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Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Oita Prefecture · Kyushu

Michi-no-Eki Nagayu Onsen

道の駅 ながゆ温泉

A small roadside station in a carbonated hot spring town, where you can pick up vegetables and plan your onsen visits.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location
Taketa City
Road
Prefectural Route 30 | Shonai–Kuju Route
Hours
Onsen Market 8:00–18:00; tourist information center 9:00–17:30; Gozenyu admissions 6:00–20:00. Check each shop or facility for current details.
Parking
Parking information lists 60 spaces by Onsen Market and 14 by the tourist information center.
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How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

Get organized first
Parking, toilets, tourist information center

Nagayu's public baths are spread out, so planning your route first makes the visit easier.

What to buy
Vegetables, onsen sugar, tofu and shiitake

Even a short stop at Onsen Market offers a taste of the area.

Where to bathe
Gozenyu or Lamune Onsenkan

Choose Gozenyu for an early start, or Lamune Onsenkan for its architecture and the sensation of bubbles from carbonated spring water.

Where to walk
The hot spring town and area around Ganiyu

The riverside has atmosphere, but Ganiyu's exposed bath setting makes simply looking around a worthwhile option.

For a half-day trip
Kiyotaki Falls or Kur Park Nagayu

Choose a nature walk or swimsuit-based exercise bathing according to your group.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Haruka's hot spring town rest note

Take time to prepare for a bath rather than trying to see everything.

Haruka Mizuno sees Nagayu Onsen as a base for enjoying the wider hot spring town. Plan the day around the parking, toilets and information center, then choose tofu or shiitake at Onsen Market. The freedom to decide there whether to walk to Gozenyu, continue to Lamune Onsenkan or extend the trip to Kiyotaki Falls is part of the station's appeal.

Highlights

Michi-no-Eki Nagayu Onsen sits alongside the Nagayu Onsen district in Naoiri-machi, Taketa. Its appeal is the local vegetables, onsen sugar (a local sweet), tofu and dried shiitake at Onsen Market, the adjacent tourist information center, and nearby Gozenyu and Lamune Onsenkan. Park, use the toilets, shop and plan a route between hot spring baths at the information center before taking a short walk around town.

  • #Nagayu Onsen
  • #Carbonated hot springs
  • #Onsen Market
  • #Gozenyu
  • #Lamune Onsenkan
  • #Onsen sugar
  • #Prefectural Route 30
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

Plan your visit at the entrance to the hot spring town

The tourist information center at the roadside station offers brochures, local guidance and advice about rental bicycles. Nagayu has public baths and inns with hot springs scattered around town. After arriving, park and use the toilets, then decide the order of your bath visits before heading to a facility.

02

Onsen Market offers a quick taste of the area

Look for locally grown vegetables, onsen sugar, tofu made with local spring water, dried and fresh shiitake, and naturally dried rice. This is a place for a short shop before or after a bath, choosing something to enjoy at your inn or at home, rather than a long meal at the station.

03

Easy connections to Gozenyu, Lamune Onsenkan and Ganiyu on foot or by car

Gozenyu is right by the station, Lamune Onsenkan is a well-known stop in the hot spring town, and Ganiyu is an emblematic open-air bath beside the river. Closing days, admission hours and bathing arrangements differ, so choose according to your companions and schedule.

04

Weather and season shape a visit to this mountain hot spring town

At about 450 m above sea level, Nagayu can feel cooler than town centers in summer, while winter and mornings and evenings can be cold. Add early-spring adonis flowers, summer fireflies and riverbanks, autumn foliage, or flowers and highland events toward Kuju to turn a short station stop into a half-day outing.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

A drive toward Taketa or Kuju

Get ready for the hot spring town in 30 minutes

Park and use the toilets, then browse the vegetables and onsen sugar at Onsen Market. Ask at the tourist information center about public baths and walking routes. If time is short, just shop; if you have longer, head to Gozenyu.

Parking → toilets → Onsen Market → tourist information center → departure or Gozenyu

This is a small station for short shopping and information stops, rather than a large restaurant destination.

A day when you arrive in Nagayu early

Relax at Gozenyu from the morning

Gozenyu is a municipal hot spring that is convenient from early morning. Decide where to park and what to buy on the way back before bathing; afterward, you can return to the market for tofu or shiitake.

Station → Gozenyu → Onsen Market → hot spring town walk

Conditions differ by facility on third Wednesdays and around New Year. Check official information in advance if bathing is your main purpose.

A trip centered on the hot springs themselves

Walk to Lamune Onsenkan for a fuller Nagayu experience

Lamune Onsenkan is a well-known day-use bath where you can experience Nagayu's carbonated spring water. Use the station as a meeting point and shopping stop; after bathing, a sweet treat or light meal in the hot spring town rounds out even a short visit.

