Often described as a symbol of Beppu Onsen, Takegawara Onsen (takegawara onsen) is a one-of-a-kind public bathhouse where tradition and restoration come together. Step inside its retro karahafu-style building, and try the signature sand bath (sunayu)—a local specialty where you lie down and have warm sand gently piled over your body. In a short time, you’ll feel the warmth seep deep into your core, leaving you refreshed in both body and mind. When paired with a regular hot-spring soak, many visitors find the afterglow even more satisfying: it doesn’t just ease travel fatigue, it invites you into a deeper kind of relaxation.
In this article, you’ll find everything from Takegawara Onsen’s essential information to how to enjoy the sand bath, plus nearby sightseeing and wellness experiences—so even if it’s your first visit, you can relax and fully enjoy it with confidence. Step away from the everyday and into a slower journey of recalibration: here’s Takegawara Onsen, in all its charm.
Takegawara Onsen is a historic municipal hot-spring facility founded in Meiji 12 (1879), and its current building—completed in Showa 13 (1938)—stands out for its eye-catching karahafu-style roofline (＊1). Before you go, it helps to lock in the basics: fees, opening hours, how to get there, and what to expect on arrival.
At Takegawara Onsen, you can enjoy both a standard hot-spring bath (regular bathing / futsuyoku) and the sand bath, but each has different pricing and reception hours. If you check the details in advance (and confirm the latest information on official pages, since fees/hours can change), you’ll breeze through the ticket purchase and reception process on the day—and spend your time where you want it: immersed in the experience. Below, you’ll find the key planning points, including parking availability and the most convenient transport options.
Takegawara Onsen’s regular bath (standard hot-spring bathing) is very reasonably priced: Adults: 300 yen (junior high school age and up), Children: 100 yen (elementary school age; younger children are free). You buy a bathing ticket from the on-site vending machine, and there are also 10-visit coupon books (adults: 2,700 yen) as well as multi-visit passes for local residents (details vary by eligibility).
The sand bath costs 1,500 yen per session, and it’s available for guests aged 6 and up. This price includes rental of the dedicated yukata for the sand bath. No reservation is required, but as explained later, when it’s busy the system may switch to numbered tickets or time-slot guidance at reception. Regular bathing hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., while the sand bath runs 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with the last sand-bath reception at 9:30 p.m.
That said, the sand bath is extremely popular, and depending on crowd levels, the final reception time may be moved earlier (for example, on peak days it may close reception sooner than usual). The regular closing day is the third Wednesday of each month; if that falls on a holiday, the following day becomes the closing day instead (＊1). While the long opening hours are convenient, if you’re set on the sand bath, visiting too late in the day can mean missing out—so for peace of mind, aim for an earlier time slot whenever you can.
Takegawara Onsen is located at 16-23 Motomachi, Beppu City, about a 10-minute walk from JR Beppu Station, making it very easy to reach from the city center (＊1). Walk straight along the main street from the station, and you’ll arrive while soaking in the atmosphere of a classic hot-spring town.
If you’re taking a local bus, get off at the Kamenoi Bus stop “Nagarekawa Yumetown-mae” from JR Beppu Station East Exit, then walk about 2 minutes. Multiple routes serve this area (including Route 15 and Route 16, among others) (＊1). There is no on-site parking (＊1), so if you’re driving, you’ll need to use nearby paid coin parking.
Around Takegawara Onsen you’ll find several paid parking lots, including larger-capacity options within about a 5-minute walk. During peak seasons, they can fill up, so if possible, public transport—or simply walking—is often the smoothest choice. As a time estimate, if you’re doing only the regular bath, plan on about 30–40 minutes including changing and cooling down afterward. If you’re doing the sand bath, it’s best to allow around one hour, factoring in changing time and potential waiting.
Takegawara Onsen’s sand bath requires no reservation and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reception is same-day only, and when it’s busy you’ll receive a numbered ticket (or be guided to a return time) at reception and wait for your turn. If you arrive during a crowded period—such as right after opening or during holiday stretches—staff can usually tell you how many people are ahead of you and give an approximate waiting time. Because up to 8 people can enter the sand bath at once, for example, if 16 people are waiting, you’ll likely be in the second round (roughly one 15-minute session × 2 rotations, plus changeover), meaning a wait of around 30–40 minutes (though this varies by situation).
After you check in, you can wait on-site or step outside briefly, but be careful: if your number is called and you’re not present, it may be treated as a cancellation (in other words, if you’re not there when your turn comes, you may be skipped). If you step out, return early and follow staff instructions.
On especially busy days, you may be told something like, “Please come back around ○ o’clock.” Numbered tickets are valid only for that day, and once the waiting list reaches a certain size, reception for the day may close entirely. If you want the best chance of enjoying the sand bath, arrive around opening time—or at least check in earlier in the morning.
Takegawara Onsen is a classic, old-style public bathhouse, but the essentials are well covered. The changing area has coin lockers, so you can securely store valuables (＊1).
