Kyuragi Onsen; Sayohime no Yu
Karatsu, Saga, Japan
- Location
- Karatsu, Saga, Japan
- Water type
- thermal, sodium chloride
- Temperature
- 39 °C
- pH
- 7.3
Water profile
Thermicity
Sedative
LowHigh
Relaxing — deep, immediate muscle release.
Mineralisation
Restorative
LowHigh
Loaded with major ions — the essential minerals (Ca, Mg).
Buoyancy
Effortless float
LowHigh
Dense, salty water — you float without effort.
SodiumChloruresBrome
Kyuragi Onsen, also known as Sayohime no Yu, is located in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture. The sodium-chloride thermal water reaches roughly 39°C, with an indoor bath, an outdoor rotenburo bath and a sauna.
Insider tip — 'Sayohime no Yu' (佐用姫の湯 — Princess Sayohime's spring) at Kyuragi Onsen in Karatsu-Saga. Matsura Sayohime is one of Japan's most poignant legendary figures: she fell in love with the general Otomo no Sadehiko, sent to Korea in the 6th century. She waved her scarf from a mountaintop as his ship departed until she turned to stone. The Man'yoshu records her grief. Her spring here sits in sight of the Korea-facing Genkai Sea, where her love sailed away. A bath in waters bearing her name is a meditation on devotion and impermanence.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How hot is the water?
The water runs quite hot here, around 39 °C — a sedative water that brings immediate muscle release.
What type of water is found here?
This spot features thermal & sodium chloride water.
What is the best season to visit?
The most favourable period for this spot is: Toute l'année.