Siebold's Footbath, Ureshino

Siebold's Footbath in Ureshino Onsen, Saga Prefecture, commemorates the visit of Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796-1866), the renowned German physician and scientist who introduced Western medicine to Japan. The footbath takes its name from this influential figure who spent time in the area analyzing the effects of the hot-spring water during his stay in 1826. Siebold was among the first to collect scientific data on Ureshino's mineral-rich waters, with the quality of the spring water piquing his particular interest.

Located in one of Japan's historic hot spring towns, the footbath represents the intersection of Japanese bathing culture and Western scientific inquiry. Ureshino prospered during the Edo Period as a post station along the Nagasaki Kaido, serving as an important waypoint for travelers and traders. The town's natural alkaline springs have been celebrated for their therapeutic properties, particularly for improving skin condition and blood circulation.

Siebold's Footbath marks the end of the Kyushu Olle Ureshino Course, offering tired travelers a chance to soothe their feet in the hot-spring water as Siebold did centuries ago. Soaking your feet in the hot spring improves blood circulation and warms the entire body, making this a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors. The experience provides an authentic taste of Japanese ashiyu (foot bathing) culture in a setting rich with historical significance.

The footbath is easily accessible from the Nagasaki Expressway, located approximately 5 minutes from Ureshino IC. The facility is situated at Otsu-822-1 Ureshinomachi Oaza Shimojuku, Ureshino, Saga 843-0301. Admission to the public footbath is free, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors exploring the Ureshino Onsen district. The location serves as both a practical rest stop and a cultural experience, connecting modern travelers with the scientific legacy of one of Japan's most important foreign contributors to medical knowledge.