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With a frequent bather Jiro, in front of Tsuru no yu — With a frequent bather *Jiro*, in front of *Tsuru no yu*

We visited Myoban Onsen “Tsuru no yu” in Tsurumi, Beppu, Oita. It is a natural outdoor bath managed by a local volunteer group, but it is well maintained and clean enough to use comfortably. Although it is available 24/7, we recommend you to visit there in the daytime because it is dark in the night and you need to pass through a cemetery.

After passing the cemetery, you can find a “No parking” signboard. On the day we visited, local visitors made a U-turn here and cars were parked on the roadside.

Get off the car and move forward. Some visitors park a bike here.

Now you can see Tsuru no yu. Follow the flower path to get to the bath. The steam and sulphur fragrance comes from the bath will stimulate your curiosity.

On the left-hand side, there is a dressing room, and the bath is on the right-hand side. The hot spring water flows from the upper side to the lower side (narrow part) in this picture, hence bathers rinse off the body on the lower side. The water has a strong sulphur fragrance. Also, note that, as the bath is really hot, make sure to ease into the bath.

They are frequent bathers Kiminori (left) and Jiro (right). Kiminori runs a construction company and helped building the dressing room on the left. He says “This is the best hot spring in the world.” Jiro likes to go around various hot springs, and now serves as a tourist guide in Beppu. He has a unique sense of humor and is fun to talk with. Also, note that Tsuru no yu is a mixed bath, everyone should make sure to follow the manners.

This is the picture taken from the opposite side.

There also is Hebinyu situated up on the hill close to Tsuru no yu. It is a natural outdoor bath as well.

You need to cross the river to get to Hebinyu.

This is the dressing room. We recommend you not to leave your belongings here, especially your valuables.

These are hot springs. Although only two baths are shown, there are four in total.

The water is really clear. Taking an outdoor bath while watching the river is quite de-stressing. It is popular among foreign tourists. Finally, note that Hebinyu is a mixed bath as well.