There are no shower facilities in the regular bathing area, but on the sand-bath side there is a washing area and shower for removing sand after your session. Shampoo and body soap are not provided, so if you need them, purchase them at reception. Reception sells single-use sets of shampoo + conditioner + soap (100 yen each), as well as razors (100 yen) and toothbrushes (50 yen) (＊1).
Bringing your own towel is the standard approach, but you can buy a Takegawara Onsen original towel (small towel: 350 yen). Bath towels are also sold (1,200 yen) (＊1). Hair dryers are available in the changing area, but they are coin-operated: 100 yen for 7 minutes, so it’s smart to keep coins handy (＊1).
There is no on-site parking (as mentioned above), so if you’re carrying a lot, consider making good use of station coin lockers and similar options. Cashless payment may be available, but because coin lockers and dryers still require coins, having some cash on hand is a practical move (＊1). The facilities may not feel like a modern luxury spa, but the space is kept clean, the amenities are sufficient, and you should be able to enjoy your visit comfortably.
Takegawara Onsen’s signature sand bath (sunayu) is a rare style of hot-spring bathing even within Japan. You lie down on sand warmed by hot-spring heat, and an attendant—often affectionately called a “sunakake-san”—gently covers your body with sand. It’s like being tucked under a warm, weighty blanket, heating you from the inside out (＊1).
After about 15 minutes buried in the sand, the comfortable pressure and heat retention prompt intense perspiration, and when it’s over, you’re left with a clear, invigorating sense of release. Many people describe a “deeply warmed” feeling that lingers, and some enjoy it as a short, sauna-like reset when traveling—especially when followed by a regular onsen soak (＊2).
Here, you’ll learn the value of the sand-bath experience, the exact steps, and practical strategies for busy times. Because it warms you deeply in a short window, the sand bath can be a precious way to reset—even when your itinerary is packed.
Takegawara Onsen’s sand bath is a distinctive method of bathing: you sweat while feeling the soothing weight of warm sand across your body. As your body gradually warms while you’re buried, circulation may feel more active afterward, and many visitors say it helps them feel lighter and less stiff after walking-heavy travel days (＊2).
Because the sand applies gentle, even pressure, you can also enjoy a massage-like effect similar to acupressure—meaning that even a brief session can deliver a surprisingly deep sense of relaxation. When you actually lie down in the sand, you’ll feel yourself wrapped in warmth—your own body heat meeting sand warmed by the onsen’s natural energy—until sweat begins to rise steadily across your whole body.
In a roughly 15-minute session, you may experience the kind of refreshing sweat you associate with a sauna, along with a sense that your system has “woken up.” Many people simply enjoy the clean, refreshed feeling after rinsing off—especially if they hydrate well afterward. While it’s a wellness experience (not medical treatment), it can be a memorable way to soothe both body and mind during a trip.
There’s also a mental side: by surrendering your weight to the sand and staying still, your mind naturally settles. Many people describe it as quietly meditative. That strange, comforting sensation—“being held by warm sand”—can become addictive in the best way, a uniquely memorable form of relaxation.
And if you combine the sand bath with a standard onsen soak afterward, you not only rinse away the sand, you also add the hot spring’s comforting warmth—so that cozy, warmed-to-the-core feeling tends to linger. The sand bath alone is powerful, but with the synergy of a regular soak, your overall refresh can feel even more complete (＊1).
If it’s your first sand bath, knowing the sequence will help you relax. Start by purchasing the sand-bath ticket at reception, then follow staff instructions about waiting and your turn. When your number is called, you’ll go to the sand-bath side, choose a dedicated sand-bath yukata, and change in the gender-separated changing room【For hygiene, you’ll be asked to remove underwear and take off accessories; follow staff guidance）. Then head to the sand-bath area with your towel and number tag.
Inside the sand-bath area, the floor is covered with sand warmed by hot-spring heat. You lie down on your back, and the sunakake-san attendant gently covers you with sand, working from below your head downward. When you’re buried up to your neck, you stay still for about 15 minutes, letting the heat and perspiration build. With only your face exposed, you’ll feel your whole body gradually turn warm and buoyant.
When time is up, staff will signal you to sit up slowly, and you’ll brush off the sand lightly. Then move to the adjacent washing area to rinse off—there is a dedicated shower space for sand-bath users, and you’ll remove sand before changing. After cleaning up, change back into your clothes before moving on (you generally cannot enter the regular bath while wearing the sand-bath yukata) (＊1).
One practical tip on the best order: the regular bath can be quite hot, so many visitors (and the facility’s guidance) recommend doing the sand bath first, then enjoying the regular bath afterward. Sand-bath users can also use the regular bath without an additional bathing fee, so do yourself a favor and soak slowly after your sand bath (＊1). This order—sand bath → rinse off sand → change → regular bath—is a smooth, beginner-friendly sequence that leaves you feeling thoroughly restored.
Because Takegawara Onsen’s sand bath is so popular, it tends to be crowded—especially on weekends, public holidays, and during peak travel seasons in the daytime. As mentioned earlier, depending on crowd levels, the final reception time may be moved earlier, so planning carefully matters (＊1).
