Oita Airport "Foot Bath"
With one of the Oita Airport Staff Mika Uoya
We visited Oita Airport “Foot Bath” in Musashimachi Itoharu, Kunisaki, Oita. This is the major airport in Oita Prefecture which offers international flights from/to Korea or Taiwan as well as domestic flights.
The foot bath is located just outside of the arrival gate which is decorated with a dark red curtain. This bath opened on June 1st, 2016 so that visitors can enjoy the biggest attraction in Oita, which is onsen, by the time they leave.
There are two wooden bathtubs maintained very clean where 14 people can simultaneously soak their feet at the maximum. This bath is popular among foreign tourists as well as Japanese. When bathing together, communication starts between bathers regardless of where they are from even though they haven’t met before. This is a unique way of facilitating communication in Oita.
The onsen water is of simple thermal spring, which is sent from a hot spring nearby using trucks. Every day, 6000 liters of water is transported, that is amazing.
They are Tae-Han and Yukari. They took a rest chatting together. Tae-Han came from Korea for his work and Yukari showed him around attractions in Oita. You can use a plastic leg cover for free so that you don’t need to put off your clothes. This is a good hospitality, especially for women.
Mika told us that all the staff of Oita Airport must take an internal training in this foot bath. They learn the hospitality towards guests so that the guests will satisfy with the service and leave the airport with smiles. Onsen is the core of the Oita’s attraction for the staff as well.
There is a photo spot in the foot bath. The landscape of the Kannawa district is drawn on the wall. You can see hot spring steam is rising from the ground. If you take a photo in front of this wall, the drawing works as a trick art and it looks as if you were actually in the Kannawa. Please try if you have a chance.
Also, the other photo spot is this big smiley bucket. When taking a photo from this angle, it looks as if you were soaking in this big bucket. If you visit Oita, why not take a photo here?
MAP
INFORMATION
Name: Oita Airport “Foot Bath”
Address: Musashimachi Itoharu, Kunisaki, Oita (In Oita Airport)
Tel: 0978-67-1174
Access (Car): 1 hour 4 min from the centre of Oita City
Parking Lot: 770
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 18:30
Closing Days: None
Price: Free
