Beppu Japan
Beppu is a city of about 125,000 people on the coast of Kyushu, Japan's southernmost island. It has a deep-water seaport. This part of the island has many active hot springs. There are nearly 150 Onsens and osentos. Beppu is known worldwide for the macaques that bathe year-round in the hot springs' outdoor pools.
Beppu is about 100 miles east of Fukuoka, Japan, and is a major worldwide transportation hub with air transportation and connections to Shinkansen bullet trains. Beppu to Fukuoka transportation costs run about $16 (self-drive car), $20 (by bus) to $35 to $45 {by train}
Macaques 'taking a bath' at Beppu
Hotsprings Well #1
Note: Naval personnel were not very welcome at most hot springs when I was stationed in Japan. I tended to be an exception because I spoke Japanese.
- Beppu Onsen
Beppu Onsen is the most popular area close to Beppu Station in the center of town. Ekimae-Kotō Onsen is a two-minute walk from the station and provides tired visitors and locals with invigoration and relaxation. The Hells of Beppu field of hot springs is nationally designated as a "Place of Scenic Beauty."
- Kankaiji Onsen
This onsen site is located on a hill in the southwest urban area of Beppu, and it has the finest natural endowments among the eight hot springs. Bathers can enjoy medicinal hot spring waters along with spectacular scenery.
- Kamegawa Onsen
This onsen area, neighboring Kamegawa Station, is much enjoyed for its rustic scenery. Beppu Kaihin Sunayu is known for its open-air sand bathing, which is found near Beppu City's seashore.
- Shibaseki Onsen
Located along a mountain stream, Shibaseki Onsen is a picturesque, quiet onsen area much noted for its hot steam bath. With a nice woodland trail, it is designated as a national health onsen resort.
- Kannawa Onsen
With numerous jets of white steam emitting from gushing hot springs, this area is a must-see destination for Beppu sightseers. Charming shops and Ryokan (Japanese inn) are tucked along narrow, winding streets. It is also known for steam baths.
- Myoban Onsen
Myoban Onsen is a small, quiet mountain resort on the hill facing Beppu Bay. Visitors enjoy several types of thermals, such as mud baths or milky water baths, accompanied by a distinctive sulphuric odor. Mineral deposits are worked at the thatched Yunohana-goya.
- Horita Onsen
Located west of the Kankaiji Onsen area, Horita Onsen is a rustic hot-spring resort. Appreciated since the Edo Period, its soothing waters relieve the fatigue of a long journey. The waters of two public baths effectively treat symptoms such as nerve pains.
- Hamawaki Onsen
With quaint streets lined with old-fashioned inns and houses, Hamawaki Onsen is the birthplace of Beppu Onsen. Built in 1991, Yutopia (Utopia) Hamawaki, a multi-purpose health facility, transforms the town's ancient flavor into a new, modern ambiance.
Public Baths
- Takegawara Onsen
Originally built in 1879, "Takegawara Onsen" is located a short 7-minute walk from Beppu Station. A fine bamboo thatched roof and elaborate facade are proud symbols of Beppu Onsen. Particularly relaxing and fun are the sand baths, where attendants envelop appreciative guests' bodies in heaps of warm, soothing sand.
- Kannawa Mushi-yu steam bath
A popular site in Kannawa Onsen mushi-yu steam bath has long served as a welcome facility for local citizens. "Ashimushi" (foot steam bath), a rarity in the country, is effective in relieving fatigued lower limbs. "Sekisho" (medical herb) room is also popular for its soothing aroma.
See also Onsen and/or Onsen etiquette
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