In the past rankings of happiness among Japan's 47 prefectures by the Comprehensive Research Institute, Fukui Prefecture has consecutively held the first position for five times. With the opening of the Ashibara Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line in spring 2024, it is expected to attract even more tourists to Fukui.
Fukui Prefecture is also renowned for its charming hot springs. A typical example is Ashibara Onsen, often referred to as the "Harem of Kansai" due to its numerous large hotels and inns, making it a favorite destination for many.
Furthermore, food enthusiasts flock to Echizen's hot springs, known as the winter delicacy "Echizen crab" fishing grounds, in search of fresh Echizen crabs and hot spring experiences.
In this guide, we will introduce recommended hot spring resorts and day-trip hot spring facilities for your reference.
Recommended Hot Spring Facilities in Awara Onsen
Awara Onsen (あわら温泉) is located in the northern part of Fukui Prefecture. It has been gushing since 1899 when irrigation wells were drilled, and there are currently 74 hot springs. However, each facility independently manages multiple hot springs, so you can enjoy slightly different mineral compositions in each one.
Conveniently accessible from the Kansai region, this area is often referred to as the "backyard of Kansai," especially during winter, when many people come here to enjoy both hot springs and the flavors of the Japan Sea.
Awara Onsen is also close to tourist attractions within the prefecture and to Kanazawa, making it an ideal base for your travels.
The Awara Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line is expected to open in spring 2024, so this area is sure to become even more crowded.
Saintpia Awara（セントピアあわら）
On July 7, 2023, "Saintpia Awara" reopened after cleaning and renovation. This is a well-known day-trip hot spring facility in the area. It is located approximately 20 minutes by Kyoto-Fukui bus from JR Ashibara Onsen Station and a 3-minute walk from Echizen Railway Ashibara Yu no Machi Station.
The original "Ten no Yu" (Heavenly Bath) and "Chi no Yu" (Earthly Bath) were named after the worldview of ancient China's "Tianyuan Territory."
The third-floor Ten no Yu is an open space that extends towards the sky, giving a sense of freedom. The large bath includes a high-temperature bath and a jet bath, while the open-air bath features a low-temperature bath and a half-body bath.
During the day, you can enjoy the relaxing hot spring under the sunlight, and at night, you can soak in the hot spring under the starry sky.
In the first-floor Chi no Yu, you can experience a relaxing bathing area that emphasizes the sensation of hot water embrace. It includes high-temperature and low-temperature baths, a sauna, and a sleep bath.
The hotel's restaurant offers delicious Fukui cuisine, including daily featured lunches, Fukui's famous sauce-covered pork cutlet rice bowl, Echizen ground buckwheat noodles, alcoholic beverages, and snacks.
- Saintpia Awara（セントピアあわら）
- Address: 305 Awara Onsen 4-chome, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture
- Access: A 3-minute walk from Awara-Yunomachi Station
- 入浴费：Adults (high school age and above) 500 Japanese Yen, Junior High School Students (elementary school age and above) 300 Japanese Yen, Children (3 years and above) 200 Japanese Yen
- Business Hours: [Large Bath] 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM / [Restaurant/Cafeteria] 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Closed on: Tuesdays
- 官方网站：https://awara-saintpia.com/
Hotel Yagi (ホテル八木)
Established in 1896, Hotel Yagi is one of the oldest inns in Ashibara Onsen.
It originally emphasized traditional inn services, such as attentive staff and in-room dining. However, in 2017, Hotel Yagi underwent a transformation with a focus on "relaxed comfort," updating its management policies and services to prioritize private spaces.
The contemporary lifestyle promoted by this traditional inn has gained popularity among the younger generation. The high-quality self-service dinners and breakfasts have received particularly positive reviews, attracting many repeat guests.
Additionally, Hotel Yagi offers various complimentary hospitality services.
- Upon check-in, you'll receive welcome sweets crafted by our pastry chef.
- For pre-dinner snacks, you can enjoy charcoal-grilled marshmallows in the lobby.
- Alcoholic beverages (with some exceptions) and soft drinks are complimentary during dinner.
- After dinner, have a drink in the lobby.
- Enjoy ice cream bars after your bath.
- Indulge in the dessert specially prepared by our pastry chef at night.
