Complete Guide to Kur Park Nagayu: A Hidden Hot Spring Gem 90 Minutes from Oita Airport
Have you ever heard the term “Kurort”?
In Germany, Kurort refers to a spa town that meets stringent criteria for therapeutic treatments, often incorporated into the country’s healthcare system as part of medical care.
Kur Park Nagayu, located in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, is the only facility in Japan where you can experience the concept of a Kurort.
Let us introduce the charm and ways to enjoy this renowned “rejuvenating hot spring.”
What is Kur Park Nagayu?
Kur Park Nagayu is a multi-functional spa facility inspired by the German Kurort concept.
The term “Kur” means “cure” or “therapy” in German, while “park” reflects its expansive grounds reminiscent of a park. This combination gives rise to the name Kur Park Nagayu.
Access & Location
Located about a 90-minute drive from Oita Airport and approximately 1 hour 50 minutes from Kumamoto Airport, Kur Park Nagayu is situated in Nagayu Onsen, an area known for its rich history as a therapeutic hot spring destination.
Its carbonated spring waters are among the best in Japan, boasting high concentrations of bicarbonate, abundant flow, and optimal temperatures. These qualities are known to enhance blood circulation and address various ailments, earning attention from around the globe.
Surrounded by serene mountains and lush greenery, Kur Park Nagayu offers an escape into nature's tranquility.
Key Features
Kur Park Nagayu consists of three main areas: the Hot Spring Wing, the Restaurant Wing, and the Accommodation Wing.
The highlight is undoubtedly the exceptional quality of the hot spring waters in the Hot Spring Wing.
The springs are carbonated, formed as underground water blends with dissolved carbon dioxide. These waters are celebrated for their wide-ranging benefits, including improved blood circulation, relief from allergies, cold sensitivity, neuralgia, fatigue recovery, skin rejuvenation, and relaxation.
Unlike many hot spring facilities that use chlorine for hygiene, Kur Park Nagayu ensures purity by forgoing additives and completely replacing the water in the large baths daily.
The baths are drained and refilled daily, ensuring pristine and refreshing waters—a major reason for their popularity.
Two Bathing Options in the “Hot Spring Wing”
The Hot Spring Wing features two distinct bathing areas: the Bade Zone on the first floor, where visitors can enjoy mixed bathing while wearing swimsuits, and the Indoor Bath Zone on the second floor, with separate facilities for men and women.
The Bade Zone is great for families or couples who want to enjoy light exercise in the water, while the Indoor Bath Zone offers a peaceful space for relaxing at your own pace.
It's a joy to choose how to enjoy the onsen based on your mood or companions.
The Bade Zone: Exercise While You Soak
Located on the first floor, the Bade Zone is a mixed bathing area where swimsuits are required.
This zone offers various features, including exercise pools, open-air baths, walking baths, drinkable spring water, saunas, and jacuzzis, making it perfect for a full day of enjoyment.
The pools range in temperature from 34°C to 42°C, allowing visitors to engage in gentle aquatic exercises or simply relax in warmer waters.
The Indoor Bath Zone: Unwind and Refresh
On the second floor, you’ll find the Indoor Bath Zone with separate facilities for men and women.
The striking dome-shaped roof, crafted from four 1.8-meter-long logs, creates an impressive architectural feature.
This area is perfect for forgetting the hustle and bustle of daily life while soaking in tranquility.
More to Enjoy: The Restaurant and Accommodation Wings
Savor Oita’s Seasonal Delicacies at the Restaurant Wing
The restaurant offers dishes made from local Oita ingredients, such as Bungo Beef and Kabosu Yellowtail fish. Lunch features fresh, almost-organic vegetables grown in Taketa City, while dinner serves a luxurious multi-course Japanese meal.
Menus are available in English for international visitors, and English- and Chinese-speaking staff ensure a seamless dining experience.
Relax in Nature at the Accommodation Wing
For those wishing to stay overnight, Kur Park Nagayu offers 16 cottages surrounded by nature.
A variety of options are available, including single rooms, twin rooms, and loft-style twins.
The thoughtful design allows furniture like tables and beds to be stored when not in use, optimizing space and convenience.
Additionally, foreign staff are on-site to assist international guests, ensuring a comfortable and secure stay.
Other Ways to Enjoy Kur Park Nagayu
Feel the Great Outdoors with Auto Camping
For those seeking an outdoor experience, the adjacent Grandpark Nagayu offers an auto camping area where visitors can enjoy the hot springs in a unique setting.
Facilities include a tent sauna, natural cold-water baths, and open-air baths, all surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.
Architectural Beauty in Harmony with Nature
The wooden structures of Kur Park Nagayu were designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban.
Known for using eco-friendly materials like wood and recycled paper, Ban’s design creates a unique and tranquil atmosphere that leaves visitors both impressed and soothed.
Architecture and art enthusiasts will find the facility itself a sight to admire.
The Story Behind Kur Park Nagayu
How the Hidden Hot Spring and “Rejuvenation Bath” Came to Be
Kur Park Nagayu is the brainchild of Shigeharu Koboshi, the CEO of Nagayu Hot Tab Co., Ltd., who previously worked as a researcher and developer at Konica Minolta for 43 years.
Throughout his career, Koboshi acquired 680 patents and was awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon at the age of 55.
The inspiration for this facility came during a business trip to Germany. While visiting Bad Krozingen, a renowned Kurort, Koboshi was amazed by the rejuvenating effects of its hot springs.
“Even during my brief two-day stay, I saw visitors who initially relied on canes leave with their posture straight and confident,” he recalls.
Determined to bring the Kurort culture to Japan, Koboshi embarked on a nationwide search for a hot spring with similar qualities.
He eventually discovered the bicarbonate-rich waters of Nagayu Onsen, hidden in the remote mountains of Oita.
Investing his personal funds and gaining support from then-Minister for Regional Revitalization Shigeru Ishiba and the city of Taketa, Koboshi opened Kur Park Nagayu in 2019.
The facility is dedicated to the health benefits and therapeutic effects of bicarbonate-rich hot springs, also known as the “Rejuvenation Bath” in Germany, reflecting Koboshi’s deep passion for promoting well-being.
Can You Take the Hot Spring Home? Don’t Forget a Souvenir!
For those enchanted by Kur Park Nagayu’s water quality, consider purchasing the Nagayu HotTab as a souvenir.
Jointly developed with Taketa City, this bicarbonate bath tablet allows you to recreate the hot spring experience at home.
This bath additive neutralizes chlorine, contains no fragrances or artificial colors, and brings the water to a neutral pH.
Soaking in lukewarm water will help refresh both your body and mind.
Be sure to pick some up as a souvenir!
Wrap-up
Did you get a sense of the wonder that is Kur Park Nagayu, nestled in nature’s abundance?
While Japan has few hot spring therapy facilities like this, its exceptional healing properties have gained international attention.
While the journey from the airport includes winding mountain roads and lacks conveniences like stores or malls, the untouched nature and revitalizing hot springs offer an unparalleled experience.
Sometimes, it’s worth turning off your smartphone and immersing yourself completely in the restorative embrace of a hot spring.