Golden Week in Japan
Have you heard of Japan’s Golden Week? This is a unique period of time from April 29th to early May that contains four closely spaced holidays. The four holidays are Shōwa Day (April 29), Constitution Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), and Children’s Day (May 5).
As this is one of the longest holidays in Japan, many celebrations and festivals take place throughout the country. At Tsuetate Onsen on the island of Kyushu, you can view a majestic display of carp streamers fluttering above a rushing river during the Children’s Day Carp Festival.
Koinobori Carp Festival for Children’s Day
Carp streamers, koinobori (鯉のぼり) are the most iconic decoration used to celebrate Children’s Day. These fabric fish are displayed to honor children and bless them with a future where they grow up healthy and strong.
Koi was chosen as the symbol of Children’s Day as it is considered to be an incredibly spirited animal – it is so full of power and determination that it can swim upriver despite rushing streams and cascades. The koi’s strength and tenacity to overcome obstacles reflect the same goal for children to grow up strong and resilient.
Tsuetate Onsen holds a Koinobori Carp festival every year during Golden Week. It’s a lovely sight to see that you won’t want to miss!
Getting to Tsuetate Onsen
Tsuetate Onsen is located on the border of Oita and Kumamoto prefectures in the middle of Kyushu Island. The area is known for its high-quality hot springs and nostalgic ambiance. Transportation is limited for those without car access, but a bus route does allow for relatively easy (though infrequent) travel from Fukuoka’s Hakata and Tenjin Bus Terminals.
I had difficulties getting Google Maps to show the desired bus route correctly. However you can find current timetables for riding the Highway Bus on the Kurokawa Onsen line here: Fukuoka –> Tsuetate, Tsuetate –> Fukuoka.
Note that travel along this route requires advance reservation, so pick up tickets before you travel. Tickets can be arranged at major Bus Terminals like the Hakata Bus Terminal.
The bus ride from Hakata to Tsuetate takes just around two hours. Once you get out of the city, prepare yourself to “ooh” and “aah” out the window as the most beautiful scenery passes by. (The last hour of the ride was honestly one of the most scenic bus rides I’ve been on).
Side note: If you visit during Golden Week, the location of the Tsuetate Bus stop may be different than usual.
Additionally, since Golden Week is the most popular time to visit the area, traffic and parking can be very complicated for those coming by car.
Things to Do in Tsuetate Onsen
You made it to Tsuetate Onsen, and hopefully, you are traveling during the famous Koinobori Festival!
While the town is pretty small, it is still a nice place to slow down and relax in a valley of nature.
Take in the view of the flying carp from various places around town. You can relax by the river or stand on one of the many bridges to get a different perspective of the more than 3,000 swimming fish. When the wind picks up, they flutter in the air in ripples of rainbow color.
One of the best places to see the carp is on Momiji Bridge which is located downriver at the edge of town. In addition to seeing all the hanging streamers, you can buy an ema, a small wooden plaque, to write your wishes and hang on the bridge. Ema cost ¥300 and come in different shapes like carp, hearts, and a bear (Kumomoto’s mascot is a bear).
On the opposite side of town from Momiji Bridge, you can find stalls selling Tsuetate pudding, charcoal-grilled food, ice cream, curry, and onsen steamed eggs. Order your favorites and enjoy your snack sitting by the river.
A cup of pudding cost ¥320 and had sweet caramel at the bottom. Be sure to mix it before eating!
The salted steamed egg was ¥100 yen. To me, it tasted just like a regular boiled egg…
Charcoal-grilled fish and chicken for ¥800.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Tsuetate Onsen has particular “steam-it-yourself” locations around town. Since the area is gushing with hot water and billowing steam, these little stalls were built so that anyone can steam-cook their own food as they like.
Each location has directions on how to use the steamer station and recommended steaming times. There are even vending machines around town that sell eggs, potatoes, and vegetables to use for steaming.
After eating, explore the sedoyas, or small back-alley streets. These narrow roads twist and turn between the tightly packed buildings, and occasionally offer a nice view of the river from above.
Where to Stay in Tsuetate Onsen
Many families who drive to Tsuetate Onsen only come for the day before heading home. If you’re limited to the bus schedule, however, this could make your trip quite rushed. Instead, how about staying the night at one of the traditional Japanese-style inns called ryokans?
The ryokans at Tsuetate Onsen date back many years, some 100 to over 300 years old!
Bookings can be challenging to secure if you travel during Golden Week, so advance planning is recommended. Additionally, most of the ryokans do not allow for solo guests to stay.
Luckily I was able to find a place that does accommodate solo travelers: Hakusui-so Ryokan (旅館白水荘). For a list of all the ryokans in the area, check out here.
Not only can you soak up the culture that comes with staying in a ryokan (sleeping on a futon in a tatami room, working the thin sliding paper and wood doors, wearing a yukata, and eating traditional food), but you also have the opportunity to take a dip in one of the famous onsen baths.
The water from the hot springs in Tsuetate is said to contain a high amount of metasilicic acid – a natural moisturizing ingredient that is good for the skin.
Here is a list of the hot springs in the area. Some are for guests of that ryokan only, but others allow for drop-in visitors and even have private baths for families to enjoy together.
Final Thoughts
Tsuetate Onsen is a bit out of the way if you live in one of the major cities, but if you make the venture out, you will be rewarded with a humble sanctuary full of history and nature.
If you are looking to make a bigger trip out of a Tsuetate adventure, you can add Hita to the itinerary. Hita lies in between central Fukuoka and Tsuetate, and is also accessible by bus. It is another quiet town that is preserved in its times. Some people call Hita the Kyoto of Kyushu!
Are you interested in more Japan adventures? Make sure to check out these blog posts too!
- Kurokawa Onsen Village: Onsen Hopping and Overnight Stay – Try onsen hopping in a beautiful mountain village!
- Craft Inn 手 [té]: An Immersive Art Experience in Yame, Fukuoka – Stay overnight in a beautiful Japanese Inn surrounded by art.
- Herbal Steam Bath Detox -Kannawa Mushiyu in Beppu, Oita – Are you a fan of onsens? Learn about this special herbal steam bath in Oita!
- Solo Hiking the Nakasendo Trail: Complete Guide and Itinerary – Take a hike on one of Japan’s oldest trails that leads from Kyoto to Tokyo
- Bungo Beef: Oita’s Signature Wagyu – Close to Tsuetate onsen is Oita prefecture! Oita is another place famous for hot springs and steamed food.
- Aizome Traditional Indigo Dyeing in Kurume – Try your hand at traditional indigo dyeing in Kurume!