The internal library houses a rich collection of books curated by the bookstore owner and the hotel proprietor, along with children's picture books.
The hot spring is a natural one directly sourced from our own springs.
Within Ashibara Onsen, we have three sources, ensuring an abundant supply of hot water. The main bath maintains a constant temperature by blending high-temperature and low-temperature hot springs.
You can bathe here 24 hours a day, and we also have a sauna.
One of the highlights of Hotel Yagi is the self-service dinner, where chefs prioritize handcrafted and freshly prepared dishes.
Hot foods stay hot, and cold foods stay cold, with the timing of food matches the customers' dining times.
The chefs directly visit the market to carefully select ingredients, resulting in not only delicious but also visually appealing dishes.
Hotel Yagi uses a wide range of high-quality ingredients, making the delectable cuisine a major highlight. Another great thing is that beverages are complimentary.
- 八木酒店（ホテル八木）
- Address: 4-chōme-418 Onsen, Awara, Fukui Prefecture, Japan
- Access: It's a 10-minute drive from JR Awara Onsen Station
- Business Hours: Check-in from 15:00 to 20:00 / Check-out at 11:00
- Booking Sites: Booking.com Agoda Hotels.com
Grandia Housen (グランディア芳泉)
"Grandia Housen" is one of the representative hotels in Awara Onsen.
With a history of more than 60 years since its establishment in 1963, it has evolved with the times, ensuring that neither its facilities nor its services ever feel outdated. It is a popular hotel where you can enjoy luxurious and relaxing moments.
The hotel not only features hot springs but also offers restaurants, foot baths, an observatory terrace, banquet halls, a karaoke bar, shopping areas, a lounge, a beauty and hair salon, and more, allowing you to fully enjoy your stay.
In the bright lounge facing the Japanese garden, you can help yourself to beer, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages, making it an ideal spot for a rest after check-in or for enjoying coffee after a meal.
The Heavenly SPA on the 5th floor has "Tsuki no Yu" (Moon Bath) and "Hoshi no Yu" (Star Bath), which draw hot water from three different sources, ensuring an abundant supply of hot water.
Tsuki no Yu features a large bath, Japanese cypress bath, reclining bath, hanging bath, sauna bath, cold water bath, and an outdoor terrace bath.
Hoshi no Yu features a large bath, Japanese cypress bath, sleep bath, microbubble bath, hanging bath, sauna bath, cold water bath, and an outdoor bath.
"Restaurant Toshi no Kura（レストラン季の蔵）" is a restaurant exclusively available to guests staying in the detached rooms such as "Kokomichi-tei（ここみち亭）,"Nagomi no Za Sakura-tei（なごみの坐さくら亭）," "Kouraku-den（煌枠殿）," and "Kanwaku-den（寛枠殿）." It boasts a 550-square-meter brick oven kitchen and offers the finest buffet-style dinners.
The buffet dinner is carefully crafted by the Executive Chef, responsible for the first-class in-flight meals on Japan Airlines. The luxury version includes crab dishes, seafood from the Hokuriku region, sushi, Wakasa beef steak, foie gras, truffles, caviar, and more. Enjoy a variety of freshly prepared dishes and a lively atmosphere.
"Grandia Housen" offers a variety of room types, from economical rooms to villa-style independent rooms.
In addition, there are special plans available in winter where you can savor Echizen crabs. Please be sure to check the hotel's booking website for details.
- Grandia Housen (グランディア芳泉)
- Address: 43-26 Funatsu, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture
- Access: A 15-minute drive from Hokuriku Expressway Kanazu IC / A 10-minute drive from JR Ashibara Onsen Station
- Business Hours: Check-in from 15:00 to 19:00 / Check-out at 10:00
- Booking Sites: Booking.com Agoda Hotels.com
Matsuya Sensen (まつや千千)
The word "Sensen" (千千) refers to the appearance of abundant plants and lush greenery.
The name "Matsuya Sensen" was chosen because this place is surrounded by greenery throughout the year, with pine trees believed to be auspicious trees. It is hoped that it will be loved by customers and stay vibrant in the years to come.
You can reach the hotel by a free shuttle bus (reservation required) from JR Awara Onsen Station, which takes about 10 minutes.
