Noda no Motoyu

Noda no Motoyu is a day-use bathhouse tucked into the hills of Hamatama in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. It opened in 1912 as the Noda Onsen Ryokan, a toji (curative bathing) lodge where people suffering from skin conditions and rheumatism stayed for extended treatment. The building closed in March 2011, but reopened in May 2013 as a day-use bathhouse, carrying on a bathing tradition of more than a century.

The water is a cold spring emerging at 23C, and the facility posts its water type as tanjun kosui, a simple mineral water drawn from a natural spring. Because it falls below the statutory threshold, it is not classified as an onsen under Japan's Hot Spring Act, yet the water is colourless, clear, odourless and notably soft on the skin. It is heated to roughly 40C and then run through the tubs without recirculation. Posted bathing benefits include rheumatic conditions, joint and muscle disorders, nervous complaints, convalescence, general fatigue and skin ailments. The operator does not disclose whether water is added, filtered or chlorinated.

Alongside the indoor bath there is a private open-air bath (1,800 yen for 45 minutes) and a private tatami room with air conditioning and a television (1,200 yen for three hours). Admission is 550 yen for adults, dropping to 430 yen after 16:00, and 250 yen for elementary school children and younger. A 30-seat tatami hall serves set meals of local Genkai Sea fish for around 550 yen, and the shop sells dorayaki and other sweets made with the spring water. Open 09:30 to 20:00 with last entry at 19:30, closed every Tuesday. Free parking for about 30 cars.