This detailed video presents a stay at Daimaru Ryokan in Nagayu Onsen, a hot spring town located in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture. Nagayu Onsen is celebrated all over Japan for its unique, high-concentration carbonated springs, which are among the world’s most mineral-rich. Daimaru Ryokan stands as a landmark establishment in the center of this historic hot spring town, exuding a gentle sense of history from its modest entrance and offering rooms that feature picturesque views of the Seri River.

The ryokan provides a variety of private baths, including ‘Tei no Yu’ and ‘Midori no Yu,’ each named after past proprietresses of the inn, underscoring its deep-rooted history and hospitality. The carbonated spring water at Daimaru Ryokan is not only high in carbon dioxide content but also rich in essential minerals like magnesium, sodium, and calcium. Although the water may feel only lukewarm at around 40°C (104°F), its unique properties cause bathers to sweat quickly, maximizing the health and relaxation benefits typical of Japanese onsen culture.

A highlight of the Nagayu Onsen experience is the Ramune Onsenkan, a drop-in hot spring facility operated by Daimaru Ryokan. This venue offers a high-temperature indoor bath and a 32°C open-air bath, where visitors can see and feel the natural carbonated bubbles—an onsen experience unique to this region. The open-air bath, although cooler, allows bathers to fully appreciate the effervescent water while taking in the artistry of the bathhouse, which was designed by acclaimed architect Terunobu Fujimori. The popularity of Ramune Onsenkan often leads to queues for the bubble-rich spots in the pool, especially during peak times.

Nagayu Onsen is not limited to Daimaru Ryokan and Ramune Onsenkan; the town also features other notable baths such as Gani-yu, Gozenyu, and a variety of public bathhouses, each offering distinct atmospheres and benefits. Oita Prefecture as a whole is world-famous for its abundance of high-quality hot springs, making this destination ideal for onsen enthusiasts. A stay at Daimaru Ryokan in Nagayu Onsen provides a blend of cultural heritage, relaxation, and a chance to experience the extraordinary carbonated hot springs that have brought visitors to Oita for generations.