Discover Serenity in the Heart of Nature
Nagayu Onsen roadside station lies nestled at an elevation of 450 meters in the tranquil hills of Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, where lush forests meet clear mountain streams. Surrounded by the timeless beauty of nature, this mountain hot spring retreat offers visitors a rare escape from the everyday—complete with the soothing calls of kajika fish, glowing fireflies in summer, and breathtaking autumn foliage.
More than just a rest stop, Nagayu Onsen is a cultural sanctuary where history and wellness converge. Once visited by renowned literary figures like Togawa Tekkan and Shinko, the station now serves as a gateway to the famed Nagayu Onsen area. With a public bath, local market, and informative kiosks, it blends traditional charm with modern convenience, making it an essential stop for travelers seeking both relaxation and authentic regional experiences.
Why Visit
Nagayu Onsen roadside station stands at 450 meters elevation, offering a rare chance to experience the pristine mountain air and listen to the clear call of kajika fish in the pristine stream—a sensory immersion found nowhere else. The station is home to the only on-site artisanal milk ice cream made from Jersey cows raised in the highlands, a creamy treat that captures the region’s alpine freshness. Visitors also gain exclusive access to the historic hot spring baths once frequented by literary figures like Togawa Tekkan and Shinko, blending natural beauty with cultural legacy.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Nagayu Onsen roadside station, where fresh, seasonal ingredients meet traditional mountain cuisine.
Nagayu Onsen Restaurant
ながゆ温泉レストラン
Specialty
Traditional Japanese cuisine with local ingredients
A cozy dining space offering authentic Japanese meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for enjoying a relaxing meal after soaking in the natural hot springs.
Café Hikari
カフェひかり
Specialty
Homemade pastries and light refreshments
A charming café offering a peaceful retreat with soft lighting and a quiet ambiance. Ideal for afternoon tea or a light snack with a view of the surrounding mountains.
Soba Specialty Stall
そば専門店
Specialty
Freshly made soba noodles
A small, bustling food stall serving hand-made soba noodles with a variety of dipping sauces and seasonal toppings. The energetic atmosphere and quick service make it a favorite among visitors.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local crafts and regional treats at the roadside station's vibrant market and specialty shops.
Onsen Market
おんせん市場
A bustling market offering a wide variety of local products, fresh produce, and handmade goods from the region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Nagayu Onsen Hot Spring Rice
Local Craft Shop
地元工芸品店
A specialty shop featuring handmade crafts and artisanal products made by local artisans.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handcrafted Bamboo Basket
Farmers Market
農産物直売所
A seasonal market where local farmers sell fresh produce directly to visitors.
Products
Must-Try Item
Mountain-Grown Lettuce
Sake and Alcohol Shop
酒・アルコール販売店
A shop specializing in regional sake, local rice wine, and other traditional alcoholic beverages.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kujū Highland Sake
Featured Products
Explore signature items like handmade soaps, mountain-grown herbs, and premium local produce from Nagayu Onsen's rich natural heritage.
Nagayu Onsen Hot Spring Rice
ながゆ温泉温泉ごはん
A premium rice dish cooked with natural hot spring water and seasonal vegetables, available for purchase as a ready-to-cook meal.
Mountain Vegetable Dried Mix
山菜乾物ミックス
A blend of dried mountain vegetables harvested from the region, perfect for soups and stir-fries.
Handwoven Bamboo Basket
手編み竹かご
A beautifully crafted bamboo basket made by local artisans using traditional techniques.
Kujū Highland Sake
久住高原酒
A locally brewed sake made from premium rice and natural spring water, known for its smooth, clean taste.
Green Tea Powder
抹茶粉
High-quality matcha powder made from shade-grown tea leaves, ideal for tea ceremonies and cooking.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, information kiosks, and a relaxing public bath at Nagayu Onsen roadside station.
Parking
Available for visitors at the roadside station.
Near the main entrance
Restroom
Public toilets are available for visitors.
Near the main facility area
Information Center
Provides tourism information, road information, nearby 'Michi no Eki' details, medical information, and disaster alerts through terminals and bulletin boards.
Main facility area
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors.
Throughout the station
Hot Spring
The station features a public hot spring called 'Gozensui' (city-operated hot spring), open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (adjusted during holidays).
Adjacent to the roadside station
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging facilities are available at the station.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitor use.
Near the main entrance
Pet Area
Designated area for pets, allowing visitors to bring their animals.
Near the outdoor seating area
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds, check seasonal events in advance, and bring a light jacket for the cool mountain air.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 8:30 AM to access the onsen market before it opens at 8:00 AM, as popular local products like Longyo Onsen’s signature pickled vegetables and mountain herb tea are often sold out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the deli counter at the onsen market between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to find fresh batches of handmade mountain vegetable dumplings, which are only prepared daily and not restocked.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, check the information terminal near the parking area around 10:30 AM to see if the mobile food truck serving regional yakitori from the nearby Longyo village is scheduled to arrive—typically only available from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Best Time to Use the Public Bath: Enter the city-run public bath, known as Okama-yu, before 6:30 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy the quiet morning atmosphere, especially during the winter months when the steam rises above the surrounding trees.
- Information Terminal Tip: Use the information terminal to check real-time road conditions on Prefectural Road 30 before heading to the next roadside station, as it frequently experiences temporary closures due to landslides during the rainy season.
- Local Product Alert: Purchase the limited-edition Longyo Onsen herbal tea blend at the onsen market by 11:30 AM on weekdays, as it is only restocked once per day and often sells out by early afternoon.
- Event Planning: Visit the information corner between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on weekdays to obtain the latest schedule for the upcoming Longyo Onsen’s Carbonated Spring Festival, which takes place in late July and includes special bath experiences and local food tastings.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Visit during the 3rd week of March for the Kōbu Castle Town Hina Matsuri, or in early April for the Kōjo Cherry Blossom Festival.
Summer (June–August): Enjoy the final weekend of July’s Japan’s Number One Carbonated Spring Festival and the August Kujū Summer Festival.
Autumn (September–November): Experience the Kujū Highland Festival in early October and the Shūraku Festival in mid-November.
Winter (December–February): Ideal for visiting the hot spring in the cool mountain air, with the onsen open until 17:00 during the New Year period.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Nagayu Onsen roadside station offers a clean, stroller-friendly layout with restrooms and a café. While no dedicated play area or baby facilities are listed, the serene natural setting and nearby hiking trails provide quiet, safe spaces for families to enjoy together.
Food Lover Review
The onsen market provides fresh local produce and regional specialties like mountain vegetables and traditional snacks. Dining options include a café and restaurant serving local flavors, with quality food and authentic regional dishes enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
The station has parking and restrooms, suitable for short stops. However, there is no designated overnight camping area, no information on overnight parking policy, and limited quietude due to proximity to tourist facilities, making extended stays less ideal.
Scenic Beauty Review
Nagayu Onsen is set in a mountain valley with clear streams, seasonal foliage, and firefly sightings. The surrounding nature and views of the landscape offer strong visual appeal, especially during autumn and spring, creating a peaceful and scenic atmosphere.