Ureshino Hot Springs is known as one of the finest hot springs in Kyushu. Affluent hot water gushes from 17 springheads in the town. Legend has it that when the Emperor Jinko dropped in at this place on his way back home from a battlefield during the Kofun period (250－538), he saw a white crane bathed in the river. After bathing for a while, the crane was refreshed and flew away. Then the emperor ordered his soldiers, who were injured in the battle, to get into the river. Actually there was a hot water springing out in the river and the soldiers were healed of their wounds. When the empress heard this, she felt glad and said, “Ana Ureshino! (Oh, what a wonderful thing!),” from which the name “Ureshino” is said to have been derived. This hot spring is also known as one of Japan’s Three Bihada (beautiful skin) Hot Springs. The achromatic transparent hot water is rich in carbonate and salt chloride material. As its constituent sodium makes skin smooth and rejuvenated, it is very popular among women. The Onsen yu-dofu (cooked with hot spring water) is also very popular. Soft and creamy on your tongue, it’s the best delicacy of this town.