basic information

Beppu is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan, producing more hot spring water than any other resort in the country.

The city is blessed by as many as eight different springs, named Beppu, Kannawa, Myoban, Kankaiji, Hamawaki, Kamegawa, Horita and Shibaseki, each featuring public baths and onsen accommodation.

Beppu probably also offers the largest range of bath types to be enjoyed in Japan. Asides from the usual hot water baths, there are sand baths, where bathers are buried in naturally heated sand, steam baths and mud baths, which are basically muddy hot water baths.

The tourist desk at Beppu Station provides foreign tourists with lists of public baths. Below is our own, incomplete list of just a few of the city's public baths:

Takegawara First constructed in 1879, Takegawara Spa is Beppu's most famous bath house, offering sand and regular baths in an atmosphere of the past. Open daily from 6:30 to 22:30 (sand bath from 8:00, reception closes at 21:30). Sand bath closed on third Wednesday of every month. Sand bath: 1000 Yen. Regular bath: 100 Yen.

Tanayu (Suginoi Palace) Suginoi, the leading ryokan in town, offers elegant outdoor pools on the building's top floor. The spectacular views over the city are not obstructed by any fences. Open daily 9:00 to 22:30 (reception closes at 21:30; longer hours for staying guests). Admission: 2000 Yen.

Onsen Hoyo Land This somewhat run down public bath complex offers a wide range of baths, including large outdoor mud baths. While the indoor baths are gender separated, the outdoor zone is mixed. Open daily 8:30 to 19:30. Admission: 1050 Yen.

Hyotan Onsen This public bath house offers regular indoor and outdoor hot water baths with "waterfalls" to massage your shoulders, steam baths and sand baths. Private baths and meals are also available. Open daily 9:00 to 1:00am. Admission: 700 Yen.

Ratings:    best of the best    best of Japan    outstanding

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1st of 4 most visited sights in Beppu.
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