Takeo Onsen
A trip to a famous hot spring where history and healing come together
Takeo Onsen, located in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts, with a history of over 1,300 years. Its beautiful hot spring resort town, historic buildings and rich natural environment attract visitors, and it has long been loved by many writers and great men.
A hot spring where history and tradition come alive
The history of the Takeo hot spring dates back to the Nara period. The local geography book “Hizen Kokufudoki”, compiled during the Nara period, contains a description of a hot spring that gushes forth from a steep rocky mountain, and it has been known as a hot spring spa since ancient times. During the Warring States period, it was used by the Ryuzoji clan, and during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea, it was used as a place to treat injured soldiers. It was also a bustling post town on the Nagasaki Kaido during the Edo period, and is known for having been visited by many famous people, including Date Masamune, Miyamoto Musashi, Siebold, and Yoshida Shoin. Even today, it is a charming hot spring town where tradition and modernity blend, and it is visited by many tourists from Japan and overseas.
Takeo Onsen Gate
The vermillion-lacquered gate, which is the symbol of the Takeo Onsen hot spring, welcomes visitors with its overwhelming beauty. Completed in 1915, this gate was designed by Tatsuno Kingo, who also designed Tokyo Station, and is a unique structure that was built without using a single nail. In 2005, it was designated as a national important cultural property, and at night it is lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Beautiful skin hot spring
The main appeal of the Takeo Onsen hot spring is its abundant supply of water and unique hot spring effects. The spring water is a simple, slightly alkaline hot spring that is colorless and transparent, gentle on the skin, and well-known for its fatigue-relieving and skin-beautifying effects. It is also known as the “beauty hot spring”, and has a smooth texture that leaves the skin feeling moist after bathing.
In particular, the hot spring water gently removes dead skin cells and has a high moisturizing effect, making it very popular with female tourists. It is also loved by the local people and is a place where they can relax and unwind after a hard day's work.
A variety of hot spring facilities
Takeo Onsen has three public bathhouses where you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of old Japan: Motoyu, Horaiyu, and Saginoyu. At these bathhouses, you can enjoy bathing alongside the locals and experience Takeo's onsen culture first-hand.
There are also a variety of onsen ryokan (hot-spring inns) with modern facilities, as well as day-trip onsen facilities, where you can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons from private baths and open-air baths. Here you can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh your body and soul.
Luxurious private baths
The “Tonosama-yu” and “Karou-yu” baths, which were once reserved for the Nabeshima clan lords, can now be used as private baths. You can enjoy a private hot spring experience in a historic atmosphere, and spend a special time.
Access
Takeo Onsen
843-0022
7425 Oaza Takeo, Takeocho, Takeo-shi, Saga-ken
Tel. 0954-23-2001
Googlemap
At Takeo Onsen, you can enjoy a variety of baths by using the public baths or day trip bathing at ryokan.
Please spend some relaxing time comparing the characteristics of each bath.
In addition, the hot spring resort town that spreads out around the gate has a retro atmosphere.
Enjoy meeting the local people and take a leisurely stroll through the town.
Sightseeing
