Furuyu Onsen Oncri

This hotel is highly regarded for its lukewarm hot springs, which allow guests to enjoy extended, therapeutic soaks, often accompanied by stunning mountain and forest views. It is celebrated for its excellent food, attentive staff, and clean, modern facilities, making it a memorable destination. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a peaceful and romantic escape, families with young children due to its dedicated play areas and child-friendly amenities, and solo travelers looking for a tranquil retreat. Food enthusiasts will also find the dining experiences a significant highlight. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room that offers panoramic views of the surrounding nature and take full advantage of the unique lukewarm baths for deep relaxation.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a wide array of hot springs facilities, including various indoor and outdoor baths with differing temperatures, such as jet baths, barrel baths, waterfall baths, and rock baths. Guests can also experience unique options like box steam baths and a sand bath, though the latter incurs an additional fee. While some guests noted the sauna temperature was a bit low, the overall bathing experience is highly praised. For families, a spacious and well-equipped kids' room is a significant draw, allowing children to play freely and even take toys to their rooms. A quiet library lounge on the sixth floor provides a serene space for relaxation, and a gift shop offers a selection of local products and souvenirs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness throughout the property and in the rooms. The accommodations are described as spacious and designed in a modern Japanese style, often featuring large windows that frame beautiful mountain and river views. Many appreciate the comfortable beds and the provision of mineral water in the refrigerator, along with a thoughtful tea set. While most rooms offer a peaceful environment, some guests occasionally noted noise from children running in hallways. Some rooms feature a private cypress bath, adding a luxurious touch, and while most bathrooms are well-maintained, one guest mentioned a lack of privacy due to a glass toilet door. An isolated comment noted a smelly air conditioning unit in one bedroom.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive widespread acclaim, particularly the dinner experiences. Guests can choose from a delightful Italian course at Sebri or a traditional Kaiseki meal, with some also enjoying Teppanyaki. The cuisine is consistently described as "delicious," "high quality," and featuring local ingredients such as Saga beef and fresh vegetables, prepared with great care. While most praise the generous portions, a few guests noted occasional delays in serving main dishes at the buffet or slower service due to busy periods. The breakfast is a popular buffet style, offering a good variety of options, including local specialties like Saga nori and fresh sashimi, though some found the food could be cold if visited later in the morning.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a picturesque and tranquil location nestled amidst beautiful mountains, a lush forest, and a flowing river, providing a serene and secluded atmosphere. It offers convenient access to the quiet Furuyu Onsen village, which features a few charming shops and cafes, and is also close to Donguri Village, a popular spot for families. While the hotel is a short drive from Saga city, guests appreciate the complimentary shuttle service available from Saga station, making arrival and departure hassle-free. However, some guests noted that public bus access is limited, often requiring a taxi for local excursions. Parking is available on-site, though some found the spaces to be narrow.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their excellent service, described as friendly, polite, attentive, and highly hospitable. Guests frequently highlight their helpfulness, from assisting with luggage to accommodating special requests and celebrating occasions like birthdays. The check-in process is noted as smooth and welcoming, often accompanied by complimentary drinks. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mentioned instances of perceived rudeness from a male staff member at reception, or slower service during peak dining hours due to understaffing. Despite some staff having limited English proficiency, they are commended for their genuine efforts to assist guests.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a destination fee of 600 yen per adult, which is charged upon checkout. The hotel offers a popular day-use hot spring option, though the 1300 yen fee is considered a bit high by some. A unique sand bath experience is available for an additional charge. Thoughtful touches include welcome drinks upon arrival and the provision of comfortable traditional Japanese room wear, which many guests enjoyed so much they purchased it. The hotel has also hosted seasonal fireworks displays, adding to the guest experience. Future enhancements are anticipated, as the onsen facilities are scheduled for renovation in August 2024.