Station → Lamune Onsenkan → hot spring town → Onsen Market

It is generally closed on the first Wednesday of each month, or the second Wednesday in January and May. Check admission hours for an evening visit.

A hot spring drive with preschool or primary-school children

With children, choose the bath and keep shopping brief

For young children, facilities with clear bathing arrangements, such as Gozenyu, Lamune Onsenkan or Kur Park Nagayu, may suit better than the exposed Ganiyu bath. Keep the station stop to toilets, drinks and a short shop to avoid tiring everyone out.

Station → a bath with facilities → one purchase at Onsen Market

Hot baths, cooler carbonated water and outdoor walking may suit children differently. Bring towels, spare clothes and something warm for after bathing.

A fine day with suitable walking shoes

Add Kiyotaki Falls for a nature walk around your bath

Kiyotaki Falls is a nature stop reached by walking beside a stream from the entrance to the plunge pool. Shop and use the toilets at the station, then take a short walk before or after bathing to enjoy Nagayu's mountain setting.

Station → Kiyotaki Falls → Gozenyu or Lamune Onsenkan

After rain or when the path is poor, skip the walk and take a shorter stroll within the hot spring town.

Hours

Opening hours

Onsen Market
8:00〜18:00

Watch for the third Wednesday and New Year closures. Stock in the shop varies.

Tourist information center
9:00〜17:30

Closed over New Year. Its sole staff member may be away.

Gozenyu
Admissions 6:00–20:00

Generally closed on the third Wednesday. Hours may be shorter over New Year.

Lamune Onsenkan
10:00〜22:00

Generally closed on the first Wednesday each month; in January and May, generally the second Wednesday.

Ganiyu
Reported open for use at any time

May be unavailable when the river rises or under similar conditions.

Family

Visiting with children

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Ages 1 and under
★★★☆☆

Convenient for toilets and a short shop.

This is a place for a brief stop, with carrying a child or traveling by car in mind, rather than a long walk around the station. For bathing, prioritize facilities, water temperature and a suitable changing area.

Ages 2–3
★★★☆☆

Keep shopping short and choose a bath for its facilities.

Ganiyu is very exposed and may not suit a bathing trip with toddlers. Consider Gozenyu or Lamune Onsenkan, where changing and resting arrangements are clearer.

Ages 4–6
★★★★☆

Link a short hot spring town walk with shopping.

Choosing onsen sugar or vegetables, looking at the river from a bridge and visiting a bath with facilities make a manageable outing. Check the weather and footwear if going to Kiyotaki Falls.

Primary-school children
★★★★☆

Carbonated springs, the riverside and the waterfall can make an educational detour.

Choose one of Nagayu's carbonated springs, its drinking-spring culture, the legend of Ganiyu or a walk at Kiyotaki Falls to add more than shopping to the trip.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

Japan's No. 1 Carbonated Spring Festival

Watch for this summer event around Nagayu Onsen. Check each year's announcement for dates, venue and travel information.

Soft-Serve Ice Cream Kingdom Taketa Drive Stamp Rally 2026

This citywide food event ran from July 18 to September 27, 2026, with stops across Taketa City rather than Nagayu Onsen alone. A stamp rally involves collecting marks at participating stops.

Adonis flowers at Momiyama Hachiman Shrine

An early-spring sight around Nagayu, roughly February to March. Consider it when combining the hot springs with flowers.

Kuju Flower Park and Kuju Plateau area

Flowers and events on the highland reached by car. Stop at the station before setting out, or end the return trip with a bath.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

The station is compact; enjoy it together with the hot spring town

Visitor experiences often combine the station with Gozenyu, Lamune Onsenkan or the area around Ganiyu, rather than spending a long time at the station alone. Starting at the market and information center makes even a short visit feel distinctive to Nagayu.

Each hot spring has a distinct character

Gozenyu is convenient from early morning; Lamune Onsenkan stands out for its carbonated springs and architecture; Ganiyu is an emblematic open-air bath beside the river. Consider your companions' ages, changing arrangements and the weather.

Look beyond the station for lunch

There are restaurants and inn dining rooms in the hot spring town, though their opening days can vary. Shop at the station, then choose a meal according to what is open in town.

The EV charger is reported removed

According to the tourist information center, the EV charger at Michi-no-Eki Nagayu Onsen was removed at the end of June 2022. EV drivers should plan to use another location, such as Michi-no-Eki Notsuharu or Michi-no-Eki Taketa.

