One of Japan’s Three Great Beauty Baths — Is the Hot Spring Water Actually Like Toner?

▲ Shiota Onsen in Saga is one of Japan’s renowned Three Great Beauty Baths. (Photo provided by Saga Prefecture)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong, Taipei

Located near Fukuoka Airport, Saga is within 50 kilometers of both Fukuoka and Huis Ten Bosch, and within 100 kilometers of Mount Aso. Aside from the famous “Tales of a Gutsy Grandma from Saga,” the delicious Saga beef is also renowned across Japan. In addition, there are many local specialties that Taiwanese people are familiar with.

%male} Crab...? Near the coastal area...? The female version...? (Photo provided by Saga Prefecture)

Well-known Japanese confectionery companies such as Glico, Morinaga & Co., and Shinsei Seika all have founders from Saga Prefecture. Other brands with local factories include Q.P. Curry Mayonnaise, Coca-Cola, Kyusyu Seiyaku, and Morinaga Confectionery, which also offer free factory tours. As for Saga’s famous Arita-yaki pottery, it remains one of the most representative traditional crafts.

For hot spring enthusiasts, Saga boasts three major hot spring towns — Shiota, Takeo, and Kutsu. Among them, Shiota Onsen has been flowing for over 1,300 years. According to expert research, its water quality is similar to basic toner and offers skin-beautifying benefits, attracting an average of over 200,000 visitors per year.

For more travel information about Saga, you can visit the“Genki Saga” Chinese websitespecially created for Taiwanese visitors.