Daimaru Ryokan

Daimaru Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) located in Nagayu Onsen, in the town of Naoiri within Taketa City, Ōita Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the oldest and most representative lodgings of the Nagayu hot-spring area, which lies at the eastern foot of the Kujū mountain range. The ryokan was founded in 1917 (Taishō 6), at a time when Nagayu Onsen was still known as Yunohara Onsen. According to the inn, only two hot-spring lodgings from that era remain in operation, and Daimaru Ryokan is frequently described as a long-established inn representing Nagayu Onsen. The defining feature of Daimaru Ryokan is its onsen. Nagayu Onsen is celebrated for its carbonated springs (tansan-sen), which are said to offer rare benefits both for bathing and for drinking. The inn emphasizes its abundant supply of carbonated water and its long tradition of preserving the culture and history cultivated since the Taishō period. Guests of Daimaru Ryokan receive free access to the nearby Ramune Onsen, another well-known carbonated spring in the area. Over its roughly century-long history, Daimaru Ryokan has hosted numerous cultural figures and celebrities. Among those cited by the inn are the poets Yosano Tekkan and Yosano Akiko, the novelist Daibutsu Jirō, the historian and statesman Tokutomi Sohō, the painter Takada Rikizō, and the writer Tachibana Heiwa. The inn credits its appeal to the clear waters of the Serikawa river that flows past it, the surrounding natural scenery, and its legendary spring. Nagayu Onsen itself is an old hot-spring resort that has been favored since feudal times by figures such as Nakagawa Hisakiyo, lord of the Oka domain, and was widely known as a place for therapeutic bathing (tōji). In the present day, the area has a sister-city relationship with Bad Krozingen in Germany, a town famous as a spa and health resort. This connection is visible in the design of the drinking fountain (insenjo) and buildings, as well as in the availability of German wine, giving the town a distinct German cultural flavor. Daimaru Ryokan operates as a private, independent inn. Its official website presents guest rooms, hot springs, cuisine, facilities, rate plans, access information, and a tea room called Kawabata-ya. The inn continues to position itself as a historic, relaxing retreat that combines tradition with the therapeutic appeal of its carbonated waters.

Daimaru Ryokan was founded in 1917 (Taishō 6) in Nagayu Onsen, Ōita Prefecture, at a time when the hot-spring area was still called Yunohara Onsen. It is one of only two hot-spring lodgings from that era that continue to operate, which is why it is often described as a long-established inn representing Nagayu Onsen. Over its history of nearly a century, the inn has hosted many cultural figures and celebrities, including the poets Yosano Tekkan and Yosano Akiko, the novelist Daibutsu Jirō, Tokutomi Sohō, the painter Takada Rikizō, and the writer Tachibana Heiwa. The inn attributes its enduring appeal to the clear Serikawa river, the surrounding natural environment, and its celebrated carbonated spring. Nagayu Onsen itself has been known since feudal times, favored by Nakagawa Hisakiyo, lord of the Oka domain, and widely recognized as a therapeutic bathing (tōji) destination. In the modern era, the area established a sister-city relationship with Bad Krozingen in Germany, a renowned spa town, and this connection is reflected in local architecture, the drinking fountain, and the availability of German wine. Daimaru Ryokan continues to operate as a private inn, preserving its traditions while welcoming guests with its abundant carbonated waters and historic atmosphere.

• 1917

  Daimaru Ryokan is founded in Nagayu Onsen (then Yunohara Onsen), Ōita Prefecture.

• The inn hosts numerous cultural figures and celebrities over its history, including Yosano Tekkan, Yosano Akiko, Daibutsu Jirō, Tokutomi Sohō, Takada Rikizō, and Tachibana Heiwa.

• Nagayu Onsen establishes a sister-city relationship with Bad Krozingen, Germany, influencing local design and culture.

Long-established, traditional ryokan representing Nagayu Onsen, distinguished by its rare carbonated hot-spring waters and century-old heritage.

• Ryokan accommodation

• Carbonated hot-spring bathing (tansan-sen)

• Onsen cuisine

• Drinking spring water (insen)

• Tea room Kawabata-ya

1. 1長湯温泉 大丸旅館 公式サイトdaimaruhello-net.co.jp
2. 2Daimaru Ryokan - Wikidatawikidata.org