Ichinoide Kaikan
A secluded hilltop onsen in Beppu, offering unique milky blue waters, breathtaking views, and authentic home-cooked meals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more private
Ichinoide Kaikan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more private
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded hilltop onsen in Beppu, offering unique milky blue waters, breathtaking views, and authentic home-cooked meals.
"This obscure onsen with it's milky, azure blue water is one of the best in Beppu."
🎯 Embrace the Rustic Charm
Expect a basic, authentic onsen experience; it's a hidden gem, not a luxury resort.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Visit in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views over the sea and mountains.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Milky Azure Onsen Pools
Main bathing area
Soak in unique, mineral-rich milky blue waters with a gentle temperature, perfect for extended relaxation.
Panoramic Sea & Mountain Views
Hilltop location
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the ocean and Mount Tsurumi, especially magical during sunset.
Authentic Home-Cooked Meal
Dining area
Savor delicious, locally prepared meals, often served after your onsen experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Timing is Key for Views & Meals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Rustic Charm
Expect a basic, authentic onsen experience; it's a hidden gem, not a luxury resort.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Visit in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views over the sea and mountains.
🍽️ Savor the Home Cooking
Try the delicious home-cooked meals, often served after your onsen soak.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring your own water bottle, especially if you plan to soak for a while.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Rustic Charm
Expect a basic, authentic onsen experience; it's a hidden gem, not a luxury resort.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Visit in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views over the sea and mountains.
🍽️ Savor the Home Cooking
Try the delicious home-cooked meals, often served after your onsen soak.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring your own water bottle, especially if you plan to soak for a while.
🗣️ Basic Japanese Helpful
Limited English spoken, so knowing a few basic phrases is beneficial.
🚗 Steep Access Road
The road is narrow and steep; drive carefully or consider alternative transport.
🎴 Tattoos Welcome
Good news for ink lovers: tattoos are permitted here!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ichinoide Kaikan is lauded as a hidden gem offering a unique onsen experience with its milky blue waters and stunning hilltop views. Visitors appreciate the authentic, rustic atmosphere and the potential for a delicious home-cooked meal. While renovations may affect some facilities and English is limited, the overall experience is highly recommended for its tranquility and scenic beauty.
"Wow, such a hidden gem in Beppu. This place is still open, but it’s also partially closed as they are renovating and due to the low tourism because of COVID.
The lady who worked there allowed me to use the onsen facility (700 yen) but their kitchen was closed. They usually do lunch/onsen set for around 1300-1500yen, I imagine the food most be yummy!
There are multiple bath with water coming directly from the source so the mineral level is high. The changing room is very basic and the Onsen is built with concrete. It’s feels like an abandoned onsen but it was definitely a unique experience.
The view is amazing from here!"
Bluemount
"A secret open-air onsen not too far from Beppu Park. The entrance fee is 700 yen. But since there are not many people visiting this onsen, you can enjoy this public onsen like a private one. This onsen is located on the hilltop and hidden at the edge of a forest. The road to this place is really steep, and only enough for one car. There are three pools in both men and women onsen, one of which is filled with milky, azure blue water. The temperature is not too hot (maybe around 40 degree Celcius) so you can enjoy this onsen all day long. But make sure to bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated."
Wahyu Lie
"Amazing outdoor onsen with a stunning view and a great meal right afterwards. The owner is the nicest man and even gave us a ride to Beppu station after we finished. Best Onsen-experience in Beppu thus far, can really recommend!"
l0wkey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Beppu Station, you can take a bus towards Kannawa or Beppu Park. The final stretch involves a steep, narrow road, so driving requires caution. Some reviewers mention the owner kindly offering rides to Beppu Station.
While buses go to the general Beppu area, the final approach to Ichinoide Kaikan is on a steep, single-car-width road, making it less straightforward for public transport users. Taxis might be an option, but confirm the route.
If driving, be prepared for a very steep and narrow access road. Navigate carefully, as it's only wide enough for one vehicle.
Ichinoide Kaikan is located near Beppu Park and offers views of Mount Tsurumi. It's a bit removed from the main Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) sites, offering a more tranquil experience.
No, Ichinoide Kaikan is a separate onsen facility and not part of the main Jigoku Meguri attractions, though it's in the broader Beppu area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 700 yen for the onsen. This often includes a small towel.
While specific hours can vary, it's often recommended to visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and potential meal service. Some sources indicate it's open daily.
Advance booking is generally not required for the onsen. However, if you wish to have the home-cooked meal, it's advisable to inquire about availability.
