or private family baths.

Suisen

A compact 6-tatami Japanese-style room equipped with a shower booth, perfect for solo travelers or business trips seeking a simple, comfortable stay.

Special Experience

At Seino-ya, guests can experience the increasingly popular Finnish-style sauna. In 2023, a barrel sauna was added to the rooftop private open-air bath Fugetsu. Though compact, it is fully authentic and available for private use at ¥4,000 for 50 minutes. After working up a sweat, cool down in the open air with a breeze from the Chikugo River, then plunge into the onsen cold bath. Alternating between sauna and hot spring leaves both body and mind feeling completely refreshed. The special suite Mino, mentioned earlier, also includes a private barrel sauna, allowing guests to indulge in unlimited sauna and hot spring sessions at their leisure.

Inside the inn, there is also a unique corner where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Okinawa while staying in Kyushu. Produced by the proprietress, who is originally from Okinawa, the “Okinawa Souvenir Corner” next to the front desk offers regional sweets, awamori liquor, chinsuko cookies, and Ryukyu glass crafts. Guests can also savor authentic Okinawan soba and Okinawan-style sweet red bean dessert, bringing a taste of the islands to their stay.

Seino-ya has long been committed to environmental sustainability. In 1979, the inn introduced a sawdust-fueled boiler to heat its hot spring water. Using patented technology that automatically controls combustion strength with sensors, the system reduces energy costs while significantly lowering CO₂ emissions. Additional initiatives include LED lighting, water-saving facilities, reduced use of disposable plastics, and optional linen changes for multi-night stays. These efforts earned the inn recognition from Fukuoka Prefecture as a certified “One Health Declaration Business.” An electric vehicle (EV) charging station is also available on-site.

Beyond the hot springs, guests can relax in the on-site oxygen box located in the lounge. Said to support recovery from fatigue as well as beauty and diet benefits, it is available for ¥1,000 per 20 minutes (¥800 for overnight guests) and accommodates one to three people at a time. It’s an ideal way to refresh during your stay.

Additional thoughtful services, such as colorful yukata rentals, further enhance the experience and contribute to a highly satisfying stay.

Plan List

Access

1099-3 Furukawa, Ukiha-machi, Ukiha City, Fukuoka 839-1405, Japan

By Car

Approximately 60 minutes by car from central Fukuoka or Fukuoka Airport.
About 5 minutes from Haki IC on the Oita Expressway.

Parking: Available (30 spaces, free of charge).

By Public Transportation

About 5 minutes by car (approximately 20 minutes on foot) from Chikugo-Oishi Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line.

Free shuttle service is available from the nearest station (advance reservation required).

Basic Information

Frequently Asked Questions