{"id":4215,"date":"2024-05-02T14:00:07","date_gmt":"2024-05-02T06:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/?p=4215"},"modified":"2025-06-10T11:05:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T03:05:36","slug":"soak-away-your-worries-with-the-8-baths-of-beppu-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/soak-away-your-worries-with-the-8-baths-of-beppu-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Have a soak in the 8 Baths of Beppu, Japan!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"
Beppu’s many onsen are symbolized by the towers of steam throughout the town. Photo by Welcome Kyushu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Japan is famed for its various natural and manmade hotsprings, with many towns and even cities having at least one neighbourhood bath available to wash the day\u2019s worries away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, far south in the volcanic island of Kyushu, there is a town that\u2019s sure to whet (or wet) any onsen-lover\u2019s appetite \u2013 Beppu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renowned in the time of the samurai as a place of healing, this coastal town is blanketed by steam from its many diverse onsen offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo by Beppu Tourism<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beppu\u2019s big claim to fame is the Seven Hells, a collection of natural hot springs, mud springs and a geyser that attract millions of locals and tourists. Here is a quick guide to Beppu\u2019s Seven Hells<\/a> if you want to know more. Unfortunately, the Seven Hells aren\u2019t open to bathers due to their scalding heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But worry not! Beppu has plenty of human-safe hot springs for you to cook yourself in! So much so that there are EIGHT, collectively known as the Beppu Hattou (The Eight Beppu Baths). Rather than any particular onsen though, these eight refer to resort areas of Beppu famed for their hot springs (and sand baths!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hamawaki<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Located at southeastern Beppu near Oita City, Hamawaki is considered the birthplace of Beppu\u2019s onsen industry, with many classical inns and a shrine still standing here. Of course, there’s a few onsen here too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hamawaki Onsen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Bathe like the locals do at Hamawaki Onsen<\/a>. Photo by unknwonjapan.net<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Named after the hot spring waters that used to flow from the beach (hama) at Beppu Bay, Hamawaki Onsen is considered the oldest of the Beppu Hattou. Unlike most onsen it\u2019s open from early morning till late (1am), making it popular with local night owls and night shift workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hamawaki Onsen offers both hot water and lukewarm baths. Its interiors have a retro 1980s feel to them with faded but well-maintained tiles complementing simple and functional baths. Taking a bath here is a great way to experience how the regular Beppu folk bathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Info on Hamawaki Onsen<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beppu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Central Beppu has some of the oldest and most storied onsen in town. Many started appearing during the Edo and Meiji periods alongside the newly developed port and rail connections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takegawara<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Takegawara’s wooden roof and facade is a symbol of Beppu’s long onsen heritage. Photo by Expedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Built in 1879, Takegawara Onsen once featured a bamboo-tiled roof (hence \u201cTakegawara) before it was rebuilt in 1938 with its current distinctive karahafu<\/em> gable roof \u2013 turning it into one of the most famous of the Beppu Hattou and an classic icon of Beppu itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Takwgawara Onsen offers a comfy interior with a classical, vintage air. Photo by Expedia<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Similar to its exterior, Takegawara\u2019s bath sticks to the old-school ways with a single large horseshoe-shaped bath filled with super-hot 42 degree Celcius water (there\u2019s cold water available, but remember to ask other bathers before turning on the tap!). Adding to this vintage feel is the well-worn interior of cracked, darkened tiles, which are illuminated by sunlight streaming in from high windows. And once you\u2019re done, you even get to chill out inside a cozy, classy and high-ceilinged lobby. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Enjoy a warm and toasty sand bath. Photo by Beppu Tourism<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

But, if hot water simply isn\u2019t enough, then try sand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takegawara\u2019s signature hot sand bath has you put on a yukata and feel the heat as you\u2019re buried up to your neck in black, toasty sand heated by hot springs. Said to be a practice that apparently helps with stiffness, nerve pain and cold sensitivity, it\u2019s also a great selfie moment too (staff here will happily take one for you).