Oita: Japan’s Hot Spring Paradise ♨️

When people ask me what Oita is famous for, I always have one answer: onsen!

Oita Prefecture is known as Japan’s number one hot spring prefecture, with the highest number of hot spring sources and the largest amount of hot spring water in the country. If you love relaxing in warm baths surrounded by nature, this is the place to be.

Beppu: The Onsen Capital

The most famous onsen city in Oita is Beppu, often called the Onsen Capital of Japan. With over 2,000 hot spring sources, it offers a variety of unique, relaxing, and fun experiences:

• Sand baths 🌊 — Get buried in naturally heated sand!
• Steam baths 🌫️ — Experience a traditional steam bath, where natural geothermal steam rises from the ground.
• Hot spring hopping 🛁 — Beppu is home to eight distinct hot spring areas, known as the “Beppu Hatto”: Hamawaki Onsen, Beppu Onsen, Kankaiji Onsen, Horita Onsen, Myoban Onsen, Kannawa Onsen, Shibaseki Onsen, and Kamegawa Onsen. Each has different spring qualities, atmospheres, and even unique minerals that give them a “taste” of their own.

Travel tip 💡: Purchase a Spaport or the “Onsenbon” hot springs book at the tourist information center near Beppu Station. It gives you access to multiple onsen and makes hopping around easier and cheaper.

For more info, check out the official Beppu tourism guide: 🔗 Beppu Onsen Guide

Must-Try Onsens in Beppu!♨️

1. Takegawara Onsen

Famous for: Traditional bathhouse & sand baths

One of Beppu’s oldest and most iconic bathhouses, Takegawara Onsen offers a classic hot spring experience in a charming, retro-style building. The highlight here is the unique sand bath, where you get gently buried in naturally heated sand — perfect for relaxing muscles and improving circulation.

• Price: ¥300 (bath) / ¥1,500 (sand bath)
• 📍 Google Maps
• 🔗 More Info

2. Hyotan Onsen

Famous for: Variety of baths & Michelin recognition

A local favorite, Hyotan Onsen has everything from open-air baths to waterfall baths, steam rooms, and family-friendly private baths. It’s also the only onsen in Japan with a Michelin 3-star rating, so you know it’s worth it. Bonus: Don’t miss trying their onsen-steamed dishes, cooked using natural hot spring steam!

• Approx. Price: ¥1,080 (large bath, all-day access) / ¥2,400 (1-hour family bath, up to 3 adults)
• 📍 Google Maps
• 🔗 More Info

3. Kannawa Steam Baths (Mushiyu)

Famous for: Traditional steam therapy

For a truly unique onsen experience, head to the Kannawa Steam Baths. Instead of soaking in water, you’ll lie on a bed of medicinal herbs inside a steam-filled room, using natural geothermal steam. It’s detoxifying, refreshing, and something you can only experience in Beppu.

• Price: Around ¥700
• 📍 Google Maps
• 🔗 More Info

4. Myoban Yunosato Onsen

Famous for: Blue “milky” baths & mud packs

Located in the scenic Myoban Onsen area, this onsen is known for its milky-blue waters rich in minerals and surrounded by stunning mountain views. They also offer natural clay packs that are great for your skin — a perfect mix of relaxation and beauty care.

• Approx. Price: Around ¥2,000
• 📍 Google Maps
• 🔗 More Info

Tip💡: Some onsens charge separately for towels, soaps, shampoo, or other amenities, while others are all-inclusive. It’s a good idea to check in advance or bring your own essentials just in case.

Onsen Etiquette Tips

If it’s your first time visiting a Japanese onsen, the rules might feel a little intimidating — but don’t worry! Here are a few quick tips to help you blend right in:

• Wash before entering — Always shower and rinse thoroughly before getting into the bath. It keeps the water clean for everyone.
• No swimsuits allowed — Most onsens are enjoyed completely naked. I know, it can feel awkward at first, especially for us foreigners, but trust me, everyone minds their own business!
• Keep towels out of the water — Place your small towel on your head or leave it on the side. It’s considered unclean to dip it in the bath.
• No soap in the bath — Use soap and shampoo only in the washing area, not in the soaking tubs.

Pro tip: If you’re nervous about public baths, try starting with a private onsen or a family bath — many places in Beppu offer them!