If you’re aiming for a quieter window, one of the best bets is right at the start of the day—just after the sand bath begins at 8:00 a.m. In the earlier morning hours, there are often fewer users, and you may even get in with little to no waiting (＊3). If you want the smoothest experience, the key is an early visit and smart timing with the numbered-ticket system. Choose your time slot well, and you’ll be able to fully savor this special sand-bath ritual.
If you’re visiting Takegawara Onsen for the first time, you’ll feel much more at ease if you understand the bathing steps and the etiquette rooted in Japan’s long-standing onsen culture. To make sure local regulars and travelers alike can share the space comfortably, follow the basic rules—and also enjoy the uniquely Japanese sense of “how things are done.”
Here, you’ll get the full flow: buying tickets from the vending machine, changing, how to behave in the bathing area, and how to take a break afterward. We’ll also touch on rules around photography and tattoos, plus considerations when visiting with children or older guests. (On Beppu’s official tourism site, Takegawara Onsen is listed as tattoo-friendly; still, always follow staff guidance and local manners on the day.) (＊1)
Because Takegawara Onsen also functions as a neighborhood public bath, if you approach it with the mindset of “I’m being welcomed into the locals’ bath,” and you keep good manners, you may even find yourself enjoying small moments of connection in a friendly atmosphere (＊1). In a retro bathhouse that can feel almost Zen-like in its calm, treat quiet and etiquette as part of the healing—and give yourself permission to truly unwind.
Let’s walk through the basic bathing steps at Takegawara Onsen. When you enter, you’ll see the reception counter straight ahead. First, buy your ticket from the vending machine: choose the 300 yen adult ticket if you’re doing only the regular bath, or the 1,500 yen ticket if you’re doing the sand bath (having coins ready makes everything smoother). Hand your ticket to reception; if you’re using the sand bath, staff will explain details such as yukata rental and when to go in.
Next, go to the gender-separated changing room, place your shoes in the shoe locker, and change out of your clothes. Store valuables in a coin locker (it uses a 100-yen coin) so you can relax with peace of mind (＊1). Place clothing in the shelves or baskets provided, and then head into the bathing area.
At the entrance to the baths, you’ll find basins and buckets for kakeyu (rinsing with hot water). Before entering the tub, be sure to do kakeyu (＊2). This is an important custom: it rinses off sweat and dirt and helps keep the bathwater clean. You might feel like diving right in—“splash!”—but pause for a moment. Start by pouring hot water gently over your hands and feet (farther from the heart), and slowly work upward so your body can acclimate (＊2). If needed, you can also do a quick rinse-style wash (“kakearai”) beforehand.
Once you’re ready, enter the tub quietly. Takegawara Onsen’s main tub is set in a semi-basement style; you go down a few steps, and the bath opens up with a surprisingly generous volume of water and a powerful heat. Sink in slowly up to your shoulders, relax, and let the hot spring’s minerals settle into you.
One important note: unlike many modern bathhouses, Takegawara Onsen does not provide free showers, shampoo, or soap—these are paid or bring-your-own—so if you need them, make sure you’re prepared in advance. Follow the classic steps, take your time, and enjoy onsen bathing the traditional way.
At Takegawara Onsen, the basic style is to bring your own towel and toiletries. Even if you decide to drop in spontaneously while traveling, you’ll be fine as long as you have a small towel and the bare essentials. First, make sure you have coins for the bathing fee (the vending machine accepts 1,000-yen bills, but having 100-yen coins is helpful—especially when it’s busy).
Quick-drying, thin towels are especially useful. If you’re doing the sand bath, you’ll get sandy, so having one extra towel—separate from the one you’ll use to dry off—can make things feel much more comfortable. A small plastic bag or pouch (something that can handle a little moisture) is also handy for taking wet towels or clothing back with you. There is no soap or shampoo in the bathing area, so bring your own if you want them. You can purchase items at reception, but if you prefer your usual products, decant them into small travel containers.
You’ll wear a yukata for the sand bath, and because you’ll sweat heavily, it’s reassuring to have a change of underwear. For women, bras and similar items are removed when wearing the sand-bath yukata, so if that concerns you, you might consider fitted innerwear—just remember it may get sandy. Finally, hydration matters: bring a drink so you can replenish fluids after bathing.
There are no vending machines in the changing room, so having a bottle of water ready beforehand makes it easy to rehydrate after your bath. With these preparation points covered, you’ll be able to enjoy Takegawara Onsen more comfortably—and with a relaxed, confident mindset.
Takegawara Onsen is known for its high ceilings and spacious bathing area, where the sound of water echoes softly. In a place like this, quiet is part of the feast. To soak slowly and meet yourself in stillness, try to keep your time inside as calm and quiet as possible.
When you do speak, keep your voice low and be considerate of others’ relaxation time. Especially in the tub, avoid getting carried away with lively conversation; keep it gentle, minimal, and unhurried.
