The third article in our selection series is “The 10 Onsens You Should Visit in Beppu.” Beppu is a popular destination for tourists and is one of the biggest onsen town in Japan where 4,381 hot spring sources, which is the largest number in Japan, are recorded in the national statistics as of 2015. It would take so many years to bathe at all the hot springs in this area, however, I’ve selected 10 onsens which I highly evaluate.

1. Takegawara Onsen

Takegawara Onsen may be the most famous and representative hot spring in Beppu. This onsen was built in 1879 and has more than 100 years of history, and what is attractive is that it still preserves the nostalgic charm. In Takegawara Onsen, you can enjoy a sand bath as well a normal hot spring bath. Sweating in the sand bath heated by hot spring power would be a refreshing experience!

INFORMATION

2. Ogurayakushi Onsen "Oka no yu"

Oka no yu has a reputation of a rare medicinal benefit, it was said that the hot spring of this onsen treats atomic bomb disease. After the war, many patients came here for the therapy. In addition, the hot spring water has an excellent touch, not a few bathers who have visited many hot springs in Beppu recommend Oka no yu. The water is very clear and always overflowing, so you can always enjoy a fresh hot spring!

INFORMATION

3. Kannawa Mushiyu

When you visit the Kannawa area in Beppu, you should visit Kannawa Mushiyu. As indicated in the name (“Mushiyu” means “steam bath”), the steam bath is a big attraction here. The bathroom floor is covered with medical herbs called “Sekisyo” which boosts sweating. You can get in the room and lie down on the floor for about 8 minutes. When you get out of the room after that, you will be soaked with sweat. And finally, a breeze will give you a deep relaxation.

INFORMATION

4. Yamato Onsen

Beppu is a big onsen town, so there are a lot of public bathhouses as well as hotels/ryokans. Yamato Onsen is one of those traditional bathhouses, a lovely round-shaped bathtub is the symbol of this onsen. The bath is a little bit hot. As frequent bathers prefer a hot bath, the temperature is adjusted to about 44°C|111.2°F through the year.

INFORMATION

5. Beppu Shiei "Hamawaki Onsen"

Hamawaki Onsen is the oldest hot spring area in Beppu Hatto (eight hot spring areas in Beppu). The number of visitors coming to Hamawaki Onsen is over 180,000 per year, which is the largest even in the numerous bathhouses in Beppu. The simple thermal hot spring does not have strong characteristics, however, is good for daily soak. Also, Hamawaki Onsen runs by 1am, if you are a night owl, it is a perfect place for you!

INFORMATION

6. Oku-Myoban Sanso

The owner of Oku-Myoban Sanso used to be an onsen geek who have visited countless onsens throughout Japan, and inherited this hot spring from the previous owner 10 years ago. The quality is perfectly controlled by him using his knowledge and experience, and the white sulphur spring is actually outstanding. Frequent visitors often say “We want to keep Oku-Myoban Sanso secret.” Once you experience this bath, you would agree with them.

INFORMATION

7. Beppu Onsen "Kamiya Onsen"

If you prefer to soak in an onsen bath in a quiet environment, Kamiya Onsen will satisfy your demand. Kamiya Onsen, which has been running from the Edo period, provides a healing and peaceful space for all bathers. The hot spring water is plain and suitable for a long soak. If you are tired and want to take a rest after the travel to Beppu, go Kamiya Onsen to get rid of fatigue.

INFORMATION

8. Shibaseki Onsen

Shibaseki Onsen is a historical hot spring. According to the records, Emperor Daigo stayed here in 895 and Emperor Go-Reizei stayed here in 1044. This onsen has been reputed of its medicinal benefit, and is selected as one of the national hot spring health resorts. In addition, you can enjoy an open-air bath and a steam bath as well as an indoor bath in Shibaseki Onsen.

INFORMATION

9. Ichinoharu Kyodo Onsen

I would say Ichinoharu Kyodo Onsen is the most nicely-aged onsen in Beppu. The bathtub was built using granite stones 80 years ago and it still used as is in 2017. A full stone-built bathtub is quite rare even in Beppu. If you like a nostalgic atmosphere, Ichinoharu Kyodo Onsen is highly recommended.

INFORMATION

10. Myoban Onsen "Tsuru no yu" / "Hebinyu"

Tsuru no yu and Hebinyu are natural outdoor hot springs in Beppu, you can soak in a hot spring pond in the wild environment. Enjoying a relaxing bath time in such atmosphere would be an unforgettable experience. However, if you visit these hot springs, make sure not to go alone because they are a little bit far from the centre of the city.

INFORMATION

Others

Although I selected 10 onsens in Beppu, there are a lot more good onsens. Click the following button to see others.