Oita
Taketa City
Discover Taketa City
A Journey to the Roots of Well‑Being and Beauty
Located in the mountains of southwestern Oita, the city of Taketa is a place of yojō—a way of nurturing well‑being from within.
Walk through its satoyama landscapes and encounter the traditions of its food and culture.
As you settle into the gentle rhythm that flows through this land, you may find a quiet moment of renewal, where both body and mind begin to shine from the inside out
The Wisdom of Using Everything, Nourishing the Body
Wholesome Local Cuisine
Atama Ryori of Taketa
Atama ryori, a traditional dish from Taketa in Oita Prefecture, reflects the resourceful cooking of a mountain region far from the sea.
For generations, it has been enjoyed on special occasions, prepared by gently blanching selected parts of a large white‑fleshed fish and serving them with a refreshing kabosu vinegar sauce.
This thoughtful way of using the whole fish carries forward the spirit of earlier cooks who valued every ingredient with care.
The Nutritional Wisdom of Atama Ryori
The well‑being benefits of atama ryori come from parts of the fish that are naturally rich in nutrients.
These areas contain concentrated elements that support overall health.
Taketa’s tradition of using the whole fish—a thoughtful, no‑waste approach passed down through generations—provides deep nourishment that helps the body find its natural balance and supports a quiet, inner vitality.
Gentle Symbols of Good Fortune
Culture
Hime‑Daruma: A Symbol of Health and Longevity
Hime‑daruma, cherished in Taketa since the Edo period (1603–1868), is an elegant folk doll imbued with wishes for safe childbirth, family well‑being, and good fortune.
Unlike the bold, traditional daruma, its rounded, gentle form conveys a softer presence.
Each doll is hand‑painted exclusively by women—a rare tradition in Japan—preserving a lineage of care and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
Taketa’s Enduring Traditions
On New Year’s night, families in Taketa take part in a long‑standing custom involving the hime‑daruma, welcoming good fortune into the home through this symbolic gesture.
When the doll rights itself, people celebrate it as a sign that good luck has arrived, and households expecting a child are given a slightly larger doll as a blessing.
This tradition has long served as a gentle form of community care, strengthening local bonds.
The wishes for health and longevity expressed through motifs such as the sacred jewel and pine, bamboo, and plum continue to enrich the hearts of the people today.
Recommended Local Spots
ACCESS
Oita Prefecture
Flight approx. 1h 10m
Bus approx. 45m
JR Hohi Line approx. 1h
One of the World’s Rarest Natural Carbonated Springs
KUR Park Nagayu
Surrounded by the majestic Aso–Kuju mountains, KUR Park Nagayu is a hot‑spring wellness retreat where visitors can fully experience one of the world’s rare high‑carbonated natural springs.
Inspired by the traditions of German spa resorts, the facility promotes a balanced approach to well‑being through bathing, walking baths, and other gentle therapies that combine effective health benefits with deep relaxation.
Japan’s Only High‑Bicarbonate Spring
The high‑bicarbonate spring found only in Nagayu, Taketa City is Japan’s sole source of this rare water quality, known for significantly improving blood circulation and addressing the root causes of various ailments.
Its strong health‑promoting effects have been officially recognized for their therapeutic value, making it the only hot spring in Oita Prefecture formally acknowledged for its medically supported benefits.
With this one‑of‑a‑kind spring found nowhere else, you can gently unwind and ease the fatigue of daily life.
A Forest Haven Whispering with Dragon Legends
Ameushi Falls
Walking across a field of river stones, you suddenly come upon Ameushi Falls, a waterfall with a drop of about 20 meters. Its powerful spray and echoing roar as it plunges from the cliff create a striking scene shaped entirely by nature.
Once featured in a nationwide TV commercial, this dramatic waterfall quickly became known throughout Japan—and it continues to impress visitors today with its overwhelming sense of scale.
A Restorative Sanctuary
According to local legend, this area was once home to a dragon, and even today it is wrapped in dense negative ions and a deep sense of calm. It is a quiet sanctuary that soothes both mind and body.
Here, where untouched nature and ancient lore meet, you can enjoy a moment allowing you to leave daily life behind, experiencing the gentle sense of renewal long associated with health, beauty, and longevity.
A Journey into Nature and the Local Way of Life
Kyushu Olle Oku-Bungo
The Kyushu Olle Oku-Bungo Course is a walking trail that lets you enjoy the rich satoyama landscapes and rural scenery of Taketa. As you move at your own pace, you can take in the sweeping views of Aso–Kuju, deep forests, and peaceful countryside—scenery found only in Oku-Bungo.
Here, the natural environment and local way of life remain very much alive.
A Scenic Trail for Every Season
Along this trail, the scenery shifts beautifully with each season. Wrapped in the rustling of the trees and the clear, refreshing air, your walk becomes a gentle release from everyday stress as you meet and connect with people who live here.
Amid the calm landscapes of Oku-Bungo, spending time in touch with the way of life in Taketa adds a quiet richness to your journey.