It’s also best to refrain from using smartphones and electronic devices. In the sand bath, bringing a phone is exceptionally permitted, and one phone per group can be taken in for photos (＊1). However, in the regular bathing area, photography is generally prohibited to protect privacy. Instead, try tuning your senses to the onsen atmosphere: the rising steam, the sound of flowing water, the faint mineral scent in the air. When you focus on those details, your mind naturally becomes quieter.
Let your breathing slow. If you gently extend your exhales, tension often melts out of the body. The extraordinary hush of Takegawara Onsen is a space where a Zen-like calm feels genuinely appropriate. By sharing that silence, a subtle sense of togetherness can form among bathers, and the entire bathhouse takes on a peaceful mood. Think of it as “communing through quiet”—speak less, and give yourself the gift of inner conversation.
Founded in the Meiji era, Takegawara Onsen is rich in charm—from the origin of its name to its architectural style and even the characteristics of its hot-spring water. The distinctive name “Takegawara Onsen” is said to come from the fact that the facility originally had a roof thatched with bamboo (a “take-yane,” bamboo roof), and when it was later renovated with roof tiles, the name combined bamboo (take) and tile (kawara) (＊1).
The current building, completed in 1938, is a two-story wooden structure with a dignified Japanese aesthetic reminiscent of shrine and temple architecture. The grand karahafu gable over the main entrance is especially striking, giving the building a powerful presence even among Beppu’s retro streetscape (＊1). Among the many hot springs of the “Beppu Hatto,” Takegawara Onsen’s exterior has long been loved as a symbol of Beppu—and thanks to its historical value, the building itself has become a sightseeing destination (＊1).
The interior design and the nature of the hot spring water also stand out, including the rare point that men’s and women’s baths offer slightly different water qualities. Here, you’ll explore Takegawara Onsen’s historical background, architectural highlights, and water characteristics—so you can appreciate its appeal on a deeper level.
Takegawara Onsen’s history stretches back to Meiji 12 (1879). At the time, because the bathhouse roof was thatched with bamboo, it was affectionately known as “the bamboo-roof onsen.” Later, as renovations replaced bamboo with roof tiles, the name is said to have evolved into Takegawara Onsen, combining “bamboo” and “tile” (＊1). Even the name carries an old-world charm—a small but vivid remnant of classic onsen culture.
In the Taisho period and early Showa era, Beppu flourished as a hot-spring resort town, bustling with many visitors on therapeutic stays. Takegawara Onsen was loved at the center of it all—both as a daily bath for locals and as a place of rest for travelers.
As the Showa era progressed, it was developed and maintained as a city-run municipal onsen, and in Showa 13 (1938) the current main building was completed (＊1). The structure survived through wartime without being destroyed, and after the war it continued serving residents and visitors alike. Over time, Takegawara Onsen has gone through multiple repairs and renovations, but the retro atmosphere—and the story of bamboo and tile behind its name—has been carefully passed down.
Today, the name “Takegawara Onsen” itself functions like a living signboard for Beppu’s history, leaving a strong impression even on first-time visitors. From Meiji to Reiwa, Takegawara Onsen has continued to welcome people for generations, carrying Beppu’s onsen culture forward through both its waters and its name.
Step into Takegawara Onsen’s main building, and you may feel as if you’ve slipped back into early-Showa Japan—an atmosphere that’s unmistakably retro in the best way.
The most distinctive feature of the exterior is the karahafu roof above the main entrance. With its gentle curves, karahafu is an architectural element often seen in temples and shrines, and it’s unusual to find it used for a bathhouse—hinting at the ambition and pride Beppu City invested in the building at the time. Beneath it, you’ll find a dignified entrance and signage that naturally draws people to pause—especially if you love photogenic architecture.
Inside, one of the first surprises is the height of the ceiling. The lobby’s lofty, open space is supported by beautifully crafted wooden beams, strongly preserving the look and feel of the early Showa era (＊1). The flooring is wooden, and walking barefoot, you can feel the warmth of the material underfoot. In the center of the lobby, benches and tables create a relaxing rest area for post-bath lounging (there’s also a small raised tatami area).
An old clock marks the time on the wall, and retro light bulbs cast a soft glow throughout the room. Sitting down after your bath, sipping cold water as you cool down in this Japanese-modern atmosphere, is genuinely special. Architectural touches from the Taisho and Showa eras appear throughout—wooden transoms, frosted glass windows, and retro tiled washbasins—so if you enjoy details, look closely and you’ll keep finding more to love.
Before and after your bath, give yourself time to linger in the lobby. Before soaking, you can listen to the subtle sounds of water and let the faint scent of wood settle your mind.
Afterward, you might even try chatting with locals in the lobby. Takegawara Onsen is also a social gathering spot for regulars, and it’s not unusual for someone to ask, “Where are you visiting from?” (＊1). If that happens, smile and enjoy the moment—you may even get a few local Beppu recommendations. Time spent at Takegawara Onsen can feel like more than bathing; it can become an experience akin to appreciating a living cultural property.
