
Beppu Sand Bath Beppu Japan
Experience the unique volcanic sand baths of Beppu, where you're buried in naturally heated sand for ultimate relaxation and detoxification.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing

Beppu Sand Bath Beppu Japan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the unique volcanic sand baths of Beppu, where you're buried in naturally heated sand for ultimate relaxation and detoxification.
"The sand bath was very warm and I would highly recommend a experiencing it at least once."

⏳ Book Private Rooms Early
For unique experiences like Hyotan Onsen's private rooms, book up to 7 days in advance.
💧 Bring a Towel (or Buy One)
While some facilities offer amenities, it's wise to bring your own towel or purchase one on-site.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Takegawara Onsen Sand Bath
Beppu
Experience a traditional volcanic sand bath at one of Beppu's oldest bathhouses, founded in 1879.

Hyotan Onsen
Beppu
A unique Michelin-starred onsen offering various baths, including a popular coin-operated private room.

Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)
Beppu
Explore Beppu's famous 'Hells,' a collection of unique hot spring ponds with vibrant colors and bubbling mud.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Sand Baths
Understand Sand Bath Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Book Private Rooms Early
For unique experiences like Hyotan Onsen's private rooms, book up to 7 days in advance.
💧 Bring a Towel (or Buy One)
While some facilities offer amenities, it's wise to bring your own towel or purchase one on-site.
📱 App Issues? Try Klook
If booking online presents app compatibility issues, consider using platforms like Klook for easier reservations.
📸 Staff Can Help with Photos
Don't hesitate to ask staff for assistance with taking photos while you're enjoying the sand bath.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Book Private Rooms Early
For unique experiences like Hyotan Onsen's private rooms, book up to 7 days in advance.
💧 Bring a Towel (or Buy One)
While some facilities offer amenities, it's wise to bring your own towel or purchase one on-site.
📱 App Issues? Try Klook
If booking online presents app compatibility issues, consider using platforms like Klook for easier reservations.
📸 Staff Can Help with Photos
Don't hesitate to ask staff for assistance with taking photos while you're enjoying the sand bath.
💰 Affordable Entry Fees
Many traditional onsen, like Takegawara Onsen, offer very reasonable entry fees, making them great value.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Beppu's sand baths offer a unique and often praised therapeutic experience, with many visitors highlighting the relaxing warmth and detoxifying effects. The historic atmosphere of places like Takegawara Onsen is a significant draw. However, some visitors have encountered issues with customer service and booking systems, suggesting a need for clear communication and potentially alternative booking methods.
"Dreadful customer service and ended up walking out rather than be subject to further humiliation.
Arrived at reception to be forcibly challenged to remove my footwear. I have no problem with this but did not see a sign.
There was no chair to sit at to remove my shoes so sat on the floor to take them off.
I waited for the receptionist to advise where to place my shoes but no response was forthcoming so I placed them by the door.
She then shouted at me to place them in the lockers and pointed to the lockers which I obviously hadn't seen.
I placed my shoes in the locker and put the key in my pocket to once again getting shouted at to bring the key to her.
This was the final straw and decided to withdraw my shoes and leave.
Of course I had to sit on the floor to put them on abd having told the receptionist she was incredibly rude, she just smiled patronisingly
I appreciate language can be a challenge but the girl spoke perfect English.
I am also aware that culture can lead to misunderstandings but this felt wholly inappropriate.
I was looking forward to this unique experience and had researched diligently only to be left humiliated and deeply shocked at my treatment."
Philip Novis
"Very professional and relaxing sand bath with ocean views. The facility was extremely clean and had lots of staff attending to your needs. Everything was clearly explained (staff even spoke english) and ran smoothly. The sand bath was very warm and I would highly recommend a experiencing it at least once. The price was a little high ($25 per person) but the facilities were very clean and there were many thoughtful amenities like face oil, face milk, face gel, that aren't often found in other onsen."
L M
"friendly and helpful staff, there is also an onsen bath for men and women. if you like sauna this is a nice experience: the weight of the sand feels cozy and the warmth of it is like a sauna feeling. it's nice to breath the fresh air instead of the warm and thin air in a sauna."
Benedict Maurer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Oita Airport, you can take local buses or taxis to reach Beppu and its various onsen districts. The journey is straightforward and convenient for exploring the area.
Yes, Beppu is well-connected by local buses and taxis, making it simple to navigate between different onsen and attractions.
Yes, there's a ferry service, the Sunflower Murasaki, that runs between Osaka and Beppu, offering a unique travel option.
While not explicitly mentioned for sand baths, Beppu is a major onsen town and is accessible via train and bus networks from larger cities like Fukuoka.
The most common way to travel between Beppu and Yufuin is by bus or train, offering scenic views of the Kyushu countryside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices can vary. Takegawara Onsen is very affordable at around ¥300 for the bath, while other experiences like the sand bath at Takegawara Onsen might be around $25 per person.