From check-in to dinner, you can not only enjoy the hot springs but also relax in your room, where you can experience a free matcha tea ceremony and a free hot spring egg experience.
The hotel features a restaurant, souvenir shop, tea room, karaoke bar, club, bar lounge, mahjong room, beauty and hair salon, and more, ensuring a rich and entertaining experience.
Rooms are divided into three types: the standard "Yuyu-kan," the slightly more luxurious "Sensen-kan," and the "Toki Wasure Risa" rooms, which all have open-air hot spring baths.
If you are traveling for an anniversary celebration, we recommend the special "Toki Wasure Risa" rooms.
Matsuya Sensen also offers a range of services beloved by women, such as the rental of colorful yukatas and aroma pots, as well as complimentary bath amenities.
"Chiyomi-so" is the exclusive restaurant for "Toki Wasure Risa" and offers dishes prepared with carefully selected seasonal ingredients from Fukui Prefecture.
After bathing, you can enjoy a higher level of service, including complimentary beverages, in the exclusive salon.
Matsuya Sensen's bathing area is one of the largest in Hokuriku, with a total area of 1,500 square meters for both men and women.
The hot spring large bath is always filled with abundant hot water and is named "Chino Koboreyu" because it leaves you with a smile.
The men's bath is known as the "Man Man no Yu."
There are a variety of open-air baths, including large baths, Tsubo-yu (pot bath), reclining baths, and more, to help you unwind from your daily fatigue.
The women's bath is called the "Hyaku Hyaku no Yu."
In addition to the seven baths, including large baths, Tsubo-yu, Kame-yu, and a massage bath, there is a therapeutic sauna that has the same effect as a bedrock bath.
There are plans for same-day round-trip bathing, including those with dinner and those for bathing only.
The "Bathing Only" plan for the public bath area is available from 16:00 to 21:00 (last admission at 20:00), and the plan with dinner is available from 16:00 to 20:00 (last admission at 19:00).
Please note that regardless of the plan, you cannot use the waiting room or guest rooms after bathing, only the lobby area.
- Matsuya Sensen（まつや千千）
- Address: 31-24 Funatsu, Awara, Fukui, Japan
- Access:
- Driving 15 minutes from Hokuriku Expressway Kanazu IC.
- Driving 10 minutes from JR Ashibara Onsen Station (Shuttle service available from 14:00 to 18:00, reservation required).
- Business Hours: Check-in from 15:00 to 19:30 / Check-out at 10:00
- Booking Sites: Booking.com Agoda Hotels.com
Recommended Hot Spring Facilities in the Tojinbo Mikuni Onsen
Tojinbo Mikuni Onsen is the collective name for the hot springs in the onsen town of Sankuni-cho in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, as well as the Tojinbo Onsen located there.
This is an onsen town that stretches along the Sea of Japan, offering breathtaking views of Tojinbo. It is dotted with various types of inns, ryokans, and hotels.
In October 2022, the hot springs in Sankuni-cho were renamed "Tojinbo Mikuni Onsen." Many people visit Tojinbo Mikuni Onsen for its fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.
Many of the accommodations have a keen eye for seafood, with owners sometimes going fishing themselves or having qualifications as seafood brokers to provide memorable cuisine for their guests.
Especially during the winter, many people come to Sankuni to enjoy both the hot springs and crab dishes.
Mikuni Onsen YOURPORT（三国温泉ゆあぽーと）
Sankuni Onsen Yuaport is a day-trip hot spring facility located a 5-minute walk from Echizen Railway Sankuni-kō Station.
It is situated right next to Sankuni Sunset Beach, so during the summer swimming season, it gets crowded with people who come here not only to enjoy the hot springs but also to swim.
The facility has a simple structure with a large indoor bathing area, a sauna, and a cold-water bath.
The natural hot spring water is of the "chloride/sulfate spring" type, and the water temperature is very warm.
On the second floor of the building, there is a terrace that gives you the feeling of being in a resort, overlooking the Sea of Japan.
Relax and enjoy some leisurely time while watching the sunset over Sankuni, renowned as Japan's best, from the café's wooden deck.
