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Beppu Onsen in Oita prefecture is one of Japan’s most acclaimed hot springs for its numerous hot spring sources and quality of its waters. Takegawara Onsen, the oldest facility in the area, is loved by both locals and tourists for its traditional style baths and its bargain price.
The public bath has a nostalgic retro atmosphere, and the waters are nice and hot and leaves your skin silky smooth. The best part is, you can enjoy all this for only 100 yen! Visit Takegawara Onsen for a budget friendly bath.
History
Takegawara Onsen was established in 1897. During its early years, its roof was made with bamboo (“take 竹” in Japanese), which explains the name “Takegawara” (“kawara 瓦” meaning tile).
In 1938, the facility was rebuilt to prevent further deterioration, and it remains untouched to this day. In order to preserve the old-fashioned bathhouse atmosphere, showers were never installed. Since there are no showers, you must scoop water from the bath to wash yourself.
The hot spring is 53 degrees Celsius, and is naturally very hot. In the morning, where many locals use the baths, the temperature is readjusted to 45 degrees, and on the weekends, it is set a bit lower for tourists to enjoy.
Inside Takegawara Onsen
Only the washbasin is prepared at Takegawara Onsen. Visitors must bring other necessities such as towels, soap and shampoo on their own. If you forget to bring those items, they can be purchased at the hot springs.
Sights to see
Takegawara Onsen’s Waters
The waters from Takegawara Onsen’s springs are said to help with sore muscles, sore joints, poor circulation, healing scars and more. The men’s bath is a chloride spring, while the women’s bath is a hydrogen carbonate spring, which is great for the skin.
Sand Baths
Beppu is one of the few places in Japan where you can enjoy a sand bath. Called sunaburo (砂風呂) in Japanese, sand baths are incredibly relaxing and helps your body unwind.
Sand bath
After wearing the special sand bath gown, you lie down in warm sand for about 15 minutes. Those 15 minutes will leave your pores open and sweating, and help improve your circulation.
You can enter the hot springs after rinsing off the sand in a designated shower.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30p.m. (final registration at 9:30p.m.)
Fees: ¥1030
*towel not included
Sights around Takegawara Onsen
Furousen Hot Springs – 不老泉
Furousen Hot Springs is a few minutes away by foot from Takegawara Onsen, and has a history of over 100 years. After its reconstruction in 2014, the facility now bears a more universal design with elevators and slopes.
New Furosen
Even with the new universal design, the facility still retains its retro atmosphere. Like Takegawara Onsen, Furousen also does not have a shower. Enjoy this bath along with the locals!
Old Furosen
Nageshi Onsen Hot Springs – 永石温泉
Nageshi Onsen Hot Springs locates about a 10-minute walk from both Takegawara Onsen and Beppu Station. The bathhouse is right in the city center, and is popular for its accessible location.
Events
Beppu Hatto Hot Spring Festival – 別府八湯温泉まつり(Apr.)
“Beppu Hatto” is a name used to collectively describe the eight hot spring areas throughout the city. This spring festival is to celebrate the baths of those hot springs.
During the festivities, over 100 bathhouses are opened for free and the streets of Beppu are decked with onsen decorations.
The main event of this festival is the Ogiyama-himatsuri, where a huge fan-shaped design is burned on nearby Mount Ohira. This festivity is held by Onsen Shrine, and is done to pray for a successful harvest.
Ogiyama-himatsuri
The fire burning in the dark is a spectacular sight. In 2010, the sight was designated as a Japan Yakei (night view) Heritage Site.
Beppu Ocean Fire Festival – 別府火の海祭り (Jul.)
Fireworks at the Beppu Ocean Fire Festival
The Beppu Ocean Fire Festival is celebrated on the final days of July. During the festivities, food vendors fill the streets and traditional dances are performed through the day. The final day of the festival is market with an extravagant fireworks display.
Access
Nearest station: Beppu Station (JR Lines)
From Hakata Station
【Hakata Sta.】Sonic/Nichirin Limited Express / for Oita
→【Beppu Sta.】→ about a 10-minute walk
From Oita Station
【Oita Sta.】JR Nippo Main Line / for Kamegawa
→【Beppu Sta.】→ about a 10-minute walk
From Oita Airport
【Oita Airport】Airport Bus / for Oita Station
→【Beppu Kitahama Bus Stop】→ about an 8-minute walk
Stay overnight to see Beppu’s night view!
The night view in Beppu
Beppu is a lovely city to tour around, even during the nighttime. The night views are breathtaking, and it is surely worth staying a night or two!
Information
16-23 Motomachi, Beppu-shi, Oita
977-23-1585
〈Bathhouse〉 6:30a.m - 10:30p.m. 〈Sand bath (sunaburo)〉 8:00a.m - 10:30p.m. (last registration at 9:30p.m.)
Every 3rd Wednesday (following weekday if the 3rd Wednesday is a public holiday)
〈Bathhouse〉 ¥100 〈Sand bath〉 ¥1,030
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