The primary option is the onsen entry fee. Previously, a lunch and onsen set was available for around 1300-1500 yen, but the kitchen may be closed due to renovations.
Yes, tattoos are permitted at Ichinoide Kaikan, which is a significant plus for many visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The onsen features unique, milky azure blue water with a high mineral content. The temperature is generally around 40 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for longer soaks.
It's described as a hidden gem with a rustic, authentic feel. Some parts may be undergoing renovation, contributing to a slightly 'abandoned' but unique ambiance. The views are a major highlight.
Yes, there are separate bathing areas for men and women, each typically featuring multiple pools.
Basic amenities like changing rooms are available. A small towel is often provided with the entrance fee. It's recommended to bring your own water bottle.
Absolutely. The gentle water temperature, stunning views, and fewer crowds contribute to a very relaxing and unique onsen experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Historically, Ichinoide Kaikan offered a delicious home-cooked meal as part of a set with the onsen. However, the kitchen may be closed due to renovations, so it's best to inquire beforehand.
The food is described as authentic, home-cooked Japanese cuisine. Reviewers have praised its quality and taste, especially when enjoyed after a soak.
It's unlikely that you can dine without using the onsen facilities, as the meal is typically offered as part of a package.
The combined lunch and onsen set used to cost around 1300-1500 yen. Individual meal pricing is not typically available.
As the meals are home-cooked and traditional, specific vegetarian or vegan options may not be readily available. It's best to inquire directly about dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the common areas and for the views. However, always be respectful of other bathers' privacy in the onsen areas.
The panoramic views of the sea and Mount Tsurumi are prime photo opportunities. The unique milky blue water of the onsen also makes for striking shots.
It's generally considered impolite and a breach of privacy to take photos directly in the onsen pools where others are bathing. Focus on the scenery and the general ambiance.
Late afternoon is ideal for photography, as you can capture the beautiful sunset over the ocean and mountains.
While not explicitly stated, common onsen etiquette dictates respecting others' privacy. Avoid intrusive photography, especially in changing rooms or bathing areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, families should be aware that the facilities are rustic and the access road is steep and narrow, which might pose challenges with strollers or very young children. Communication can also be a barrier due to limited English. It's recommended to check if the kitchen is open for meals, as this could be a convenient option for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
If the home-cooked meal is available, it offers great value as a combined onsen and dining experience, historically priced around 1300-1500 yen. This is significantly cheaper than many tourist-oriented onsen resorts. The rustic nature of the facility also means you're paying for the experience and the view, not for luxury amenities.
🧘 Solo Travelers
The opportunity to relax in the mineral-rich waters while taking in the expansive scenery provides a perfect setting for introspection and rejuvenation. The potential for a delicious, home-cooked meal adds to the overall satisfying solo journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Onsen Experience
The setting itself adds to the allure. Perched on a hilltop, the onsen offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding seascape and the majestic Mount Tsurumi. This scenic backdrop transforms the bathing experience into something truly special, especially during the golden hour when the setting sun paints the sky with vibrant colors. While the facilities are described as basic and rustic, this only enhances its charm as a 'hidden gem' away from the more commercialized tourist spots.
It's important to note that Ichinoide Kaikan is a more traditional and less commercialized onsen. While this means a more authentic experience, it also implies that English may be limited, and visitors should be aware of basic onsen etiquette. The unique water and the stunning views make it a must-visit for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path onsen adventure in Beppu.
Culinary Delights and Views
The timing of your visit can greatly enhance both the onsen and dining experience. Arriving in the late afternoon allows you to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters while watching the sunset over the ocean and Mount Tsurumi. Following your relaxing bath, you can then savor the prepared meal, making for a perfect end to the day. This combination of therapeutic bathing and satisfying food, all set against a stunning natural backdrop, is what makes Ichinoide Kaikan so memorable.
While the kitchen's operational status can sometimes be affected by renovations or seasonal factors, the prospect of enjoying such a meal is a strong incentive to visit. It's advisable to confirm meal availability when planning your trip to ensure you don't miss out on this highly-rated aspect of the Ichinoide Kaikan experience.
Navigating to Ichinoide Kaikan
Public transportation options can get you to the general vicinity of Beppu, but the last leg to the onsen might require a taxi or a significant walk, depending on the bus route. Some visitors have noted that the owner has been kind enough to offer rides to Beppu Station, which could be a helpful option if available. Planning your transport in advance is crucial to avoid any last-minute stress.
Despite the access challenges, the reward is a secluded onsen experience away from the crowds. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, leading you to a tranquil spot with unparalleled views.
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