- Mikuni Onsen YOURPORT（三国温泉ゆあぽーと）
- Address: Sankuni-cho Shuku 2-18-1, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
- Access:
- 5-minute walk from Sankuni-kō Station
- 25-minute drive from Hokuriku Expressway Kanazu IC
- Business Hours: 10:00-23:00 (Last admission at 22:30)
- 入浴费：Adults (Junior high school students and above) 500 yen, Children (Elementary school students and below) 200 yen
- Booking Sites: https://yourport.biz/
Kyukamura Echizen-Mikuni（休暇村 越前三国）
The "National Recreation Village," which began construction in 1961, is a government-run leisure facility built in beautiful natural environments such as national parks or quasi-national parks.
Since 2004, it has been privatized and renamed "Kyukamura," and there are currently 35 accommodation facilities operating nationwide.
In addition to their excellent locations, they offer various reasonably priced plans, making them ideal for families looking for leisurely vacations.
Kyukamura Echizen Sangoku is located on a grassy hill by the sea, just a 5-minute drive from Tojinbo.
The calm Futano-hama coast stretches out before you, and on the other side of the grassy square, you can see the deep blue Sea of Japan.
The swimming pool is open for a limited time during the summer, and there's also a beach nearby, attracting many families.
Kyukamura Echizen Sangoku takes pride in its "Araishi-no-Yu" hot spring, which is a sodium and calcium chloride spring known for its highly moisturizing effects, leaving your skin refreshed.
The garden open-air bath extends onto the surrounding lawn, giving you a sense of openness.
In the evening, soaking in the hot spring while gazing at the starry sky is truly a moment of bliss.
During cherry blossom season, you can enjoy cherry blossoms while soaking in the open-air bath.
Dinner options include Kaiseki cuisine and buffet-style meals.
From spring to early summer and autumn, the "Minato-machi Toyoshiki Buffet" focuses on the Minato-machi fishing village of Sangoku, offering a variety of fish and local specialties.
In addition to the buffet, there is also a "Soft Abalone and Sweet Sea Bream Duo" option, which features dishes made from abalone and seasonal sea bream.
During the summer vacation season, they also offer a "Summer Buffet" with additional menu items that children will love.
The dishes prepared in the open kitchen are made from a large selection of seasonal ingredients, offering delicious flavors and a variety of options that are highly appreciated by guests.
The self-serve dessert and beverage bar is also popular with children.
After the ban on Echizen crabs is lifted, they introduce the "Crab Master Set" and the "Revival · Superb Set," both of which feature dishes made with two Echizen crabs. Don't miss out!
- Kyukamura Echizen-Mikuni（休暇村 越前三国）
- Address: 15-45 Saki, Sangoku-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
- Access: 25 minutes by car from Hokuriku Expressway Kanazawa IC
- Business Hours: Check-in 15:00-18:30 / Check-out 10:00
- Booking Sites: Agoda Rakuten Travel
Ryori Minshuku Isoya（料理民宿いそや）
"Ryori Minshuku Isoya" is a small inn with 8 guest rooms.
This longstanding inn, which has been in the hospitality business for over 40 years, underwent renovations in 2015 due to generational changes and was reborn with a retro Showa and Taisho romantic atmosphere.
The hotel's goal is to become a romantic inn that evokes a nostalgic feeling by incorporating the essence of a beautiful bygone era that most Japanese have almost forgotten.
We recommend the "Newly renovated retro Western-Japanese fusion room" in the upper left corner of the photos. This special room offers the best views of Oshima and the three major rock areas of Echizen Matsushima, providing a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan.
The male and female baths are determined based on reservations for the day, a privilege that only a small inn can offer. Relax in the clean baths and unwind from the fatigue of your journey while gazing out at the Sea of Japan through the hedges.
As implied by the hotel's name, the specialty dishes are local fish dishes made from fresh seafood ingredients, including Echizen crab caught in Sangoku Port.
From April onwards, you can savor seafood from the Sea of Japan, with Sangoku Port offering cherry sea bream, yellowtail, mackerel, bream, bonito, and pufferfish, while Mikuni Port provides red sea bream, flathead flounder, sweetfish, sweet shrimp, prawns, and snow crab, among others.