Source: Taketa City Tourism Association

Choose the season: flowers, fireflies, foliage or highland events

This mountain hot spring area changes with early-spring adonis flowers, summer riverbanks and fireflies, autumn foliage, and flowers and events toward Kuju Plateau. Check recent tourism information before a season-focused trip.

Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

  • Onsen Market, the tourist information center, Gozenyu and Lamune Onsenkan each have different hours and closing days. If you intend to bathe, choose the facility before leaving.
  • The station works well for shopping, information, toilets and a transition to the hot spring town, rather than an extended restaurant stop.
  • Ganiyu is free, but it is an unenclosed mixed-gender open-air bath beside the river. Families and first-time visitors may prefer to view it or walk nearby.
  • The tourist information center has one staff member, who may be away. Allow extra time for rental bicycles or detailed advice.
  • Plan EV charging elsewhere, such as at Michi-no-Eki Notsuharu or Michi-no-Eki Taketa; do not count on charging at this station.
  • For Kiyotaki Falls or a riverside walk, consider the path after rain, summer heat and winter cold, and keep the walk short.
Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

  • Farm-direct produce
    Fresh local vegetables
    Varies with deliveries and season
  • Souvenir
    Onsen sugar (a sweet made with carbonated spring water)
    Check at the market
  • Local food
    Tofu made with local spring water
    Varies with deliveries
  • An Oita specialty to take home
    Dried and fresh shiitake mushrooms
    Varies by season and grade
  • Take-home food
    Naturally dried rice
    Varies with stock
Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph
Enjoy at your inn or home

Tofu, shiitake and naturally dried rice

Take home a taste of the hot spring trip. Consider the length of your return journey when buying chilled products.

A light souvenir

Onsen sugar, processed foods and dried shiitake

Easy ways to remember Nagayu after a short visit, especially if you want to avoid heavy purchases.

Buy what is in season

Local vegetables and fresh shiitake

The selection changes with the season; on some days you may have more choice in the morning.

Eat in the hot spring town

Nearby restaurants, cafés and day-use dining at inns

Check the days and hours of eateries in the hot spring town when planning lunch instead of relying on the station alone.

A detour during events

Citywide events such as Soft-Serve Ice Cream Kingdom Taketa

When food events take place across Taketa City, pair shopping at the station with a sweet stop nearby.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Michi-no-Eki Nagayu Onsen

A small roadside station in a carbonated hot spring town, where you can pick up vegetables and plan your onsen visits.

Open in Google Maps
2
Day-use hot spring
Nagayu Onsen Therapy and Culture Center Gozenyu

A central public bath in Nagayu, close to the station and convenient from early morning.

Open in Google Maps
3
Day-use hot spring and architecture
Lamune Onsenkan

Bubbling carbonated spring water and Terunobu Fujimori's architecture make this a distinctive Nagayu bath.

Open in Google Maps
4
Riverside hot spring and sightseeing
Ganiyu (Kaniyu)

An exposed open-air bath steaming beside the river, emblematic of Nagayu Onsen.

Open in Google Maps
5
Nature walk and waterfall
Kiyotaki Falls

After a bath, switch to mountain air on a roughly 10-minute riverside walk to the falls.

Open in Google Maps
6
Bathing, accommodation and exercise bathing
Kur Park Nagayu

A bathing complex with swimsuit-based exercise bathing, suitable for families or a longer stay.

Open in Google Maps
Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.
Nearby

Places to visit nearby

Day-use hot spring
Nagayu Onsen Therapy and Culture Center GozenyuJapanese guide
A short walk from the stationAbout 2–3 minutes on foot

Suited to an early bath, a starting point for a hot spring town walk, older companions or days when bathing facilities matter.

Day-use hot spring and architecture
Lamune OnsenkanJapanese guide
About 450 m from the stationAbout 6–8 minutes on foot or a few minutes by car

Suited to a trip focused on Nagayu's hot springs, or adults who also want to enjoy the architecture.

Riverside hot spring and sightseeing
Ganiyu (Kaniyu)Japanese guide
Within walking distance of the station in the hot spring townAbout 5–10 minutes on foot

Suited to an adult stroll, appreciating the atmosphere without taking photographs, or a brief riverside walk.

Nature walk and waterfall
Kiyotaki FallsJapanese guide
About 10–15 minutes by car from the stationAbout 10 minutes on foot from the entrance to the plunge pool

Suited to a short nature walk in good weather, adults wanting to walk before or after a bath, and detours with primary-school children or older.

Bathing, accommodation and exercise bathing
Kur Park NagayuJapanese guide
About 5 minutes by car from the stationAbout 5 minutes by car

Suited to children, groups, rainy days and longer stays in Nagayu Onsen.

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