Daimaru Ryokan - Nagayu Onsen in Takeda, Oita Japan.

I recently stayed at Daimaru Ryokan in Nagayu Onsen, located in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture.

Oita Prefecture is home to numerous hot springs, but Nagayu Onsen stands out as a town renowned across Japan for its high-concentration carbonated springs. Among the local establishments, Daimaru Ryokan is a distinguished, long-established inn that represents the area.

The inn is a landmark building situated in the heart of the hot spring town. I checked in after passing through an understated entrance that exudes a sense of history. All guest rooms face the Seri River, offering a wonderful view and a sense of openness that makes for a truly comfortable stay. Inside the inn, guests can enjoy private baths named after the third and fourth proprietresses: "Tei-no-Yu" and "Midori-no-Yu."

Although the water at Daimaru Onsen is a high-concentration carbonated spring, it emerges at a high temperature, meaning the carbon dioxide is fully dissolved in the water. While there are few visible bubbles at the comfortable temperature of around 40°C, the dissolved carbon dioxide is absorbed by the body, quickly warming you from the inside out. Furthermore, the water is rich in minerals such as magnesium, sodium, and calcium; even if it feels lukewarm, it induces sweating in a short time, allowing you to fully experience the benefits of the hot spring.

Then there is the "Ramune Onsen-kan," a day-trip hot spring facility operated by Daimaru Onsen. It features a higher-temperature indoor bath alongside a 32°C open-air bath, where you can enjoy the effervescence unique to lukewarm carbonated springs. I visited in winter; while I initially worried that 32°C might be a bit cold, warming up thoroughly in the indoor bath or sauna beforehand made the experience of the open-air bath feel like heaven. It feels cool the moment you step in, but that sensation gives way to a gradual, pleasant warmth—a unique and delightful bathing experience. The way the bubbles cling to your entire body the moment you enter is truly impressive. The effervescence near the hot water inlet is spectacular, often leading to people waiting for a spot right there during busy times—a testament to the immense popularity of the water at Ramune Onsen-kan. I, too, became completely captivated by the waters of Nagayu Onsen. It is a one-of-a-kind day-trip hot spring facility where you can also admire the artistic architecture designed by the master of natural architecture, Terunobu Fujimori. There are still plenty of places to enjoy in Nagayu Onsen, such as Gani-yu, Gozen-yu, and numerous communal bathhouses. I would love to visit again and take my time fully experiencing the hot spring town.


■ Nagayu Onsen Daimaru Ryokan
http://www.daimaruhello-net.co.jp/

■ Hot Spring Details
Daimaru Ryokan (Tei-no-Yu / Midori-no-Yu)
Magnesium/Sodium/Calcium-Bicarbonate Spring
Free-flowing source water (kakenagashi)

Ramune Onsen-kan
Carbon Dioxide-containing Magnesium/Sodium/Calcium-Bicarbonate Spring
Free-flowing source water (kakenagashi)

Some information in the video is based on online research.
Permission was obtained to film the hot spring facilities.