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Info on Takegawara Onsen<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kamegawa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Kamegawa area is located at the northern end of Beppu towards the sea. Sand baths and sea salt onsen are the main bathing attractions here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hamada Onsen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Hamada Onsen has many accessibility features to accommodate elderly and handicapped visitors. Photo by Tourism Beppu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After a hot spring was first discovered here in 1897, the Hamada Onsen was built over it in 1935 and then refurbished in 2002 with concrete baths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This onsen is known for its ease of accessibility for seniors and the handicapped, featuring wide passageways, handrails and gentle steps and inclines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also the small onsen museum on the site of the former onsen too just across the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Hamada Onsen Info<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beppu Beach Sand Bath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Enjoy a gorgeous beach view while taking a sand bath! Photo by Japan Travel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s better than a sand bath? A sand bath on the beach!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beppu Beach Sand Bath is a public-operated sand bath facility where you\u2019ll get to be buried (sans-head) with hot sand that\u2019s been heated by sea spring water. Better yet, there\u2019s even parasols and a roof to let you chill come rain or shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Featuring the sweeping views and serene sounds of Beppu Bay, this is a must-try if you\u2019re a sand bath or outdoors lover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, and don\u2019t worry about getting dirty, there\u2019s also an onsen here to let you wash it all off and relax even more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shibaseki<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shibaseki is the furthest onsen area inland in northern Beppu, located in its western hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shibaseki Onsen<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Peaceful nature aplenty at Shibaseki Onsen. Photo by Enjoy Onsen<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Although somewhat remote compared to the other onsen in this list, Shibaseki Onsen more than makes up for it with its diverse facilities and unbeatable surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to its location out in the northern flank of Mount Tsurumi, bathers at Shibaseki Onsen enjoy a secluded atmosphere surrounded by rolling hills filled with trees and greenery. No wonder then that multiple ancient Japanese emperors were once said to have treated their illnesses here in its waters!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its variety of facilities such as indoor baths, outdoor baths, steam baths and even family baths, any emperor would be jealous of the modern-day bather here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Shibaseki Onsen Details<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kannawa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kannawa is the densest (and admittedly most touristy) onsen hotspot in Beppu, with dozens of onsen ranging from tiny community onsens to comfy onsen inns or ryokans. Beppu\u2019s famous Seven Hells<\/a> are also located in this area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kannawa Mushiyu<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Get a steam soak at Kannawa Mushiyu. Photo by Enjoy Onsen<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Kannawa Mushiyu or \u201cKannawa Steam Bath\u201d is a rustic onsen which specializes in steam baths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded by Buddhist monk Ippen Shonin way back in 1276, this modest onsen boasts a stone, steam-heated room covered in herbs known as sekisho or Japanese sweet flag, which is known for its fragrance. Here, you can sweat it out while breathing in the sweet notes of this local herb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Info on Kannawa Mushiyu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kankaiji<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kankaiji lies to the southwestern hills of Beppu, close to one of the sides of Mount Tsurumi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ryotei Matsubaya<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Matsubaya has onsen baths with million-dollar views! Photo by Booking.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Looking for an upmarket onsen and<\/em> hotel? Then book a night at the Matsubaya!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This 3-star ryokan offers a bird\u2019s eye view of Beppu city and its bay while housing you in modern yet tasteful accommodation. As for the onsen, they offer both indoor baths and outdoor baths with scenic views over the city \u2013 both have to be reserved however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More info on Ryotei Matsubaya<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horita<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the furthest eastern areas of Beppu, it\u2019s a small town with a few hidden onsen gems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mugen no Sato<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Just one of the many picturesque baths in Mugen no Sato. Photo by Beppu Tourism<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Literally called \u201cDream Village\u201d, Mugen no Sato offers a secluded onsen paradise with multiple onsen pools, each with their own gorgeous views and mesmerizing layouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its sheer size makes it less a spa and more a village, making it the perfect day trip getaway for those looking for an alternative to the bustling and touristy Kannawa.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Waterfall onsen, anyone? Photo by Enjoy Onsen<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