A distinctive feature of Takegawara Onsen is that the hot spring water differs slightly between the men’s and women’s baths. According to the posted analysis information, the men’s bath is classified as “Sodium–Calcium–Magnesium Chloride–Bicarbonate Spring,” while the women’s bath is classified as a “Sodium Bicarbonate Spring” (＊2). Put simply: on the men’s side, it’s a more mineral-forward, warming bath; on the women’s side, it’s a gentler bicarbonate bath that many people associate with a smoother post-soak feel.
Chloride springs are often described as leaving a light, veil-like layer on the skin that helps retain heat, making you less likely to chill afterward. They’re sometimes nicknamed “heat-retaining springs,” and in Japan they have also been traditionally enjoyed for comfort during colder seasons (＊2).
Bicarbonate springs, on the other hand, are commonly associated with a “clean finish” because they can help lift oils and older keratin from the skin surface—one reason they’re sometimes called “beauty springs.” When you soak in Takegawara Onsen’s bicarbonate water, you may notice a softer feel to your skin and a refreshed sensation afterward. At Takegawara Onsen, you can appreciate both a cozy warmth and a lighter, refreshed finish—so if you have the chance, enjoy the idea that “water quality matters,” and let yourself be drawn into the deeper world of onsen.
After you’ve soothed your body and mind at Takegawara Onsen, you can also enjoy the distinctly Beppu-style attractions nearby.
In Beppu’s city center you’ll find a rich mix of highlights—traditional crafts, natural wonders shaped by geothermal power, and contemporary art. One easy-to-reach destination from the Motomachi area where Takegawara Onsen is located is the Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center. It’s a museum where you can learn about the skills and history behind Beppu bamboo craft, with workshops where you can try making items yourself, plus a shop and café where stylish bamboo products are available.
Next, Beppu’s classic must-do experience—Jigoku Meguri, the famous “Hell Tour”—is also not to be missed. The vivid geothermal hot-spring sites known as “jigoku,” including Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) and Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), are natural spectacles created by Beppu’s landscape, and four major jigoku are designated as Places of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government (＊2). It’s a place where you can feel, up close, just how diverse hot springs can be.
And if you want your stay itself to become a special experience, consider the art onsen hotel GALLERIA MIDOBARU. Located on a hillside above Beppu, it’s a design-forward hotel with contemporary artworks displayed throughout. Each room has a semi-open-air bath, and you can spend quiet time looking out over the city and the sea.
When you combine Takegawara Onsen with these nearby experiences, you get a richly layered journey where tradition × nature × art come together. Let’s look at each spot in more detail.
Beppu bamboo craft is one of Oita Prefecture’s most celebrated traditional crafts, and Beppu is nationally known as a bamboo-craft production area with roots stretching back to the Edo period. The place where you can truly experience its charm and history is the Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Takegawara Onsen, or around 10 minutes by car. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions on the history and techniques of Beppu bamboo craft, and you can admire everything from everyday tools to artistic works (＊1). As you look closely at the delicate weaving and design—recognized as a Japanese traditional craft—you’ll likely find yourself captivated, especially if you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates refined craftsmanship and detail.
A highlight is the hands-on learning area, where you can make small bamboo items such as a “takesuzu” (bamboo bell) or a “shikainami” flower basket (reservation required at least one week in advance). For example, a bamboo bell workshop costs 500 yen, and the flower basket is 2,000 yen in materials; you can complete a genuine piece in about 40–60 minutes (＊1). The artisans who guide you are known to be very kind, so even if you’re a beginner, you can relax and enjoy the process. Something you weave with your own hands becomes a wonderful travel keepsake.
On the first floor, there’s also a shop and café. In the attached SHOP & CAFE, you can purchase bamboo craft products and enjoy coffee while looking out at a bamboo grove (＊1). Even the interior design is bamboo-themed: lighting, wall details, and materials throughout immerse you in a “bamboo world.” If you want to feel the pulse of Japan’s sustainable craft culture in a tangible way, this is a beautiful place to do it.
If there’s a single sightseeing highlight in Beppu, it’s hard to beat Jigoku Meguri, the famous “Hell Tour.” About 20–30 minutes by bus or car from Takegawara Onsen, in the Kannawa and Kamegawa areas, you’ll find a collection of geothermal hot-spring sites known as the Beppu Jigoku—each with its own personality and visual impact.
Among the most popular are Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), where deep cobalt-blue hot water boils, and Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), where striking red mud pools create an unforgettable scene. These jigoku are designated as Places of Scenic Beauty by the nation (designated in Heisei 21), making them more than source springs—they’re major sightseeing destinations (＊2).
Umi Jigoku formed in a blast crater created by the eruption of Mt. Tsurumi roughly 1,200–1,300 years ago, and it was named “Sea” because the entire pond looks like an exquisite lapis-like blue. The temperature of the boiling spring can reach 98°C, and the powerful steam rising in thick clouds is dramatic.
