Takeo City Library and the Ancient Takeo Great Camphor Tree – Modern Architecture Meets 3,000-Year History

While searching for places to visit during a recent Saga trip, I discovered Takeo City Library.

The library gained considerable attention, both positive and negative, when the city partnered with CCC (Culture Convenience Club, the company operating TSUTAYA bookstores), but I’d never visited.

Further research revealed that near Takeo City Library stands Takeo’s Great Camphor Tree, an ancient tree over 3,000 years old. Being able to enjoy both in one trip sounded promising…

While photography inside Takeo City Library was restricted, the interior design is stylish, making it a library and bookstore worth visiting regularly. With Starbucks on-site, it also seems excellent as a cafe or study space.

And Takeo’s Great Camphor Tree—though I initially thought “it’s just a big tree, right?”—exceeded expectations with its majesty and splendor. The path leading to it is equally atmospheric.

Near Takeo City Library are Takeo Onsen and Ureshino Onsen hot springs. It’s also conveniently located on the route from Fukuoka to Nagasaki.
I highly recommend this area as a stopover when traveling in the region!

Takeo City Library – A Bookstore and Starbucks Integrated Library

I arrived at Takeo City Library. About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Fukuoka City, about 1 hour from Nagasaki City. About 15 minutes on foot from Takeo Onsen Station.

With 90 parking spaces, you should be able to park easily outside of weekends and holidays. During busy times, nearby public facility parking is also available.

武雄市図書館

武雄市図書館では、従来の図書貸出はもちろんのこと、蔦屋書店の併設により、本や物販商品の購入が可能です。また、館内にはスターバックス コーヒーも併設され、コーヒーを飲みながら本を読むことができます。

takeo.city-library.jp

(https://takeo.city-library.jp/)

Beautiful flowers bloom around the parking area.

The integrated Starbucks has terrace seating. It seems pleasant in spring and autumn.

Interior space. With a design uncommon in Japanese libraries, it’s very open and filled with natural sunlight, creating a bright atmosphere. The bookstore and Starbucks occupy the right-front space on the first floor, while extensive library collections line the walls and the second floor.

While I wanted to photograph around the interesting design, photography is only permitted in two locations: immediately left of the 1F entrance and at the end of the 2F hallway.
I understand—many people want to quietly read books.

This is the view from the other photography spot. Numerous books line the shelves, including some at heights that seem unreachable.

The interior has many tables, desks, and seating areas scattered throughout, maintaining an appropriately quiet atmosphere. It looks like an excellent environment for reading and studying. I’d frequent it if it were nearby.

The integrated Takeo City Children’s Library also has a nice atmosphere.

There’s a play area for small children beside the entrance, and a cafe on the 2F where parents can relax. On this weekday with few visitors, staff were entertaining a young child.

※Information current at time of article publication. Please verify on official website.

The Path to Takeo’s Great Camphor Tree and the Tree Itself Are Wonderfully Exceptional

Takeo Shrine, about 5 minutes on foot from Takeo City Library.

Beyond the shrine lies Momiji-dori (Maple Avenue), leading to Takeo’s Great Camphor Tree, over 3,000 years old.
It has been alive since the Jomon period. Amazing.

Passing through a torii gate inscribed “Sacred Tree,” I headed toward the great camphor.

Walking through a lush green tunnel of beautiful maples,

Past towering bamboo thickets,

I reached Takeo’s Great Camphor Tree.
As expected, it’s remarkably majestic. Despite over 3,000 years of life, it’s vibrant with abundant foliage and vitality.

The gnarled bark of the trunk conveys the passage of long ages—impressive.
I involuntarily gasped “Oh…!” at its overwhelming presence. I was genuinely awed.

Before arriving, I casually thought I’d stop by if convenient. But including the path leading to it, this proved a destination worth visiting specifically. I’m glad I came.

I’m not fond of vague terms like “power spot,” but if such places exist, surely this is one.

※Information current at time of article publication. Please verify on official website.

Final Thoughts

Behind modern architecture stands a great camphor tree conveying accumulated history and natural power.
This contrast is appealing, isn’t it?

When nearby, I recommend visiting not just Takeo City Library, but also Takeo’s Great Camphor Tree!