Tsurukame-yu — Attraction in Fukuoka

A Hostile and Humiliating Experience – Avoid This Onsen at All Costs

I have visited many onsens in Japan, and I have always respected the traditions and etiquette that come with them. However, my experience at this particular onsen was nothing short of humiliating and infuriating, all thanks to the openly racist and condescending behavior of the manager—an elderly woman who clearly despises foreign visitors.

From the moment I stepped in, I could feel the hostility. Despite my best efforts to follow the rules, the manager scrutinized me with disdain, speaking rapidly in Japanese and making no attempt to communicate in a way I could understand. When I politely asked for clarification, she scoffed and continued berating me in front of other guests, as if I had personally offended her by simply existing. The embarrassment was overwhelming.

The worst part? She outright refused me entry, solely because I did not understand her demands in perfect Japanese. I have encountered language barriers before, but never have I been treated with such blatant disrespect. Other patrons watched as she shamed me, some even laughing along as she mocked me. It was dehumanizing, and it became painfully obvious that foreigners are not welcome here—unless, of course, they somehow meet this woman’s absurdly narrow criteria for “acceptable” customers.

No onsen experience should leave a person feeling unwelcome, humiliated, and furious. If you are a foreign visitor, especially one who isn’t fluent in Japanese, save yourself the frustration and take your business elsewhere. There are many wonderful onsens in Japan that actually appreciate their guests, rather than treating them as unwelcome intrusions. This place? An...

It's a standard neighbourhood public bath that opens late. I had a late arrival to the city and it helped me relax, so for that I give out five stars.

Do note:

-The reviews about yakuzas are accurate. I did not know about this and was a bit unsettled when me and my friend entered the changing area as the only non-yakuzas. They were all gone by the time we got out of the bath, however, and none of the newer customers had any tattoos.

-My friend spoke fluent Japanese and the lady owner let us through without any issues, so I can't speak for general foreigner experiences.

-Bring your own bag with shampoo and soap. This is fairly standard for neighbourhood...

Went to the Sento, paid ¥400 Yen. Not foreigner friendly. Left the place and did not get my refund. There was an old lady at that time and thought I was Korean but I am Australian (euro-asian). No large towels, too few lockers or change rooms before going in. I gave it one star as I never got to relax in the Sento compared to Hoke-Club in Ōsaka which was way better. Only go to this if your Japanese is fluent but as a first timer visiting Japan. Stay away and find something better. I don’t normally leave bad reviews but this was my only negative experience (3rd trip) in my whole...