At the same time, the color is so clear and beautiful that it has even been described as “too beautiful to be called hell” (＊3). Within the grounds, you can enjoy attractions like a statue of the paradise dragonfly, plus local treats such as onsen eggs boiled in hot mud and “jigoku-mushi” pudding, and you can also take a breather at the footbath area.
Next, Chinoike Jigoku is among the oldest and most iconic “hells,” with a history said to stretch back more than 1,300 years. Because hot mud containing iron-rich clay settles at the bottom, the pond appears blood-red—an eerie look that inspired awe and fear in earlier times. Today it’s safely maintained, and you can view the vivid red pond from an observation area. You’ll also find the well-known “Chinoike Ointment” made from its mud as a popular souvenir, and a museum where you can learn about how the jigoku formed—an intriguing layer if you like understanding the “why” behind what you see.
You can tour major spots in about 2 to 2.5 hours (＊2). There are also more unusual jigoku—ones with ponds featuring giant tropical water lilies, and even a site that keeps crocodiles—so the variety keeps things lively. Between stops, be sure to try Kannawa’s specialty jigoku-mushi cuisine—local dishes steamed using hot-spring steam, such as vegetables, eggs, and seafood.
Near many jigoku, you’ll find facilities with steaming pots where you can steam ingredients yourself. Vegetables cooked in mineral-rich onsen steam become surprisingly sweet and tender, making for a body-friendly treat. Jigoku Meguri isn’t only visual—it’s also a chance to taste the geothermal blessings with all five senses. And if you do it after warming up at Takegawara Onsen, the whole experience can feel even more satisfying—so go ahead and enjoy Beppu’s “paradise and hell” in your own way.
If you want your accommodation itself to feel like a destination experience, Beppu’s art onsen hotel GALLERIA MIDOBARU is highly recommended. Perched on a quiet hilltop away from the city’s bustle and surrounded by greenery, the hotel has a distinctive exterior—almost like a rust-red museum rising up from the earth.
Step inside and you’ll immediately notice what makes it special: contemporary artworks displayed everywhere. Installations, sculptures, and photography by top artists active in Japan and abroad appear in the lobby, corridors, and even guest rooms, turning the entire hotel into a single “galleria”—a living gallery. In an environment literally surrounded by art, you’ll likely feel pleasantly stimulated in a way that’s hard to find in everyday life (＊3).
What GALLERIA MIDOBARU offers is a new kind of stay: an experience where art helps you meet a new side of yourself and discover fresh perspectives (＊3). The spatial design itself expresses Beppu “right now,” and as you spend time there, you may feel the atmosphere of the place naturally seep into you (＊3).
Each room is spacious and stylish, but the standout feature is the semi-open-air, free-flowing hot-spring bath in every guest room. High-quality water is drawn from the Horita Onsen source, flowing into a stone tub set on your room’s terrace—so you can enjoy onsen bathing privately.
Below, you can look out over Beppu’s cityscape and Beppu Bay, and at morning and evening you can soak while taking in a remarkable view where steam and town scenery blend together. It’s a truly singular space—something like a “museum you can stay in.” If you’d like to paint your Beppu trip with an unforgettable memory, this is an inspired way to do it.
How about pairing a body-soothing onsen journey with Zen and meditation experiences that bring calm to your mind? In and around Beppu, you’ll find temples offering experiences such as zazen, sutra copying, and Ajikan—a Shingon Buddhist meditation method—set in quiet environments. If you’re someone who values wellness in daily life, touching Japan’s spiritual culture can make your trip feel even more fulfilling.
Here, you’ll find three distinctive temple programs: authentic zazen at a hilltop temple, a Zen moment connected to fragrance, and a meditation spot embraced by nature. Each program is open to beginners and international participants, offering you a rare chance to meet yourself in stillness.
Freed from a busy routine, a Beppu stay that lets you “reset” through both hot springs and Zen can become a true mind-and-body refresh journey. Let’s explore each temple’s appeal and program content, including practical points to keep in mind when joining.
On a small hill overlooking Beppu’s cityscape, you’ll find the Zen temple Gyatei-ji (羯諦寺), with a history of about 670 years. The temple belongs to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai Zen tradition, and has long been known as a place for Zen training (＊1). The grounds are quiet and serene, with a superb location looking out over Beppu Bay. With the sea in the distance—sometimes colored by sunrise or sunset—you can experience zazen while slowly turning inward (＊1).
In recent years, Gyatei-ji has welcomed more participants from overseas, and sessions may be led by the head priest, who can also explain Zen teachings in English. For general participants, the program is typically reservation-based, priced at 2,500 yen per session, lasting about 90 minutes (two zazen sittings of 20–30 minutes each) (＊1).
On the day, you’ll first be guided into the main hall, where the priest explains posture and breathing. You sit on tatami with a zafu cushion, cross your legs, and straighten your spine—though if sitting cross-legged is difficult, chair zazen is also available. Open the windows and you may feel a fresh breeze, with birdsong drifting in as you sit. With a “when in Rome” mindset, follow the form, soften your gaze, and focus gently on your breath. The time you spend in silence, conversing with your own mind, can feel both extraordinary and strangely comfortable.
