Furuyu Onsen Oncri
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 47 reviews
Furuyu Onsen Oncri sits in a quiet mountain hollow of Furuyu Onsen in Saga Prefecture, blending contemporary architecture with ryokan traditions under its "Japanese Contemporary" design. The property positions itself as a ryokan with onsen within easy reach of Fukuoka — roughly 60–85 minutes by car or about an hour by scheduled connections via Saga — and offers a free shuttle to JR Saga Station for guests who reserve in advance. Public spaces favour natural materials and framed mountain views, creating a measured, modern interpretation of traditional inn hospitality.
Oncri’s bathing programme centres on the local "Nuruyu" low-temperature spring water and comprises fifteen different indoor and outdoor baths, with features such as cypress and rock pools, steam and cascade baths, a natural sand bath and multiple foot-bath options. For guests seeking seclusion, three private hot-spring baths are available alongside larger public baths and a sand therapy area; the variety encourages long, restorative soaks at lower temperatures suited to extended relaxation. Short foot-massage treatments and spa services are offered to complement the bathing facilities.
Guest accommodation ranges from tatami-style suites with futons to modern twin and double rooms, each oriented to capture mountain vistas and soft natural light. Dining focuses on Saga-sourced ingredients across three curated restaurants — an Italian-focused venue, a kaiseki restaurant serving seasonal multi-course menus and a teppanyaki counter — with a bar for after-dinner drinks. Family-friendly amenities include a children’s play corner and a boutique selling regional crafts, while practical touches such as complimentary parking and multilingual staff underline the attentive service at this ryokan with private onsen in Saga Prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Furuyu Onsen Oncri
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities and variety
Guests frequently praise the hot spring offerings — multiple indoor and outdoor baths, a pleasant open-air area, sand bath option and foot baths — making the onsen a highlight for relaxation.
High-quality meals (kaiseki dinner and breakfast)
Many reviews highlight the food as exceptional, noting impressive kaiseki dinners, varied and tasty breakfasts, and high-quality local ingredients (including SAGA beef and fresh regional produce).
Friendly, attentive staff and helpful service
Staff are described as polite, helpful and hardworking; even when language was limited they assisted guests and provided thoughtful touches (for example, tote bags for onsen use).
Spacious, comfortable and clean rooms
Visitors comment that rooms are large, comfortable and well kept, with good bedding and pleasant room layouts (Japanese-style and Western-style options appreciated).
Peaceful mountain setting and atmosphere
The ryokan’s location in the mountains, scenic views (including snowy landscapes), calm environment and cozy atmosphere are repeatedly noted as major positives, ideal for a peaceful getaway.
Negative Reviews
Access and weather-related communication issues
A few guests experienced problems during extreme weather (heavy snow) and found it difficult to get timely updates or route guidance; one group suggested the hotel proactively contact guests with travel information in such conditions.
Slippery bath areas and safety concerns
Several reviews mention slippery surfaces around the baths (especially outdoor/rock areas), advising better anti-slip measures to improve safety for guests, particularly older visitors.
Temperature and comfort concerns in rooms/bathrooms
Some guests found bathrooms very cold and mentioned heating was insufficient for winter tent/relax areas; one guest noted the provided blanket was too thick for spring weather, indicating inconsistent room comfort.
Privacy and room design issues
A few guests were uncomfortable with certain room features — notably glass or transparent toilet doors — which reduced privacy and caused embarrassment for some visitors.
Remote location limits convenience and transport options
The hotel’s rural location means few nearby convenience stores; guests would have appreciated more in-room snacks/drinks. Public transport is not ideal — shuttle service exists but must be reserved, and some guests recommend renting a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary: Japanese-style rooms can sleep up to six on futons and there are mixed Japanese/Western rooms with beds; capacity depends on the specific room so check the room details when booking.
The property offers multiple public baths including indoor and open-air baths, separate saunas for men and women, and a foot bath; standard onsen etiquette (washing before entering) applies.
A hotel shuttle operates to/from JR Saga Station with scheduled pickup times (typically around 14:00 and 15:00) and return trips (around 10:00 and 11:00); transport to Saga Airport or other locations can be arranged on request—please reserve in advance.
From Fukuoka Airport take the highway/limousine bus to Saga Station (about 1 hour) then use the hotel shuttle or a local bus toward Furuyu Onsen; total travel time depends on connections but typically ranges around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Japanese is the primary language; staff provide basic English support and the hotel offers English information on its website, with email contact available for pre-arrival questions.
Dining options include a traditional kaiseki Japanese restaurant, an Italian restaurant and teppan-style cuisine; the ryokan blends contemporary design with Japanese ryokan elements and offers loungewear/yukata and seasonal course menus.
Nearby highlights include Karatsu and Arita (around one hour by car), Saga city (about 30 minutes), and the quiet historic Furuyu hot-spring village itself which is pleasant to explore on foot.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 11:00; the property is closed for entry between 00:00 and 06:00, so notify the hotel if you expect to arrive late.
Dinner and breakfast are served in the hotel restaurants rather than in guest rooms, and guests should reserve meal service at least one day before arrival.
Pets are not permitted on the property; private/reserved (kashikiri) baths are not listed among standard facilities so please contact the hotel to request availability; a 24-hour Family Mart convenience store is approximately a 10-minute drive away.