Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa メルキュール福岡宗像リゾート＆スパ 福岡宗像美居溫泉度假酒店

Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa is a seaside resort hotel located in Tano, Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, adjacent to the “Satsuki Matsubara” pine forest within Genkai Quasi-National Park. About an hour’s drive from both Fukuoka City and the Kitakyushu area, it offers a comfortable escape from the urban centers while still being easily accessible. Nearby attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Munakata Taisha, the popular roadside station Michi-no-Eki Munakata—known for its fresh seafood—and the fishing port of Kounose, making it an ideal base for enjoying nature, history, and local cuisine.

The hotel sits on an elevated site overlooking the white sands and green pines of Satsuki Matsubara and the Genkai Sea. Guests can enjoy serene views of the pine forest merging into the ocean from many parts of the property, including the guest rooms. With few residential buildings nearby, the area remains quiet at night, making it a fitting retreat for those seeking a peaceful getaway. Munakata Taisha and local sightseeing spots are within a 10-minute drive, and the resort is also designed for guests who prefer to spend a full day relaxing within the hotel.

The hotel offers 291 guest rooms, including Western-style, Japanese-style, and Japanese-Western rooms. All rooms provide at least 36 m² of space, offering more room than typical business hotels. Standard Classic Twin Rooms are 36 m² and feature two single beds plus a sofa bed, accommodating up to three guests. Some Japanese-style and Japanese-Western rooms can host up to seven guests using futons, making them suitable for multi-generational trips and group stays. All rooms are non-smoking and equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, bathtub-equipped bathroom, and safety box.

Room types include Classic Twin, Classic Japanese Room, Classic Twin (Japanese-Western), Classic Junior Suite, and Classic Deluxe Suite, with various views and floor levels available. Upper-floor rooms offer views of the Genkai Sea beyond Satsuki Matsubara, with morning sunlight pouring in from the ocean. Japanese-style and Japanese-Western rooms combine beds with tatami space, making them comfortable choices for families with small children. All rooms include access to the hotel’s Welcome Lounge as part of the standard stay.

The main dining venue is a buffet restaurant featuring ingredients from Munakata and the surrounding Genkai Sea. Dishes include local beef, seasonal vegetables, seafood from nearby waters, and regional specialties, along with Western items and desserts. Both breakfast and dinner are served buffet-style, offering a balanced mix of local flavors and familiar favorites. The lineup includes options suitable for children, making it convenient for families.

The hotel’s hot spring facilities draw from its own natural source, the “Genkai Satsuki Onsen,” discovered when the hotel was built. The large public bath includes both indoor and open-air rock baths, along with a sauna. The mildly alkaline spring is said to help with neuralgia and fatigue recovery. At the open-air bath, guests can enjoy the salty sea breeze blowing through Satsuki Matsubara—selected as one of Japan’s top 100 scenic pine groves. Morning baths offer soft sunlight, while evenings feature a relaxing illuminated atmosphere.

After bathing, guests can unwind in the “Onsen Lounge,” a thoughtfully designed relaxation space with comfortable seating, gentle lighting, and subtle fragrances. The lobby-level lounge also offers time-specific drink services, including sparkling wine, beer, wine, sake, soft drinks, herb-infused water, and light snacks. With lounge access included for all guests, it serves as a pleasant place to relax before or after dinner.

The resort follows an all-inclusive concept. Typical plans include buffet breakfast and dinner, drinks at the restaurant and lounge, access to the hot spring and large public bath, and selected in-house activities—all included in the stay (premium drinks and paid experiences are available for an extra fee). The hotel does not offer lunch service, instead focusing on an enhanced morning-and-evening experience and lounge hours to support a slow, hotel-centered stay. In addition to all-inclusive plans, bed-and-breakfast and room-only options are also available.

Facilities include a buffet restaurant, lounge, large public bath with open-air hot spring and sauna, onsen lounge, a seasonal outdoor pool, children’s pool, meeting rooms, banquet halls, and a gift shop. The hotel also operates a shuttle bus between JR Tōgō Station and the property (reservations required). A large on-site parking area accommodating around 200 vehicles makes the hotel convenient for those traveling by private car or rental car. As parking availability and policies may change, guests are encouraged to check the latest information in advance.

Overall, Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa combines its scenic location overlooking Satsuki Matsubara and the Genkai Sea with its own natural hot spring, spacious rooms of 36 m² or more, and all-inclusive lounge access for all guests. It is a versatile resort suitable for weekend getaways from Fukuoka or Kitakyushu, as well as longer stays that include visits to Munakata Taisha, Oshima, Michi-no-Eki Munakata, and other local attractions. The hotel caters well to couples, families, and groups looking to enjoy a relaxing coastal retreat.