After the first sitting (about 20 minutes), you’ll stretch your legs and take a short break, and you may be offered tea by the temple. By the time you return for the second sitting, you may notice that mental chatter has thinned and your breathing has deepened. In the clean air and expansive view from the hilltop, zazen at Gyatei-ji can become a truly special reset for your mind and body—letting calm soak into the warmth you’ve already built through onsen, and sending you back into your journey with renewed energy.
In Hiji Town, adjacent to Beppu, there is a locally rooted Zen temple called Chonichi-ji (朝日寺). It’s a Soto Zen temple with a history continuing from the Edo period, long cherished by the local community (＊2).
Chonichi-ji offers a unique Zen experience program that combines zazen with making a fragrant sachet. The head priest, Takugen Kudo, opened the temple as part of his desire to “offer even a small place of respite for people carrying stress in modern society,” and this “fresh-start Zen experience” is one expression of that approach (＊2).
First, during zazen in the main hall, you settle your posture and breathing in a tranquil environment embraced by nature, allowing your mind to become steady. After that, you listen to a short Dharma talk (a talk on Zen mindset), and you may also be treated to matcha tea.
Once you feel centered, you move on to creating your own nioi-bukuro (fragrant sachet). A nioi-bukuro is a small pouch filled with traditional incense materials, historically carried as a charm or used for relaxation. In Chonichi-ji’s experience, you blend natural fragrance ingredients to your liking, built around kabosu (a citrus specialty of Oita Prefecture), creating a sachet that feels uniquely yours (＊3).
According to the priest, “Incense arrived alongside Buddhism, and fragrant sachets are one way of enjoying aroma culture. I hope people can take home a scent that helps them feel calm and settled” (＊3). After you finish, the sachet is offered before the Buddha altar to be purified, and then you can take it home (＊3).
This program’s appeal lies in its five-senses structure: refresh your spirit through zazen, let scent soothe you through the sense of smell, and then finish by nourishing your body with mindful time. If you step into this world with a body loosened by onsen and a mind ready for clarity, you may find your travel satisfaction deepening in a remarkably gentle way.
If you have time to venture a little farther from Beppu, another noteworthy meditation spot is the historic temple Fuko-ji (普光寺) in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono City—an area rich with natural scenery. Fuko-ji is known for an 11-meter-class cliff-carved Buddhist figure (magaibutsu), and the surrounding valley landscape adds a strong sense of place.
Right beside this powerful stone-carving site, you can experience Ajikan, a traditional meditation method of Shingon esoteric Buddhism (＊5). Ajikan is a practice of focusing on the Siddham character “A” (阿)—a symbol representing the source of the universe—visualizing it in your mind and uniting with its form and meaning to deepen concentration.
At Fuko-ji, you can experience Ajikan while surrounded by natural sounds—birds calling, a river murmuring—creating a calm acoustic landscape (＊5). Sitting in a quiet space close to the cliff, with a verdant valley spread out below you, the meditation feels unmistakably outside the ordinary.
Under guidance from the priest or staff, you gaze at the “A” character hung in front of you and slowly regulate your breathing. As your mind quiets, you internally recite the sound of “A,” exploring a sensation where the self and the outside world begin to soften and settle. Session length and program structure vary, but even a relatively short sitting can feel deeply calming when paired with nature’s presence (＊5).
Participation fees vary by program and season, and it’s also a nice touch that some plans include a commemorative goshuin (temple seal) or similar keepsake (reservations are typically required) (＊5). Ajikan is approachable even for beginners, and because it’s guided, you can join with confidence. After meditation, your mind may feel lighter, and the landscape below may look even more beautiful than before.
Like onsen, it’s a profoundly relaxing experience—so if your Beppu itinerary has room, consider making the trip. It may become a highlight where you meet a new version of yourself and discover a sense of inner peace.
To help you tour Takegawara Onsen efficiently along with nearby sightseeing and experiences, let’s consider a few sample itineraries. Depending on your available time and what you want most, you can choose anything from a quick half-day plan to a full day covering Beppu’s key spots, and even a wellness-focused stay designed to soothe both body and mind.
Across all of these courses, the shared keywords are “onsen,” “healing,” and “cultural experience.” Mix and match transportation—walking, buses, taxis—based on your pace, and be sure to include Beppu’s distinctive local cuisine so you can enjoy the city with all five senses.
Here, we’ll introduce: (1) a half-day course centered around Takegawara Onsen and its surroundings, and (2) a full-day course that covers Beppu’s main highlights. Choose the plan that fits your travel style, and taste Beppu at its best.
This is a sample course for a half-day trip—departing in the morning and wrapping up in the afternoon. For example, if you can arrive around JR Beppu Station in the morning, start your day with Takegawara Onsen’s sand bath. Head to Takegawara Onsen in time for the 8:00 a.m. opening, and sink into the sand bath in the crisp, clear air of early morning. After you’ve warmed to the core and sweated deeply, finish with the regular bath for a clean, refreshed conclusion.
