One of the things that surprised me most after moving from the high-speed intensity of Tokyo to Fukuoka was just how close everything is here. Back in our “Tokyo life,” a three-day weekend usually meant navigating Haneda Airport or fighting for Shinkansen seats.
Here in Kyushu, we just load up the car, throw in some snacks, and within an hour, we are in a completely different world.
Last weekend, we decided we needed a break. Not a “let’s conquer every tourist spot” trip, but a “let’s soak in hot water and eat good food” trip. We headed south to Saga Prefecture, specifically focusing on the twin onsen towns of Takeo and Ureshino. It’s a route that balances my need for nature, my wife’s appreciation for aesthetics, and—crucially—the kids’ need to just be kids.
If you are looking for a broader context on how this fits into a larger trip, check out our guide on Kyushu Family Itineraries: The Complete Guide to Planning Your 3 to 7-Day Trip, but for now, here is our journal from a very relaxed 3 days in Saga.
Day 1: Burning Energy & Feeding the Soul in Takeo
We left Fukuoka around 9:00 AM. The drive to Takeo is famously easy—just hop on the highway, and you’re there before the kids can even ask, “Are we there yet?”
Morning: The Chaos of Melitta Kid’s
Our first stop was purely for the girls. We visited Melitta Kid’s (Takeo), a large indoor play center that is a godsend for parents in Kyushu.
This place perfectly illustrated the difference between our two daughters. My eldest (elementary school age) stood at the edge of the large climbing structure, analyzing the route, checking for other kids, and tentatively stepping onto the first mat. My youngest (kindergarten)? She was gone. A blur of motion diving headfirst into the ball pit before we’d even put our shoes in the locker.
Melitta Kid’s is great because it has distinct zones. While the little one burned off her breakfast running laps, my eldest eventually found a quiet corner with role-play toys and settled into her own world. For me and my wife, it was a rare moment to just sit with a coffee and watch them without hovering.
Lunch: Nostalgia at “Hamburger Restaurant Crayon”
After two hours of running, the “I’m hungry” chants began. We headed to a local legend: Hamburger Restaurant Crayon (Kureyon) in Takeo.
This isn’t fast food. It’s an old-school, western-style Japanese diner (yoshoku) that feels like it hasn’t changed in 30 years—in the best way possible. The smell of sizzling beef hits you the moment you walk in.
We ordered the sizzling hamburger steaks. The youngest struggled a bit with the hot iron plate (we had to be vigilant!), but the taste was universal. Soft, juicy, and covered in a rich demi-glace sauce. It felt like a warm hug. It’s these kinds of unpretentious, local spots that make road trips memorable.
Afternoon: The “Book Mountain”
With bellies full, we needed a slower pace. We drove a short distance to the famous library. You can read my full breakdown of this spot in our article: Takeo City Library with Kids: Stylish Saga Road Trip Stop.
Back in Michigan, libraries were strictly quiet zones. Here, the Takeo City Library is a lifestyle hub. There’s a Starbucks, a massive open interior, and a designated kids’ annex. My wife loves the architecture here—it’s stunning. My eldest daughter immediately found a book and sat in a corner, perfectly content. The youngest required a bit more… management… to keep her voice down, but the kids’ section is forgiving enough that we didn’t feel stressed.
Day 2: The “Subesube” Skin of Ureshino Onsen
We stayed the night in Ureshino, which is only about 20 minutes from Takeo. Ureshino is famous for its “嬉野温泉” (Ureshino Onsen) water, which is high in sodium bicarbonate. In simple terms: it makes your skin incredibly smooth (subesube).
Morning: A Slow Start & Ninja Dreams
We skipped the alarm clocks. The beauty of Ureshino is that the town itself is the attraction.
We debated going to the Hizen Yume Kaido (Ninja Village). If your kids are high-energy, I highly recommend it. For this trip, however, we opted for a slower walk along the river. For more ideas on what to do in this area, take a look at The Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide to Saga with Kids: Low Stress, High Adventure.
Afternoon: Footbaths and Tea
Ureshino is also famous for green tea. We spent the afternoon hopping between the free public footbaths (ashiyu) scattered around town.
This was a surprising hit with the kids. There’s something communal and fun about rolling up your pants and sitting next to strangers, soaking your feet in steaming water. My youngest dropped her towel in the water (classic), but the locals just laughed and helped us wring it out.
We visited a local tea shop for Cha-shabu (pork shabu-shabu boiled in green tea). The bitterness of the tea cuts the fat of the pork perfectly. My eldest, who is usually picky, loved the novelty of eating “green tea meat.”
Day 3: Ceramics and The Drive Home
On our final day, we ventured slightly west toward Arita before heading back to Fukuoka.
The Pottery Challenge
Saga is the heart of Japanese porcelain. We visited the Arita Porcelain Park, which is a bizarre but fun mix of a European palace replica and traditional pottery kiln.
I will admit, taking a high-energy kindergartner into a shop filled with fragile, expensive ceramics is a specific type of parental anxiety. We actually wrote a dedicated guide on how to survive this: Arita & Imari Pottery with Kids: Breakage Risks & Survival Guide.
We managed to buy a few small plates (cheap ones!) for our daily use back in Fukuoka without any disasters. The park itself has plenty of open space, so while my wife browsed the gallery, I played tag with the girls in the courtyard.
The Return
We were back in Fukuoka by 4:00 PM on Sunday. That’s the magic of this itinerary. You feel like you’ve been far away, soaked in healing waters and culture, but you’re home in time to do a load of laundry before the school week starts.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Rental Car is Key: While you can take a train to Takeo Onsen, getting between the library, Melitta Kid’s, and Ureshino is much easier with a car.
- Melitta Kid’s Socks: They require socks! Make sure you pack them, or you’ll have to buy a pair there.
- Dining at Crayon: It gets popular at lunch. Try to arrive right when they open (usually 11:00 AM) to avoid a long wait with hungry kids.
- Onsen Temperature: Ureshino water can be hot. Check the temperature before your kids jump in. The “slimey” texture of the water might surprise them at first—tell them it’s “magic soap water.”
More Kyushu Stories
If you are planning a longer trip that includes Saga, you might want to combine this route with Nagasaki. Check out our 5-Day Kyushu Itinerary with Kids: Fukuoka, Saga & Nagasaki Road Trip for inspiration.