Romon Gate

The Romon Gate is the vivid vermilion gate standing at the entrance to Takeo Onsen, one of Saga Prefecture’s famous hot spring areas. Resembling a dragon palace with its colorful lacquered appearance, the gate was designed by Meiji-era architect Kingo Tatsuno (who also designed Tokyo Station) and was completed in 1915 (Taisho 4). It is now designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Takeo Onsen itself has a tradition of about 1,300 years. Its spring type is a mildly alkaline simple hot spring, with a well-balanced mix of components, and it has long been beloved as a “beautiful skin” and “beauty” hot spring. The area offers many traditional ryokan, hotels, and day-use bathing facilities, letting you enjoy different baths. Takeo Onsen Shinkan (new building) is also designated an Important Cultural Property. Claimed benefits include recovery from fatigue, neuralgia, muscle pain, joint stiffness/pain, frozen shoulder, bruises/sprains, and health promotion; it is also said to be contraindicated for people with malignant tumors, heart disease, or hemorrhagic disorders. Takeo Onsen is also known for local gourmet spots, such as rustic home-style dishes, pork skewers and yakitori at “Aun,” and local champon. Access: by public transportation, about 70 minutes from Hakata Station by JR limited express, then about a 15-minute walk from Takeo-Onsen Station to the gate. By car, it is about 60 minutes from central Nagasaki, about 30 minutes from Yutoku Inari Shrine, about 70 minutes from Yobuko (Karatsu), and about 20 minutes from Ureshino Onsen.