Takeo Onsen

Overview

Takeo Onsen is a hot spring town located in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture. Its history is ancient, with mentions of the hot springs appearing in the "Hizen no Kuni Fudoki," a geographical record compiled during the Nara period. Records also show that the Ryuzouji clan used Takeo Onsen during the Sengoku period, and later, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Korean campaign, it served as a spa for wounded soldiers. During the Edo period, it flourished as Tsukasa-juku, a post town on the Nagasaki Kaido road. Many notable figures visited, including the Nabeshima lords of the Saga clan, Date Masamune, Miyamoto Musashi, Philipp Franz von Siebold, and Yoshida Shoin. The main gate (roumon) and the new building (shinkan), symbols of the onsen town, were completed in 1914 based on a design by Kingo Tatsuno and are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Passing through the main gate, you'll find the Takeo Onsen Shinkan (museum) and a public bath. The new building served as a public bath until 1973 and was restored in 2003, being designated an Important Cultural Property along with the main gate in 2005. There are three public baths: Motoyu, Horaiyu, and Saginoyu, each offering different water qualities. There's also a facility that was once a private bath for the Nabeshima lords; it's now available as a private bath called "Densamayu" (Lord's Bath) and "Karo-yu" (Retainer's Bath). Takeo Onsen town is lined with traditional inns and restaurants, offering a retro atmosphere. The area also boasts numerous kilns, with a pottery fair held monthly, allowing visitors to experience traditional crafts. Takeo Onsen is a beloved destination where visitors can enjoy history, culture, hot springs, and nature. We highly recommend a visit to experience its charm.