Hyotan Hot Springs

Welcome to Hyotan Onsen, situated in the historic Kannawa district of Beppu, the hot spring capital of Japan. This facility holds the rare distinction of being the only hot spring in the entire country to receive a three-star…

One of the most innovative aspects of Hyotan Onsen is hidden in plain sight near the entrance: the Yumitake cooling system. Typically, when hot spring water emerges from the ground at temperatures near 100 degrees Celsius,…

We now come to the Suna-yu, or sand bath, a unique feature that differentiates Beppu's bathing culture from much of the rest of Japan. Unlike the sand baths at the beach where staff bury you, the sand bath at Hyotan is a…

Stepping into the main public bathing hall, your attention will immediately be drawn to the thunderous sound of falling water. This is the Taki-yu, or waterfall bath, one of Hyotan's most famous and physically invigorating…

Tucked away near the large baths is the Mushi-yu, or steam bath. This is essentially a natural sauna that utilizes the pure geothermal vapor rising from the earth. …

For those seeking a more solitary or intimate experience, Hyotan offers a wide array of private 'Family Baths.' These rooms can be reserved and provide a private sanctuary away from the communal areas. Each room is uniquely…

No visit to Hyotan Onsen—or the Kannawa district—is complete without experiencing 'Jigoku-mushi,' or hell-steaming. This is a culinary method unique to Beppu where food is cooked in large stone vats using the natural steam from…

As we conclude our journey through Hyotan Onsen, we must reflect on the vision of its founder, Junosuke Kono. His goal was to create a place where anyone, regardless of background, could experience the highest quality of Beppu's…