Going to Takeo Onsen (武雄温泉) hotsprings, Saga

After seeing autumn leaves at Mifunemaya Rakuen Japanese Garden, we went to Takeo Onsen located in the heart of the city. It's little far away from the Mifuneyama Garden, about 20 minutes drive from there.

The Romon (楼門) gate is a symbol of the spa town. Along with the Shinkan building which is mentioned below, it has been designated as the Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Both have been completed in April 1914 that has been designed by Tatsuno Kingo.

Entering the gate, you'll see a public bath called Motoyu (元湯) and the Shinkan building. There are three bathrooms inside the house, Motoyu, Horaiyu (蓬莱湯) and Saginoyu (鷺乃湯).

The Shinkan (新館) building. Built in the early Taisho era, it was a public bath until 1973. The building reopens in March 2003, and it has now become a museum open to the public.