Needless to say, dinners featuring seafood from these two ports, along with locally sourced rice, vegetables, and wild plants, are the best.
During Echizen crab season (November 6 to the end of March), the inn directly sources live crabs from Sangoku Port. Guests can enjoy various cooking styles of Echizen crab, including sashimi, boiled, grilled, and hot pot, as part of the crab meal set.
This is an inn that takes pride in its cuisine, and it sees many regular customers returning each year during Echizen crab season.
- Ryori Minshuku Isoya（料理民宿いそや）
- Address: 33-2-2 Saki, Sangoku-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
- Access: 20 minutes by car from Hokuriku Expressway Kanazawa IC
- Business Hours: Check-in 15:00-18:00 / Check-out 10:00
- Booking Sites: Rakuten Travel
Echizen Onsen Recommended Hot Spring Facilities
he Echizen coastline stretches from Tojinbo in the north to Sugitsu in the city of Obama in the south and is designated as a national park.
In the summer, many people come here for swimming and diving, while in the winter, they come to savor the delicious Echizen crab.
Echizen is one of Japan's three major daffodil gathering places, with beautiful daffodils blooming on the slopes, attracting tourists.
The Tamagawa Onsen, Kuritani Onsen, and Southern Echizen Onsen in the Echizen coastal area are collectively known as Echizen Onsen.
Known for its smooth skin and gentle spring water, it is renowned as a beauty hot spring.
It is said that this hot spring has various beneficial effects, such as improving health, alleviating chronic constipation, relieving fatigue, and providing resistance to cold, making it highly regarded by hot spring enthusiasts.
Echizen Onsen Open-Air Bath "Isaribi" （越前温泉露天風呂 漁火）
Echizen Onsen Open-Air Bath "Isaribi" is a day-trip hot spring facility located near the "Echizen" station.
It is adjacent to the "Active House Echizen" water resort, which features a heated swimming pool and a spa center, as well as the "Echizen Crab Museum."
There are three indoor baths (rock bath, crab bubble bath, hinoki cypress bath), three outdoor baths (Isabi-no-yu, Tomo-no-yu, Sunset bath), a sauna, and open-air baths. Private family baths are also available.
One of its major advantages is its fantastic views. During the day, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and the sunset, while at night, you can gaze at the stars and fishing lanterns while relaxing in the hot spring.
As a resting area, there is a free lounge and paid private rooms (up to 3 hours) where you can enjoy the hot spring while taking a break.
- Echizen Onsen Open-Air Bath "Isaribi" （越前温泉露天風呂 漁火）
- Address: Kamado 71-335-1, Echizen Town, Nyu County, Fukui Prefecture
- Access: 50 minutes by car from the Hokuriku Expressway Suzu IC, 45 minutes by car from the Obama IC
- Business Hours: 11:00 - 21:00 (Last admission at 20:30)
- 休息日：Every Tuesday *No closure during summer vacation
- 价格：
- [Open-Air Bath] Adults (junior high school students and above) 520 yen, elementary school students 310 yen, toddlers (3 years and older) 200 yen
- [Private Rental Bath] Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,040 yen, elementary school students 620 yen, toddlers (3 years and older) 410 yen *Per hour
- [Lounge/Private Room] Weekdays 1,670 yen, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 2,300 yen *Every 3 hours
Echizen coast Hamayu Sekian Matsu（旅館 はまゆう 松石庵）
"Echizen coast Hamayu Sekian Matsu" is a small inn located on the Echizen coast, known for its delicious cuisine.
This traditional Japanese inn aims to provide guests with a relaxing and homey atmosphere, a feeling that is evident throughout the entire hotel. They want you to experience the comfort of walking barefoot, so tatami mat flooring is installed throughout the building, including the lobby, hallways, and stairs.
It's also child-friendly, making it a great option for families traveling with kids. The public baths even provide baby cribs, bath chairs, and baby bath soap.
The children's area also features massage chairs, allowing adults to relax while kids play. The entire building is covered in tatami mat flooring, providing a safe space for babies to crawl around.
There are 9 Matsuishian rooms with semi-open-air baths, 2 special Matsuishian rooms with semi-open-air baths, and 8 rooms in the main building (without baths or toilets).
