Hello, it’s Sachi!
Have you heard of Tenpai-no-Sato, a popular facility near Dazaifu Tenmangu where you can enjoy a buffet, hot spring, and sauna all in one place?
It’s loved by both locals and tourists, and on weekends, the parking lot gets completely full!
It’s a perfect spot to visit after sightseeing around Dazaifu.
This time, I had lunch at the Natural Buffet “Hime Hotaru” inside the facility, and I’ll share all the delicious details with you!
What Is Tenpai-no-Sato, the Hot Spring Buffet Near Dazaifu, Fukuoka?
Tenpai-no-Sato is a relaxing complex featuring a buffet using fresh local ingredients,
traditional kaiseki cuisine, and a scenic hot spring with a sauna.
It’s located on the hillside of Mount Tenpai in Chikushino City, right next to Dazaifu.
Because it’s slightly elevated, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view surrounded by greenery.
It’s a great place to feel close to nature.
The name Tenpai actually comes from Sugawara no Michizane, a famous scholar associated with Dazaifu, who is said to have prayed to heaven from this mountain in ancient times.
Here’s what it looks like from the outside.
There’s a large parking lot that can fit over 100 cars,
but be aware—it gets quite crowded on weekends and holidays.
Entering the Facility – What to Expect When You Arrive
When you enter, you’ll take off your shoes and put them in a shoe locker.
If you come in sandals, you’ll be barefoot inside, so if that bothers you, bring a pair of socks!
Reception & How to Check In for the Buffet or Onsen
Walk straight ahead and you’ll find the reception counter, where you check in and pay for the buffet or the onsen.
I visited on a Sunday and had a reservation for 11:30 AM.
You need to complete check-in at least 10 minutes before your reservation time.
Around that time, they’ll start calling names and guide you to your table.
Once it’s 11:30, you’re free to start serving yourself!
Buffet “Hime Hotaru” Review – Local & Seasonal Japanese Dishes
At Hime Hotaru, you can enjoy a wide variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes,
mostly featuring fresh seasonal vegetables.
They also host monthly themed food fairs, which make every visit unique.
During my visit, they were running a Kyushu & Okinawa Local Cuisine Fair, featuring specialties like Miyazaki-style Chicken Nanban, Okinawan Rafute (braised pork), and Saga-style squid shumai— a delicious tour of southern Japan on one plate!
The time limit is 120 minutes (2 hours), so you can relax and enjoy your meal at your own pace.
Must-Try: The Chicken Paitan Ramen Loved by Locals
Out of all the dishes, the Chicken Paitan Ramen stood out the most.
You can order it freshly made at the ramen station, and the toppings—like tender chicken and lemon—are self-serve, so you can customize your bowl.
If you can, try adding everything—it’s totally worth it!
The broth is rich yet light, the noodles are smooth, and honestly, it tastes as good as ramen from a specialty shop.
It’s hard to believe this comes from a buffet!
You can also order this ramen separately at the “Sora to Tsuki” Café & Lounge inside the building— perfect for a post-bath meal.
Heavenly Desserts at Hime Hotaru – Save Room for the Tenpai Pudding!
The dessert corner at Hime Hotaru is just as impressive as the main dishes!
There are over 20 kinds of sweets available at any time,
and the quality is so high that you’d happily buy them at a pastry shop.
My top recommendation is the Tenpai Pudding — firm in texture, rich in flavor, and simply delicious.
Honestly, it’s worth visiting just for this pudding!
You order desserts by giving the staff the number of the sweets you want from the showcase.
You can order up to three at a time, but there’s no limit to how many rounds you can have — perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Reservations, Prices & Access to Tenpai-no-Sato Onsen Buffet
Since it gets especially crowded on weekends and holidays, it’s best to make a reservation in advance for the buffet.
You can easily book a table through the official website:
👉 Official Website (Hime Hotaru Buffet)
Buffet Prices, Set Plans with Onsen & Discounts
- Lunch Buffet:
Weekdays – ¥2,600 / Weekends & Holidays – ¥2,800 - Dinner Buffet:
All days – ¥3,200 - Children:
Ages 7–12: Half price
Ages 4–6: Quarter price
(Special holiday rates may apply during peak seasons such as Golden Week or New Year.)
There’s also a great-value combo plan that includes both the buffet and the hot spring:
- Lunch + Onsen: ¥3,500
- Dinner + Onsen: ¥4,000
That’s a ¥300–¥400 discount compared to paying separately!
After a full meal, soaking in the onsen feels like pure heaven.
If you love saunas, don’t miss their Löyly sauna experience!
How to Get to Tenpai-no-Sato from Dazaifu Tenmangu or Fukuoka City
Driving is the easiest way to reach Tenpai-no-Sato.
It’s a bit far from the nearest train station or bus stop, so public transportation isn’t the most convenient option.
The nearest station is JR Futsukaichi Station.
If you come by train, taking a taxi from the station is the best choice.
From Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, it’s about a 25-minute drive, so it’s easy to plan a day trip combining both sightseeing and relaxation.
Final Thoughts: Relax with Kyushu’s Local Cuisine & Hot Springs
Tenpai-no-Sato is more than just a hot spring facility.
It’s a place where you can enjoy great food, authentic desserts, stunning views, and relaxing baths— all in one beautiful location.
With monthly food fairs like the Kyushu Gourmet Festival, there’s always something new to look forward to.
On your next day off, come to Tenpai-no-Sato to refresh your mind and body
and experience the charm of local Japanese hospitality.
May your journey in Dazaifu be filled with happiness and good fortune — Sachi♪
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