Kamegawa Onsen
Experience an authentic, no-frills local onsen in a charming retro green bathhouse. Pay what you feel is fair and soak in tradition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler water
Kamegawa Onsen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler water
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience an authentic, no-frills local onsen in a charming retro green bathhouse. Pay what you feel is fair and soak in tradition.
"A quaint, old-school public hot spring with a nostalgic retro feeling and a unique communal soak."
Bring Your Own Essentials
Pack your towel, shampoo, and soap! Kamegawa Onsen is a local spot with minimal amenities. :soap:
Donation-Based Entry
Contribute what you feel is fair at the donation box. It's a great way to support this local treasure. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Retro Green Bathhouse
Main bathhouse
A charming, old-school building painted a nostalgic green, offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese public baths.
Communal Soaking Experience
Main bathing area
Experience a unique, intimate soak with a shared water channel connecting the male and female sections.
Donation-Based Entry
Entrance
Pay what you feel is fair for this local gem, a testament to its community spirit and accessibility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Timing is Key for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Essentials
Pack your towel, shampoo, and soap! Kamegawa Onsen is a local spot with minimal amenities. :soap:
Donation-Based Entry
Contribute what you feel is fair at the donation box. It's a great way to support this local treasure. :moneybag:
Water Can Be Hot!
The onsen water is known to be quite hot. Test it carefully before fully immersing yourself. :thermometer:
Embrace the Retro Charm
Enjoy the quaint, old-school atmosphere and unique green building. It's a step back in time! :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Essentials
Pack your towel, shampoo, and soap! Kamegawa Onsen is a local spot with minimal amenities. :soap:
Donation-Based Entry
Contribute what you feel is fair at the donation box. It's a great way to support this local treasure. :moneybag:
Water Can Be Hot!
The onsen water is known to be quite hot. Test it carefully before fully immersing yourself. :thermometer:
Embrace the Retro Charm
Enjoy the quaint, old-school atmosphere and unique green building. It's a step back in time! :sparkles:
Mind the Splashing
The washing area is small, so be mindful of splashing water into the changing area. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kamegawa Onsen is highly praised for its authentic, local atmosphere and charming retro green building. Visitors appreciate the donation-based entry and the unique communal bathing experience. However, some find the water temperature very hot and the washing area cramped, emphasizing the need to bring personal amenities.
"Nice very local onsen! Entrance by donation (donation box located at the entrance). You need to bring your own shampoos and towel. Operating hours 07:00-19:00, no parking. The building is very cute and old with green color, there is a big sign next to the entrance explaining a bit about the history of the place, in English and Japanese. The changing area is just next to the bath, its only a small narrow path with squeaky wooden planks and the wooden boxes to put your stuff. The tub is small to medium size, made of concrete but has big nice wooden planks at its bottom, it is placed by the wall and there is very little space around it to wash up plus you need to be careful because it is very easy to splash water at the changing area. The walls are painted green which gives a nostalgic retro feeling. The water from the tub in the male section is connected with the one of the female section through a narrow opening at its corner, an unusual feature. Recommended for the local experience!"
Dia KL
"Free! The water is a little hotter than ideal. The tub is large and has a wooden bottom, which is great. There is a very narrow area to wash yourself and the floor is jagged."
Tyler C
"Love to see"
Harish Aggarwal | Meritech
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kamegawa Onsen is located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture. You can reach Beppu by Shinkansen (bullet train) or by air to Oita Airport. From Beppu Station, local buses are available to get closer to the onsen area. Some travelers mention it's a bit of a walk from the nearest bus stop, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.
Unfortunately, there is no dedicated parking available at Kamegawa Onsen. Visitors are advised to use public transportation or nearby paid parking facilities if arriving by car.
While it's possible to walk from Beppu Station, it's a considerable distance. Taking a local bus towards Kamegawa is generally more convenient. Check local bus routes for the most direct option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kamegawa Onsen operates on a donation basis. There is a donation box at the entrance where you can contribute what you feel is appropriate for the experience.
The typical operating hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, it's advisable to check for potential lunch closures, as some local establishments might close for a period during the day.
No advance booking is required for Kamegawa Onsen. As it's a donation-based public bath, you can typically walk in during operating hours.
Yes, Kamegawa Onsen offers a very local and authentic experience. While it's more basic than resort-style onsen, its charm and community feel make it a memorable introduction to Japanese hot springs. Just be prepared to bring your own amenities.
🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience
Amenities are very limited. You will need to bring your own towel, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Buckets are usually provided for washing.
The water at Kamegawa Onsen is known to be quite hot, sometimes hotter than ideal for some visitors. It's recommended to test the water temperature carefully before entering.
Standard onsen etiquette applies: wash thoroughly before entering the bath, do not wear swimwear, and keep noise to a minimum. The unique feature is the shared water channel between male and female baths.
The changing area is quite small and narrow, with wooden boxes for belongings. Be mindful of your space and the potential for water to splash from the washing area.
Its unique charm lies in its retro green building, donation-based entry, and the communal feel. The water channel connecting the male and female baths is also an unusual feature.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography inside the bathing areas is generally discouraged out of respect for other bathers' privacy. You might be able to take photos of the exterior of the charming green building.
The most photogenic aspect is the distinctive, old-fashioned green bathhouse building itself. Its retro aesthetic is quite appealing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more family-friendly onsen experience in Beppu, consider facilities that offer private family baths or have dedicated areas for children. While Kamegawa is about authenticity, other Beppu onsen might offer more space and amenities suitable for a family outing. Researching options like Hyotan Onsen or family-friendly hotels with onsen facilities could be beneficial for a more comfortable visit with kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the onsen itself, Beppu offers many free or low-cost attractions. Exploring the 'Beppu Hells' (Jigoku) can be done with a combined ticket, or you can simply enjoy the atmosphere of the city. Utilizing local buses from Beppu Station is also an economical way to get around. Kamegawa Onsen perfectly complements a budget-friendly trip to Beppu, offering a rich cultural experience without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Authentic Local Onsen Experience
Visitors are reminded that this is a public bathhouse, and as such, amenities are basic. Bringing your own towel, soap, and shampoo is essential. The entry system is based on donations, encouraging a sense of shared responsibility and appreciation for this local treasure. The water temperature can be quite high, so it's wise to test it before fully submerging yourself.
The bathing area, while functional, is compact. The washing stations are narrow, and care must be taken to avoid splashing. A particularly unique feature is the water channel that connects the male and female bathing sections, a detail that highlights the traditional and communal nature of the onsen. For those seeking an authentic taste of Japanese onsen culture away from the tourist crowds, Kamegawa Onsen is a highly recommended destination.
Navigating Beppu's Hot Spring Scene
For those interested in a more luxurious onsen experience, Beppu offers a range of hotels and ryokans with private onsen facilities. Hyotan Onsen, for instance, is noted as the world's first Michelin-starred onsen, offering a high-end experience with various bathing styles.
When exploring Beppu, consider how you want to experience the hot springs. If you're looking for the most authentic, budget-friendly, and local immersion, Kamegawa Onsen is an excellent choice. If you prefer more amenities, unique bathing experiences, or a luxurious stay, Beppu has options to suit every preference. Planning your itinerary to include a mix of these experiences can offer a comprehensive understanding of Beppu's geothermal wonders.
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