A Guide to the Hot Bath or Onsen in Beppu Japan

Discover the Rules, teiquette and Healing Power of Japanese Onsen

May 16, 2009 Ben Cluse

When tourists go to Japan for a holiday, they go to Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto. But when the Japanese go on holiday in Japan, many go south to Beppu.

The appeal of Beppu for the Japanese is the natural volcanic hot springs bubbling below the city, providing them the opportunity to relax in the dozens of traditional baths. The appeal for International tourists is to see a part of Japan off the international tourist track but still full of things to do and with cheaper accommodation.

The Onsen or Hot Baths

An essential part of Japanese culture is the public bathhouse, and Beppu, with its naturally occurring geothermic springs bubbling underneath the city, is the perfect place to relax. Also, in Japan, Onsen are considered to have recuperative powers; to assist in the healing of physical ailments.

Onsen Etiquette

When visiting an Onsen there are specific rules of etiquette that need to be followed. Most Onsen have separate areas for men and women, although there are some which allow mixed bathing. Here’s a quick rundown of the general etiquette:

Upon arrival, there will be lockers for customers to put clothing in. The Onsen staff will hand out a small bucket to assist washing.
After changing the customer enters the showers. It’s compulsory to wash at the Onsen showers before entering the hot baths, and to use the soap provided.
Customers usually need to bring their own towel.
In most Onsen, bathers and swimsuits are not allowed; customers must bathe naked. There are a few Onsen where swimsuits are allowed, though.

The Healing Power of the Onsen

While many Onsen are simply for relaxation, others have naturally occurring chemicals and minerals in the water, which assist in recuperation and healing. Specifically, chemicals such as sulphur, iron and sodium chloride are believed to assist in the healing of injuries, strains and skin diseases. Each Onsen will provide specific details on the potential benefits.

Which Onsen to Visit?

There are literally dozens of Onsen in Beppu

Takegawara Onsen is one of the most interesting, where, aside from the baths, guests have the option of being buried up to the neck in hot sand. The building is very traditionally Japanese, and the heat in some of the baths is quite intense.
Beppu Onsen is located very close to the main rail station and is a basic Onsen, good for beginners.
Hyotan Onsen offers waterfalls to massage shoulders.
For a more natural approach, there are many Onsen located in the secluded hills above Beppu, out and uncovered in nature.
A good basic guide of Onsen to be found in Beppu, along with a map can be found at this Website

The Volcanic Hells or Jigoku

Benefiting further from the geothermal hot springs, Beppu has ten ‘Hells’, which are bubbling, volcanic springs, each with their own theme. Some of the Hells include Blood Pond Hell, Boiling Hell, Sea Hell, Mountain Hell and Mud Hell. The most unique and interesting is a natural geyser Hell, which spurts non stop for about five minutes every twenty-five minutes. Eight of the ten hells are within walking distance from each other and a combination ticket can be bought for all eight from any Hell entrance. The other two are a short bus ride away, but also worth visiting.

Beppu Sex Museum

The Sex Museum is not just for those seeking titillation; it offers an unusual and insightful look at the Japanese perspective on sex, both current and historical. It’s particularly interesting to examine what the Japanese choose to censor, and what they don’t. The Museum is located directly across from White Pond Hell.

Getting to Beppu

By Train. One of the best ways to travel in Japan is via the efficient, comfortable and super-fast Japanese rail system, which is world renowned for its reliability. From Tokyo, the trip to Beppu takes just over six hours, and it’s less than four from Kyoto. The Beppu station is very well positioned in the centre of town.

By Plane. For those short on time, there is an airport at Oita, which has shuttle buses running to Beppu.

Accommodation in Beppu

Even though accommodation in Beppu is generally cheaper than Tokyo, it’s still advisable to book ahead. This Website has some decent choices. A Ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese guest house, is highly recommended, for the authentic experience.

The copyright of the article A Guide to the Hot Bath or Onsen in Beppu Japan in E Asia Travel is owned by Ben Cluse. Permission to republish A Guide to the Hot Bath or Onsen in Beppu Japan in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.