Asakura

Asakura (朝倉) is a city in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, nestled in the mountains along the Chikugo River. It is known for its scenic natural beauty — particularly the Hoshino Village area with terraced rice fields and waterfalls — and its onsen (hot springs). The area was severely affected by the 2017 Kyushu floods but has largely recovered. Spring and autumn are the best seasons; the autumn foliage in the mountains is spectacular.

By Plane

Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is about 1 hour away by car. Kumamoto Airport (KMJ) is about 1.5 hours.

By Train

The nearest main train station is in Kurume (JR Kagoshima Main Line / Shinkansen). From there, local buses or taxis reach Asakura in about 30 minutes. The Amagi Railway line also serves the area.

By Car / Road

Route 386 connects Asakura to Kurume (about 30 minutes). From Fukuoka it's about 1 hour by car.

A car is essential. The attractions are scattered across the rural landscape.

• Hoshino Village (星野村) — Terraced rice fields, a historic tea-producing village, and several waterfalls. The rice terrace views are iconic.

• Chikugo River — Scenic river valley with walking paths and picnic spots.

• Asakura Onsen — Several hot spring resorts in the mountain valleys.

• Koishiwara Pottery Village — Traditional pottery workshops producing Koishiwara-yaki ceramics.

• Onsen bathing — Relax in mountain hot spring inns.

• Hiking — Trails in the surrounding mountains.

• Pottery workshop — Try making Koishiwara-yaki at a local studio.

• Autumn foliage viewing — The mountains put on a stunning display in November.

Mountain cuisine featuring sansai (wild vegetables), river fish, and local soba. Hot spring inns serve kaiseki-style meals.

Tap water is safe. Yamecha green tea is the local specialty.

• Budget: Guesthouses, ¥4,000–7,000.
• Mid-range: Onsen ryokan with meals, ¥10,000–18,000 per person.
• Upscale: Mountain resort inns, ¥18,000–35,000 per person with meals.

Koishiwara-yaki pottery, Yamecha tea, and local agricultural products. The roadside stations sell regional crafts.

• Kurume — 30 minutes north, for ramen and kasuri textiles.
• Yame — 30 minutes south, for Yamecha tea and crafts.
• Dazaifu — 40 minutes northwest, with Tenmangu Shrine.
• Hitoyoshi (Kumamoto) — East into Kumamoto for Kuma River rafting.