While you\u2019re here, definitely make sure to check out the outdoor Takinoyu onsen and its twin waterfalls cascading down right next to your bath!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myoban<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A center of the alum mineral and bath salts trade, Myoban is home to quite a few sulphur springs and even mud baths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myoban Yunosato<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Beautiful milky blue sulphur springs at Yunohana. Photo by Yunohana<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Great baths, fascinating local traditions and good food \u2013 only in Myoban Yunosato!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the bathing side, you have large and visually stunning turquiose blue pools. What\u2019s more intriguing, however, is that they are filled with sulfuric waters, which are said to have a cleansing and exfoliating effect against skin diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"
Thatched roofs of the Yunohana-goya. Photo by Yunohana<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Interior where minerals are collected for bath salts. Photo by Enjoy Onsen<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

But this area\u2019s most famous attraction is its Yunonaha-goya huts. In these thatched-roof huts, underground sulphur gas is pumped through pebbles and blue clay, creating aluminum and iron sulphate minerals on the surface that are then harvested to produce the region\u2019s famed Yunohana bath salts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Steam-cooked cuisine from an onsen, a Beppu specialty. Photo by Enjoy Onsen<\/a>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, once you\u2019re done bathing and learning, it\u2019s time for jigokumushi<\/em> (hell-steamed cuisine)! Using searing hot steam, eggs, rice, corn and even pudding are cooked to perfection \u2013 a great way to replenish your energy after a long onsen soak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra: Yukemuri Observation Deck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Nighttime steam from Beppu City. Photo: Stock Image<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019ve finished your pilgrimage to the Beppu Hattou or just want a scenic memento to take home with you, make sure to take a bus or taxi to the Yukemuri Observation Deck just outside of Kannawa, preferably during dusk or dawn on a windless, clear day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you manage the climb up the two-storey building, you\u2019ll be rewarded with a sight that encapsulates what draws thousands to Beppu each year \u2013 dozens of steam columns rising towards the heavens from the town\u2019s many onsen. If the sheer beauty from a dawn or dusk visit is still not enough, then wait for certain nights when the town will be lit up in colourful lights, giving these \u201cBeppu Towers\u201d an even more beautiful glow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
One of Beppu’s Seven Hells. Photo by Tayawee Supan<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, ready to soak yourself in Beppu\u2019s steamy charms? Check out their official tourism page<\/a> for more information. Or, if you\u2019re looking for more sightseeing instead, check out our guide to Beppu\u2019s Seven Hells<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Japan is famed for its various natural and manmade hotsprings, with many towns and even cities having at least one…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":4260,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[251,23],"tags":[126,119,20,123,69,19,124,125],"class_list":["post-4215","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international","category-travel","tag-bath","tag-beppu","tag-destinations","tag-hot-spring","tag-japan","tag-lists","tag-onsen","tag-sand-bath"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain.jpg",1200,850,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-300x213.jpg",300,213,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-768x544.jpg",768,544,true],"large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-1024x725.jpg",1024,725,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain.jpg",1200,850,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain.jpg",1200,850,false],"penci-recipe-1200x1200":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain.jpg",1200,850,false],"penci-recipe-1200x900":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain.jpg",1200,850,false],"penci-recipe-1200x675":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-1200x675.jpg",1200,675,true],"penci-single-full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain.jpg",1200,850,false],"penci-slider-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-1200x800.jpg",1200,800,true],"penci-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-1170x829.jpg",1170,829,true],"penci-slider-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-1170x663.jpg",1170,663,true],"penci-magazine-slider":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-780x516.jpg",780,516,true],"penci-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-585x390.jpg",585,390,true],"penci-masonry-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-585x414.jpg",585,414,true],"penci-thumb-square":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-585x585.jpg",585,585,true],"penci-thumb-vertical":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-480x650.jpg",480,650,true],"penci-thumb-small":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/shibasekimain-263x175.jpg",263,175,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Wei Yip","author_link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/author\/weiyip\/"},"uagb_comment_info":3,"uagb_excerpt":"Japan is famed for its various natural and manmade hotsprings, with many towns and even cities having at least one…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4215","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4215"}],"version-history":[{"count":71,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4215\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5490,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4215\/revisions\/5490"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4215"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4215"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4215"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}