🗺️ Takeo Onsen武雄温泉

Takeo Onsen is a hot spring area with a history of 1300 years, and its name was recorded as early as in the "Records of the Geography of Hizen Province," compiled during the Nara period. According to legend, this hot spring originated when the ancient Empress Jingu returned from a military expedition to Korea and plunged her spear into the ground, causing the hot spring to emerge. The hot spring town is dotted with various ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and facilities where visitors can enjoy day-use hot springs. Among them, the most iconic structure is the vermilion "Takeo Onsen Romon," whose splendid design evokes the legendary Dragon Palace. This Romon was built in the 4th year of the Taisho era (1915) by the renowned architect Kingo Tatsuno, who also designed Tokyo Station, and it remains a representative landmark of Takeo Onsen to this day. Behind the Romon, there are three day-use bathing facilities. First is the exclusive rental bath "Donyo," created during the mid-Edo period for the lord of the Nabeshima clan. Visitors can immerse themselves in the luxurious marble bath and enjoy a lord-like experience. Next are the public baths "Motoyu" and "Hourai-yu," along with "Sagi-no-yu," which features an outdoor bath and sauna, all offering the pleasure of soaking in the hot springs. Takeo Onsen's colorless and transparent hot spring is a weakly alkaline simple spring, characterized by its soft texture, which is effective in relieving fatigue. This historic hot spring has been visited by many famous figures, including Miyamoto Musashi and Seibo, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of bygone eras.

Enjoy the 1300-year history of Takeo Onsen. Visit the Takeo Onsen Roumon and Takeo Onsen Shinkan, designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The Roumon features four zodiac reliefs that correspond to the eight zodiac reliefs at Tokyo Station, and is open for limited morning visits, except on Tuesdays. Volunteer guides provide interesting explanations to help you understand the history of Takeo Onsen.