Takeo Onsen: A Hot Spring Town with Beautiful Vermilion Gate Tower, Ancient Spring, and Library

Takeo Onsen: A Famous Saga Hot Spring with Over 1,300 Years of History

Takeo Onsen (Takeo Hot Spring) in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, is an ancient hot spring recorded in Nara period (710–794) writings. Multiple baths including Tenpei no Yu, Motoyu, and Horai-yu can be enjoyed. The spring quality is sodium bicarbonate spring (baking soda spring), popular as a "beauty spring" that makes skin smooth.

Takeo Onsen Gate Tower (Important Cultural Property)

The "Romon (gate tower)" symbolizing Takeo Onsen is a National Important Cultural Property built in 1915. Designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo, who also designed Tokyo Station, it is a vermilion gate tower with impressive dragon decorations, a popular spot for commemorative photography.

Takeo City Library

"Takeo City Library," which opened in 2013, is a nationally famous library produced by TSUTAYA (Tsutaya Bookstore). Books can be read while drinking coffee in a calm space with Starbucks, with book, CD, and DVD purchases also possible. It is an advanced facility also said to have "changed the nature of libraries."

Mifuneyama Rakuen

"Mifuneyama Rakuen" in Takeo City is a garden beautiful with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and autumn foliage. Light art installations by teamLab are held in autumn, allowing enjoyment of fantastical scenery.

Access

Nearest station is JR Sasebo Line "Takeo Onsen Station." Approximately 50 minutes by limited express from JR Hakata Station. Also functions as a stop on the Nagasaki Shinkansen (Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen).