Tsurumi no Yu, open-air bath
Separate men / womenOutdoorA large rock rotenburo facing Mt. Tsurumi. Mornings glow orange on the mountainside; nights bring stars and drifting steam.
Onsen · Hot springs
Our own free-flowing spring, straight from the earth of Kannawa
A 98°C spring rises on our grounds and is cooled naturally, with no water added, before it fills five different baths. Soak as often as you like.
Our spring
A true gensen kakenagashi onsen
Our water comes from a private source drilled on the property. Instead of adding cold water, we cool the 98°C spring through a yumetake, a bamboo cooling tower invented in Kannawa, so the minerals reach the bath at full strength. Water that has been bathed in is never pumped back. This is what Japanese onsen lovers call gensen kakenagashi: pure, free-flowing spring water.
- Spring type
- Sodium chloride spring (mildly alkaline, high temperature)
- Source temperature
- 98.2°C
- pH
- 7.8
- Flow
- Approx. 420 litres per minute (natural flow)
- Bath temperature
- 40–42°C, adjusted by season
- Treatment
- No added water, no reheating, no recirculation, no chlorine
Sodium chloride springs are known in Japan as “warming water”: a thin film of minerals stays on the skin and holds in heat long after you leave the bath. Traditionally enjoyed for tired muscles, poor circulation and dry skin.
The baths
Five ways to bathe
The men’s and women’s baths switch every night at 21:00, so overnight guests can enjoy both.
Kodama, cypress indoor bath
Separate men / womenIndoorBuilt from Oita hinoki cypress, with its soft forest scent. Includes a sauna and cold plunge pool.
Sekisho steam bath
Alternating hoursSteamLie on a bed of fragrant sekisho (sweet flag) leaves in a stone chamber heated by spring vapour. A Kannawa tradition dating to the 13th century.
Shiki, private family baths
Private · 50 minTattoo-friendlyFour semi-outdoor baths named after the four seasons. Perfect for couples, families, and guests with tattoos.
Day trip
Day-trip onsen in Beppu
Not staying overnight? Day visitors are welcome at the open-air bath, indoor bath and steam bath. No reservation needed. Combine your soak with lunch for the best value.
| Option | Hours | Price (tax incl.) |
|---|---|---|
| Day bathing: adults (13+) | 10:00–21:00 (last entry 20:00) | ¥1,200 |
| Day bathing: children (6–12) | Same | ¥600 |
| Children under 6 | Same | Free |
| Kannawa steam bath (add-on) | 10:00–19:00 | ¥700 |
| Private family bath (50 min) | 10:00–21:00, booking advised | ¥3,000 |
| Bath & lunch set (bathing + jigoku-mushi set meal) | 11:30–14:30 | ¥3,600 |
| Towel set (bath + face towel) | — | ¥300 |
Etiquette
How to use an onsen in Japan
First time at a Japanese hot spring? It’s simple. Follow these five steps and you’ll bathe like a local. Bilingual signs are posted throughout the baths.
- Rinse before enteringPour a few scoops of water over yourself, starting at the feet, to adjust to the heat.
- Wash at the shower firstSit at a washing station, wash your body and hair, and rinse off all soap before entering the bath.
- Keep your towel out of the waterFold your small towel on your head or leave it at the edge of the bath. Swimsuits are not worn.
- Take it slowlyNatural springs are strong. Soak for 5–10 minutes at a time and rest in between.
- Skip the final showerPat yourself dry instead of rinsing so the minerals stay on your skin.
Tattoo-friendly onsen in Beppu
Tattoos up to the size of your palm are welcome in the shared baths when covered with a skin-coloured patch, which we provide free at reception. For larger tattoos, enjoy the same spring water in our private family baths or a room with its own open-air bath. Overnight guests receive one private bath session free.
Bathing safely
Please avoid bathing straight after drinking alcohol or a large meal. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, speak with our staff first.
Your own time, in the town of steam.
From a single night to a month-long soak. Our English-speaking team is happy to help you plan your stay in Beppu.