For popular spots like Hyotan Onsen's private rooms, advance booking is highly recommended, sometimes up to 7 days prior. General entry to public sand baths may not require booking.
Specific age restrictions are not widely mentioned, but it's generally assumed that children should be accompanied by an adult. The intense heat might not be suitable for very young children.
Opening hours vary by facility. Takegawara Onsen is open daily, and it's best to check the specific hours for other locations like Hyotan Onsen.
Some online booking systems accept credit cards, but be aware that tickets might be app-dependent and not compatible with all phone types.
🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience
You'll be buried in hot volcanic sand up to your neck. The heat is intense (around 52°C or 125°F) and is said to detoxify the body and relieve muscle pain. It's a unique sensation, feeling your heartbeat.
Typically, you wear a yukata (light cotton robe) provided by the facility. You'll remove your regular clothes before being covered in sand.
Yes, most onsen facilities in Beppu have separate bathing areas for men and women, including showers and changing rooms.
The hot sand is believed to promote detoxification, relieve muscle and joint pain, and improve circulation. Some say it's equivalent to a 15k jog!
Yes, staff are often happy to help take photos of you while you're buried in the sand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Beppu is a vibrant city with numerous restaurants offering local specialties. Many onsen facilities also have small cafes or rest areas.
Some locations in Beppu, like Hyotan Onsen, offer 'jigoku mushi' (hell steaming) where you can cook food using the natural steam from the hot springs.
Be sure to try local seafood, regional ramen, and perhaps some of the unique dishes cooked using the hot spring steam.
While traditional Japanese cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants in tourist areas are becoming more accommodating. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff.
Typically, you can find water, tea, and sometimes local juices or soft drinks at onsen facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Besides the sand baths, the Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) offers visually striking landscapes. The Floral Village in Yufuin also provides fairytale-like photo opportunities.
While you can take photos of the general area, it's best to be respectful of other bathers' privacy. Staff can assist with photos of you in the sand.
Generally, photography is allowed at the Jigoku Meguri, but always be mindful of signage and other visitors.
A standard smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing the experience. If you plan on more professional shots, consider a waterproof case for your phone or camera.
The Beppu Ropeway offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding bay, providing excellent photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the sand bath itself might be intense for very young children due to the heat, older kids might find the novelty of being buried in sand intriguing. It's advisable to check with individual facilities about suitability for children. For a more relaxed experience, consider exploring the Floral Village in Yufuin, which offers a fairytale-like atmosphere with charming shops and scenery, appealing to a sense of wonder.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for public transportation like buses and trains is significantly cheaper than taxis. For accommodation, consider guesthouses or budget-friendly hotels. Packing your own snacks or utilizing local convenience stores for meals can also help save money.
🧘♀️ Wellness Seekers
Beyond sand baths, Beppu boasts numerous traditional onsen with various mineral compositions, each offering unique health benefits. Exploring different onsen, from the historic to the modern, can be a journey of wellness. Consider visiting Hyotan Onsen for its unique bathing experiences and Michelin-star recognition, promising a high-quality wellness retreat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Sand Bath
The sensation of being enveloped by the warm, heavy sand is often described as deeply relaxing and grounding. Many visitors report feeling a sense of calm and rejuvenation after the treatment. It's a practice that has been passed down through generations, offering a connection to ancient Japanese wellness traditions.
Key locations like Takegawara Onsen and Hyotan Onsen offer this experience. Takegawara Onsen, with its historic architecture, provides a nostalgic atmosphere, while Hyotan Onsen offers a more modern approach, even featuring private coin-operated rooms for a more intimate experience.
Exploring Beppu's 'Hells'
Visiting these 'hells' is a visual spectacle. The intense colors, steam, and bubbling activity create an otherworldly landscape. It's a fascinating way to witness the raw power of nature and understand why Beppu is considered the hot spring capital of Japan.
Some of the most popular 'hells' include Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) with its striking blue water, Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) known for its red, iron-rich water, and Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell), which features a geyser erupting periodically.
Hyotan Onsen: A Michelin Star Experience
What sets Hyotan Onsen apart are its diverse bathing options. Beyond traditional onsen, it offers a 'jigoku mushi' (hell steaming) area where visitors can cook food using the natural geothermal steam, adding a culinary adventure to the wellness experience. They also feature a unique coin-operated private room, which requires booking in advance.
The facility is praised for its cleanliness and professional service. While the price might be slightly higher than some other onsen, the amenities, including face oils and lotions, and the overall experience are considered well worth it by many visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit