Fukui Prefecture offers a striking contrast between the rugged coastline of Echizen facing the Sea of Japan and the deep mountain valleys of Oku-Echizen stretching toward the Hakusan range. While neighboring Ishikawa and Toyama may boast greater numbers of hot springs, Fukui's thermal waters each possess a distinct character. A radon spring inn standing on the shores of the Mikata Five Lakes, a mountain retreat rebuilt by community determination after an avalanche, a 7-room auberge transformed from a Meiji-era shipping house — Fukui's hot springs reflect the stories of both the land and its people. Here are nine of the most distinctive selections.
1. Kogashima Onsen Kogashimaso (Wakasa Town, Mikatakaminaka District)
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
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| 10:00 - 15:00 | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
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| 10:00 - 16:00 | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
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| 10:00 - 20:00 | ◯ | ◯ | × | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
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| 15:00 - 24:00 | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
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| 10:00 - 21:00 | ◯ | ◯ | × | × | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
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| 08:00 - 22:00 | ◯ | × | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
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| 14:00 - 21:00 | ◯ | × | × | ◯ | ◯ | 10:00-21:00 | 10:00-21:00 | 10:00-21:00 |
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Practical Guide — What to Know Before Visiting Fukui's Hot Springs
Fukui Prefecture's hot springs can be efficiently explored by dividing them into four areas.
Awara Onsen and Mikuni Area: Echizen Awara Onsen Tsuruya, Awara Onsen Grandia Housen, and Mikuni Onsen Bouyourou are located in the northern part of Fukui Prefecture. Tsuruya and Grandia Housen are situated in the Awara hot spring district, approximately 15 minutes by car from Kanazu IC on the Hokuriku Expressway. Tsuruya is a historic sukiya-style ryokan founded in 1884, featuring 100% free-flowing water from three private hot spring sources. Grandia Housen is one of Hokuriku's premier large-scale resorts with 111 rooms, boasting panoramic views from its "Heavenly SPA" observatory bath. Mikuni Onsen Bouyourou is an exclusive 7-room auberge-style ryokan near Mikuni Port and Tojinbo, completely rebuilt in 2021 into a modern space where guests can savor the finest Echizen crab cuisine, including imperially presented crabs. The two Awara hot spring inns are within walking distance of each other, with Mikuni Onsen Bouyourou about 15 minutes away by car. During the Echizen crab season (November to March), visitors can enjoy a luxurious combination of hot springs and premium crab.
Echizen Coast and Fukui City Area: Takasu Onsen Takasuso and Sano Onsen Fukunoyu are located in this area. Takasuso sits along the Sea of Japan coast in northern Fukui City, offering spectacular sunset views from its clifftop outdoor baths. It takes about 40 minutes by car from central Fukui City. Sano Onsen Fukunoyu is located on the outskirts of Fukui City and pairs well with an Echizen coast drive as a convenient day-trip hot spring facility. Winter coincides with the peak Echizen crab season, allowing visitors to enjoy both hot springs and crab.
Oku-Echizen Mountain Area: Hatogayu Onsen and Kuzuryu Onsen Heisei-no-Yu are situated in the mountainous interior of Ono City. Hatogayu Onsen lies at the gateway to Hakusan National Park, tucked away along the Uchinami River gorge off National Route 158. Due to winter closure (early December to late April), visits are limited to May through November. Kuzuryu Onsen Heisei-no-Yu is near Lake Kuzuryu and unusually accessible for a hidden hot spring, being within walking distance of Kuzuryu-ko Station, the terminus of the JR Etsumi-Hoku Line. Both facilities are connected via National Route 158 and can be visited in a single day from Ono IC. Combining the trip with sightseeing at Echizen-Ono Castle and Lake Kuzuryu makes for a fulfilling journey.
Wakasa and Reinan Area: Kogashima Onsen Kogashimaso and Hanahasu Onsen Somayama are located in the Reinan region of southern Fukui. Kogashimaso is a member of the Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns, standing on the shores of Lake Suigetsu, one of the Mikata Five Lakes, and features a relocated 150-year-old traditional farmhouse. The trip can be combined with the Rainbow Line scenic drive and the Wakasa Jomon Museum. Hanahasu Onsen Somayama is conveniently located just 10 minutes from Imajo IC on the Hokuriku Expressway, with parking for 200 vehicles, making it an ideal roadside stop. In July, the surrounding lotus fields come into bloom, offering a unique combination of lotus viewing and hot spring bathing.
Overall, a rental car is recommended for exploring Fukui's hot springs. The Awara Onsen area is well-served by public transport, with shuttle buses and pickup services available from JR Awara Onsen Station (a Hokuriku Shinkansen stop). Takasuso is accessible by bus from JR Fukui Station (about 50 minutes) and Kuzuryu Onsen is within walking distance of JR Kuzuryu-ko Station (about 15 minutes), but bus service to other locations is limited. National Route 305 along the Echizen coast may be closed due to rough seas in winter, so check road conditions in advance. The Oku-Echizen area receives heavy snowfall in winter, making snow tires essential.
The information in this article (admission fees, business hours, water quality data, etc.) is based on research conducted at the time of writing. Details may have changed or contain errors. Please verify the latest information through each facility's official website or local tourism offices.
