Awara Onsen is Fukui’s most prominent hot spring resort town, having welcomed guests for over 130 years since its waters were first developed in the late 19th century, and today offers numerous ryokan, public bathhouses and a relaxed resort atmosphere. Its convenient location near the coast makes it a natural base for winter Echizen crab trips and sightseeing at nearby Tojinbo Cliffs, and a foot bath in the town centre offers a free, casual way to sample the waters even for day visitors not staying overnight.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Awara, Fukui |
| Hours | Ryokan and bathhouse hours vary; foot bath daytime |
| Admission | Day-use baths vary; ryokan stays from ~¥12,000 |
| Time needed | 2–4 hours, or overnight with a ryokan stay |
| Best time | Year-round; winter for crab-and-onsen trips |
What to See
- Numerous ryokan and public bathhouses in a relaxed resort town.
- A free foot bath in the town centre for casual visitors.
- A convenient base for winter crab trips and coastal sightseeing.
- Over 130 years of history as Fukui’s premier hot spring town.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Tojinbo Cliffs coastal sightseeing nearby.
- Pair with Echizen Crab tasting on a winter visit.
- Read our Fukui overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR Awara-Onsen Station, then a short bus or taxi to the ryokan district.
- By car: roughly 40 minutes from central Fukui.
Tips
Many ryokan offer day-use bathing for visitors not staying overnight, so ask about day plans if you want a soak without booking a room. Awara pairs especially well with a winter crab trip, when many ryokan offer packages combining an overnight stay with Echizen crab meals.