The special rooms are highly recommended, as they offer magnificent views of the Sea of Japan from both the room and the semi-open-air bath.
The hot spring used at Hamayu is sourced from the Echizen Minami Buono hot spring. It has a natural sodium quality, which makes the water smooth and gentle.
The large communal bath overlooking the Sea of Japan is open 24 hours a day, allowing you to soak while enjoying the changing scenery of the Sea of Japan, relieving the fatigue of your journey.
During the winter, most guests at Hamayu come in search of Echizen crab. Snow crabs caught in Fukui Prefecture are known as Echizen crabs, and they are tagged with a yellow label as proof of authenticity.
Because the fishing grounds are nearby, the Echizen crabs brought ashore are not frozen, ensuring that you can enjoy them in their freshest state.
There are various Echizen crab course meals available, so you can choose one that fits your budget.
Another great advantage of this inn is that it allows you to dine in your room, so you can leisurely enjoy your meals without any hesitation.
- Echizen coast Hamayu Sekian Matsu（旅館 はまゆう 松石庵）
- Address: 5-40-1 Mohara, Echizen-cho, Nyu District, Fukui Prefecture
- Access: 40 minutes by car from the Hokuriku Expressway Tsuruga IC, accessible by walking from the "Nakamohara" bus stop
- Business Hours: Check-in 15:30-18:00 / Check-out 10:00
- Booking Sites: Rakuten Travel
Yamazaki Ryori Ryokan（料理宿やまざき）
Yamazaki Ryori Ryokan is a unique inn that was built 140 years ago and relocated to the Echizen Coast. It was originally a building that had to be dismantled due to road expansion but was reborn at its new location as an inn with nearly a century of history.
This building was transformed by a design company that has renovated over 300 old houses, making it a stylish and retro-inspired structure adorned with elegant furnishings to welcome guests.
There are a total of 6 rooms: 1 Japanese-Western fusion style room on the 1st floor and 5 Japanese-style rooms on the 2nd floor.
The high ceilings, sturdy beams, and warm interior decor allow you to fully experience the charm of traditional Japanese architecture.
We recommend the four Japanese-style rooms on the second floor that face the sea, offering a breathtaking view of the Japan Sea.
In winter, you can admire the turbulent waves of the Japan Sea, while in summer, you can enjoy fireworks while experiencing the atmosphere of the Echizen Coast.
The hot spring here is carefully selected and heated to perfection. In front of the communal bath, you have an unobstructed view of the boundless Japan Sea, allowing you to soak in the hot spring while enjoying the sunset over the sea.
The inn's 24-hour operation is a special feature, allowing you to enjoy hot water at any time of day.
Yamazaki Ryori Ryokan has the privilege of participating in auctions held by Echizen Town, so you can purchase fresh fish without going through agents or fishmongers.
From April 1st to November 7th, outside of the Echizen Crab season, the inn offers 8 to 10 dishes featuring the fresh flavors of Echizen, including freshly caught sashimi, grilled fish, and fried fish from the same-day catches using fixed nets and bottom trawls.
When the Echizen Crab season begins, you can savor the delicious Echizen Crabs, which are carefully selected and purchased by the owner and boiled in a special oven to match your dining time.
A bowl of freshly cooked crab, half grilled and half sashimi, can be enjoyed with a hot pot. The best part is that you can indulge in plenty of Echizen Crabs for both breakfast and subsequent crab dishes.
- Yamazaki Ryori Ryokan（料理宿やまざき）
- Address: 16-53-1 Kurune, Echizen-cho, Nyu-gun, Fukui
- Access:
- 3-minute walk from the "Kuriya" bus stop
- Approximately a 1-hour drive from the Hokuriku Expressway Tsuruga IC
- Business Hours: Check-in 15:00-18:00 / Check-out 10:00
- Booking Sites: Rakuten Travel
This time, we introduced the hot spring resorts in Fukui Prefecture and recommended day trip hot springs and hot spring inns.
If you're traveling with your family, we suggest visiting in the summer when you can swim in the sea. If you're looking for a gourmet journey, we recommend visiting in the winter when you can savor the delicious Echizen crabs.
In Fukui Prefecture, which is rich in tourist attractions, you can enjoy abundant hot springs and culinary delights.
