Japan’s Best-Kept Secret Awara Onsen in Fukui

Fukui Awara Onsen: A Quiet Hidden Hot Spring Retreat in Japan

If you’re looking to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful, authentic hot spring experience, Awara Onsen is a highly recommended hidden gem.

Located in Fukui Prefecture, this onsen town is less well-known than places like Hakone or Kusatsu Onsen. However, that’s exactly what makes it special—it offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourists. Here, you can enjoy traditional ryokan stays, delicious local cuisine, and nearby natural and cultural attractions.

Local Food Highlights

Fukui is known for its fresh seafood and regional cuisine:

・Echizen crab (winter)
・Nodoguro (premium fish)
・Local sake

Meals at ryokan are often a highlight of the trip.

Relax at a Foot Bath

Try the free public foot bath, Ashiyu.

・Free entry
・Beautiful wooden design
・Especially relaxing in the evening

Nearby Attractions

Awara Onsen is a great base for exploring Fukui.

Tojinbo Cliffs

・Dramatic cliffs along the Sea of Japan
・One of the most famous scenic spots in the region
・About 40 minutes by bus

Eiheiji Temple

・A peaceful Zen Buddhist temple surrounded by forest
・About 1–1.5 hours by train and bus

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

・One of the world’s top dinosaur museums
・Requires additional bus access from Fukui City

Getting Around: Is It Easy Without a Car?

This is an important point for travelers.

You can visit major attractions by public transportation, but:

・Buses may not run very frequently
・Transfers are sometimes required
・Travel takes longer than expected

For example:

・Tojinbo Cliffs → relatively easy by bus
・Eiheiji Temple → requires train + bus
・Dinosaur Museum → more time and planning needed

⇒ Renting a car makes travel much easier and more flexible.

With vs Without a Car

・Without a car → doable, but requires planning
・With a car → much faster and more convenient

Driving times:

・Tojinbo → ~20 minutes
・Eiheiji → ~45 minutes
・Dinosaur Museum → ~1 hour

Travel Tips for International Visitors

・Tattoos: Some onsen may require covering them
・Onsen etiquette: No swimsuits, wash before entering
・Language: Larger ryokan often provide English support

Final Thoughts

Awara Onsen is perfect if you want:

・A quiet and less touristy destination
・A traditional Japanese ryokan experience
・A balance of relaxation and light sightseeing

It may take a little more effort to explore the area—but that’s part of its charm.

Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Stays

To help travelers with tattoos enjoy hot springs with peace of mind, we’ve selected a few tattoo-friendly ryokan and accommodations with onsen. Please note that policies can change, so it’s always best to confirm with the property in advance.

Tattoos Allowed with Covering

♨Hotel Yagi
Awara Onsen Hotel YagiAwara Onsen · Partially Allowed›

♨Awara Onsen Seifuso
Awara Onsen SeifusoAwara Onsen · Partially Allowed›

Private Bath Only

♨Awara Onsen Grand Hotel
Awara Onsen Grand HotelAwara Onsen · Private Rooms Only›

♨Grandia Housen
Awara Onsen Grandia HousenAwara Onsen · Private Rooms Only›

♨Kofu Yuden Beniya
Awara Onsen Kofu Yuden BeniyaAwara Onsen · Private Rooms Only›

There are many other wounderful places to stay in Awara onsen, so please check them out on this page!