Discovering Kyushu's Hidden Quirks by Campervan
One of the greatest joys of exploring Kyushu by campervan is the freedom to stumble upon local experiences that standard guidebooks leave out. While a traditional hot spring (onsen) is a must-do for any traveler visiting Japan, Kyushu has its own regional twists on it. Case in point: bathing in a giant teacup.
Ureshino Onsen and Arita-yaki Heritage
Located in Saga Prefecture, Ureshino Onsen is celebrated for its highly alkaline waters that are famously known to leave your skin feeling incredibly smooth. The town is also deeply rooted in green tea production. Just a short drive away lies Arita, a town world-renowned for its exquisite Arita-yaki porcelain, which has been crafted for over 400 years.
At Yuzen no Yado Toukai (悠然の宿 東海), a beautiful local ryokan, the region's two crafts, tea and porcelain, meet in one bath.
The Arita Porcelain Teacup Baths
Instead of standard wooden or stone tubs, Yuzen no Yado Toukai features private, open-air baths (kashikiri-buro) that are actual, oversized Arita porcelain teacups. They are not painted imitations; they are real fired Arita-yaki pieces, carefully designed and adorned with elegant seasonal motifs such as cherry blossoms, orchids, and chrysanthemums. Because these are private baths, you can rent one for yourself or your travel companions (perfect for couples or families), meaning you can enjoy the steaming, skin-beautifying waters of Ureshino while feeling like you've shrunk down and fallen into a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Campervan Travel Tips: Visiting Toukai
If you're driving a VanTripJapan campervan, getting to Ureshino Onsen is straightforward. The town is well-connected by highways from Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Saga cities. Here's what you need to know:
- Parking: The ryokan has dedicated parking, but it's always best to arrive slightly early or call ahead to ensure space for a campervan, especially during weekends.
- Day Use (Higaeri Onsen): You don't have to stay overnight! The ryokan typically allows day-trippers to rent these private teacup baths for around 50 minutes. We recommend inquiring in advance as availability can be limited.
- Nearby Attractions: After your bath, take a walk through Ureshino to enjoy local Ureshino green tea, or drive to the nearby Arita Porcelain Park to see more of the region's ceramics.
Add Yuzen no Yado Toukai to a Kyushu road trip and you get a long, quiet soak and some of the best bath photos of your trip.