Is Siebold's Footbath free to use?

Yes, Siebold's Footbath operates as a free public facility within the Ureshino onsen district. Visitors can use the footbath at no charge, making it an accessible way to experience the famous hot spring waters that have attracted visitors for centuries.

What are the health benefits of using the footbath?

The footbath uses Ureshino's natural hot spring water, which is high in sodium bicarbonate and renowned for promoting beautiful, smooth skin. Soaking your feet in the mineral-rich water improves blood circulation and warms the entire body, providing relaxation and wellness benefits similar to a full hot spring bath.

How do I get to Siebold's Footbath?

The footbath is located in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture, accessible by the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen to Ureshino Onsen Station. From the station, the footbath is within walking distance in the historic onsen district at Otsu-818-2 Ureshinomachi Oaza Shimojuku. The location makes it easy to combine with visits to other attractions like traditional ryokan and tea plantations.

Can I visit other hot spring facilities nearby?

Absolutely. Siebold's Footbath is situated in the heart of Ureshino Onsen, one of Japan's famous hot spring resort towns. Nearby you'll find the historic Siebold-no-Yu public bathhouse, numerous traditional ryokan with private hot spring baths, and other onsen facilities. The footbath also marks the end of the Kyushu Olle Ureshino hiking course, making it a perfect rest stop before exploring the broader onsen district.

Saga

Siebold's Footbath, Ureshino

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Last updated Jul 8, 2026

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.