Akizuki Onsen SEIRYUAN

The Akizuki area of Asakura City is in central Fukuoka Prefecture, approximately 60 minutes by car from Fukuoka City. Its historic townscape, which features former samurai residences and the remains of Akizuki Castle, has been designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government. Its nostalgic atmosphere and historic streets, which are perfect for exploring on foot, attract many tourists. In spring, when the cherry trees blossom, and in autumn, when the leaves grow red, the Nagayamon and Kuromon gates contrast vividly with their natural surroundings, drawing camera-carrying visitors in search of spectacular photographs.

Akizuki Onsen SEIRYUAN is a quiet inn near the ruins of Akizuki Castle in Asakura City. It has extensive grounds of approximately 7,900 square meters, including a Japanese garden with a large pond. There, guests can relax while listening to murmuring streams and birdsong. Or they might take in the breathtaking colors of the changing seasons and gaze at koi swimming serenely in the pond.

The inn has just six guest rooms, each authentically furnished in Japanese fashion with tatami mats and a private hot spring bath. Each of these baths has a unique design, and guests can bathe as many times as they wish during their stay. The silky-smooth spring waters are gentle on the skin, helping to dissolve away dead cells. It’s no wonder Akizuki Onsen is known as the “hot spring of beauty.”

SEIRYUAN takes great pride in the food that it serves. Chef Takashi Ono is skilled in French and Italian cuisine and patisserie and has served as head chef at hotels in Zurich, Tokyo, and Fukuoka. Drawing on these experiences, he creates innovative French and Italian dishes. These are infused with the essence of Japanese cuisine and use seasonal local vegetables and carefully selected ingredients from across Kyushu. They are served in unhurried fashion on traditional Japanese tableware at tables in the inn’s main room. However, if guests prefer, they can also take meals in their rooms. The inn is a certified Fukuoka wild game restaurant and includes game meat in some multi-course meals, while full-course game-meat meals are available by reservation. For those with a sweeter tooth, Chef Ono’s popular tofu gateau chocolat has a moist and melt-in-the-mouth texture. A product of Chef Ono’s training as a pâtissier, it sells out most days. SEIRYUAN also offers lunch to non-staying guests (by reservation only).

Akizuki Onsen SEIRYUAN is the perfect place to stay in the historic and picturesque small castle town of Akizuki. A world away from the urban centers of Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, here guests can experience the essence of Japan’s landscape and culture.

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