By around 9:30–10:00 a.m., leave the onsen and stroll through the nearby Takegawara Koji Shopping Street. This arcade has a nostalgic Showa-retro feel, lined with long-established wagashi shops, produce stands, and cafés. If you spot a place selling chilled amazake or locally produced kabosu juice, treat yourself—it’s a perfect post-bath pause. After you’ve recharged a bit, it’s also fun to browse for old-school toys and small goods at a souvenir shop with a “retro alley” vibe deeper inside the arcade.
After 11:00 a.m., hop on a local bus from a nearby stop (such as “Beppu Kitahama”) toward the Kamegawa/Kannawa area. Your destination is Beppu’s signature cooking experience: a jigoku-mushi workshop. At Jigoku Mushi Kobo Kannawa in the Kannawa district, you can steam food yourself using hot-spring geothermal steam.
If you arrive just before noon, pick up a steaming set filled with fresh local vegetables and seafood (available for purchase at reception), then place it into the geothermal steaming pot. After waiting 15–20 minutes, your meal is ready—beautifully steamed and fragrant. Enjoy it as a late lunch, savoring the aroma rising with the steam. Vegetables cooked in mineral-rich onsen steam become surprisingly sweet and juicy, and they’re delicious with just a touch of salt or ponzu.
Once you’re happily full, around 1:30 p.m. take a bus back toward Beppu Station. To end your half-day course, you might try Beppu’s famous noodles at a Beppu reimen specialty shop near the station, or enjoy a small “hand bath” experience at a nearby teyu, soaking just your fingertips.
With this flow—morning sand bath → shopping street stroll → jigoku-mushi lunch—you can pack Beppu’s essence into a half-day even when time is limited. You’ll get both onsen and food culture in one satisfying sequence, leaving you comfortably refreshed for whatever comes next.
This is a full-day sample itinerary where you enjoy Beppu from morning to night. Start by going to Takegawara Onsen around 9:00 a.m., and reset plus warm up with the sand bath + regular bath (as mentioned earlier, going early generally makes things smoother).
Around 10:30 a.m., leave the onsen and move toward the JR Beppu Station area, stopping along the way at the Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center. From around 11:00 a.m., tour the exhibitions and immerse yourself in the world of traditional craft. If you’d like, you can also do a 30–60 minute bamboo crafting experience (reservation required), but even without a reservation, the permanent exhibits alone are well worth your time.
After 12:00 p.m., leave the center and consider a light lunch at the attached café. After lunch, take a car or bus to the Kannawa area and begin your Jigoku Meguri tour. From around 1:30 p.m., visit Umi Jigoku, then continue to a few other representative jigoku such as Oniishi Bozu Jigoku or Shiraike Jigoku. You may not have time to see everything, but at minimum, you’ll want to cover both Umi Jigoku and Chinoike Jigoku.
After you’ve completed your main jigoku visits, around 3:30–4:00 p.m., consider taking a break at a day-use onsen such as Hyotan Onsen in Kannawa. It offers a different atmosphere from the sand bath, and you can enjoy open-air bathing or a waterfall-style bath to ease the afternoon’s fatigue.
After 5:00 p.m., head back into Beppu city for dinner. One experience worth seeking out is “onsen-powered Italian.” In the Beppu/Kannawa area, there’s a distinctive Italian restaurant called Otto e Sette Oita, which incorporates geothermal steam and hot-spring culture into its dining experience in creative ways—making it a memorable “only in Beppu” dinner (＊1).
After dinner, return to your accommodation and finish the day with another soak—perhaps in your room’s bath—bringing your journey to a calm close. This course is a bit demanding because it’s packed with onsen, sightseeing, and food from morning to night, but it’s also a satisfying, “all the best parts” plan that concentrates Beppu’s character into a single day.
If you still have energy, you could take an evening stroll through Beppu Park, enjoy the hot-spring town’s lights at night, or even add a final soak—your “one last bath” instead of “one last drink”—by stopping at a night-operating onsen such as Beppu Ekimae Koto Onsen. After such a full day, you’ll likely fall into deep sleep with a pleasantly heavy, contented tiredness.
We’ve introduced Takegawara Onsen and the many experiences you can enjoy in and around it—how did it feel as you read? Even if you’re traveling from far away, Beppu’s hot springs and culture have a way of welcoming you warmly.
If takegawara onsen is on your Beppu itinerary, consider building your day around it: sweat it out in the sand bath, feed your curiosity through craft and Jigoku Meguri, and then rebalance your spirit through Zen and contemporary art—this is the kind of layered “wellness × culture” time design that Beppu makes possible.
For your next destination, consider choosing Takegawara Onsen and Beppu. If you immerse yourself in this world of tradition and healing, the afterglow will likely stay with you even once you return to daily life—adding new color to your everyday wellness routine. Thank you for reading, and may your journey be a wonderful one.