Kankaiji Onsen Public Bath
Relax in private or public hot spring baths, enjoy unique steamed cuisine, and soak your feet for free at this Beppu onsen gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Kankaiji Onsen Public Bath
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Relax in private or public hot spring baths, enjoy unique steamed cuisine, and soak your feet for free at this Beppu onsen gem.
"Amazing onsen experience – a must-visit in Beppu!
"🎯 Book Private Baths Ahead
Private onsen rooms are popular; book in advance to guarantee your slot. :ticket:
⏰ Maximize Your Hour
Your private bath time starts immediately after payment. Plan your changing time wisely. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Private Onsen Rooms
Indoor and outdoor options available
Enjoy a secluded soak in your own private hot spring bath, perfect for couples or families.
Public Foot Bath
Outside the main entrance
A free and convenient spot to rest your feet and enjoy the therapeutic waters.
Steamed Food Experience
On-site restaurant area
Savor delicious dishes cooked using the natural heat of the onsen.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Private Onsens in Advance
Understand the Hour Timer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Private Baths Ahead
Private onsen rooms are popular; book in advance to guarantee your slot.
:ticket:⏰ Maximize Your Hour
Your private bath time starts immediately after payment. Plan your changing time wisely.
:stopwatch:Recommendations for itinerary for Beppu in January 2023
🦶 Free Foot Soak
Enjoy the complimentary public foot bath outside for a quick, relaxing dip.
:foot:♨️ Try Onsen-Steamed Food
Experience unique dishes cooked with natural hot spring heat. Delicious!
:food:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Private Baths Ahead
Private onsen rooms are popular; book in advance to guarantee your slot.
:ticket:⏰ Maximize Your Hour
Your private bath time starts immediately after payment. Plan your changing time wisely.
:stopwatch:🦶 Free Foot Soak
Enjoy the complimentary public foot bath outside for a quick, relaxing dip.
:foot:♨️ Try Onsen-Steamed Food
Experience unique dishes cooked with natural hot spring heat. Delicious!
:food:🧼 Bring Your Own Amenities
While some are provided, consider bringing your preferred toiletries for comfort. :soap:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kankaiji Onsen Public Bath is widely praised for its authentic hot spring experience, particularly its affordable private onsen rooms and the free public foot bath. Visitors appreciate the mineral-rich waters and the unique onsen-steamed food. However, some guests have noted minor issues with cleanliness in certain areas and the strict timekeeping for private baths.
"Nice private onsen, 3000¥ or 30AUD for an hour in the pool.
The pool is empty when you arrive and you put a coin in the vending machine to make the hot water flow! The little steam room is also very cute. There is a free public foot bath outside.
We also ate lunch before we went. I got a butter chicken curry for 1400¥."
Pauline Varlet
"Amazing onsen experience – a must-visit in Beppu!
Hyotan Onsen is one of the best hot spring experiences I’ve had in Beppu.
The place is clean, well-maintained, and offers a wide variety of baths including sand baths, steam rooms, and open-air rotenburo.
The water quality is excellent and you can really feel the minerals working on your skin.
I wanted to go for the private baths—But it's fully booking it's recommend to book the private onsen in advance.
There’s even a place to enjoy steamed food cooked with onsen heat, which was delicious. It’s easy to access and very welcoming for both locals and tourists. Don’t miss it if you’re visiting Beppu :)"
Google Jo
"Came here after read many review. It really live up to its standard at a reasonable price. Worth and a must visit onsen choice for anyone looking for good onsen experience.
Like to specially thanks the pudding ice cream store (饮泉堂)is that while i only have credit card at time making payments and their system/server down unable to process payment. They given me the ice cream free of charge. Its not about money but its show that they does prioritise services too.
Thanks and keep it up."
Derrick Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kankaiji Onsen Public Bath is easily accessible from Beppu Station. Local buses are a convenient and affordable option, with routes frequently passing by the onsen. Taxis are also readily available for a quicker journey.
Yes, it's generally well-signposted, especially if you're familiar with the Beppu onsen areas. Following signs for the 'Hells of Beppu' can also lead you in the right direction.
Parking is usually available, though it might be limited during peak hours. It's advisable to check for specific parking information or consider public transport if you're visiting during a busy period. :car:
Many visitors use a combination of local buses and walking to explore Beppu's various onsen districts, including Kankaiji. Renting a car can offer more flexibility but parking can be a challenge.
Kankaiji Onsen is located near the famous 'Hells of Beppu' (Jigoku Meguri), making it convenient to combine a visit to the onsen with exploring these unique hot spring ponds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees vary. Public bath access is typically very affordable, often less than $1 USD. Private onsen rooms are charged hourly, with prices around 3000 JPY (approx. $30 AUD) for an hour.
It is highly recommended to book private onsen rooms in advance, as they are very popular and can get fully booked, especially during weekends and holidays.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, public baths and private rooms are available throughout the day and into the evening. It's best to check their official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date hours. :clock:
While some facilities might accept credit cards, it's wise to have cash on hand, as payment systems can sometimes go down, and smaller vendors may be cash-only.
Yes, Kankaiji Onsen offers a variety of bathing options, including indoor and outdoor private baths, public baths, steam rooms, and sand baths.
🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience
Private rooms typically include a bathing tub filled with hot spring water, a small changing area, and sometimes a steam room. You control the water flow with a coin-operated system.
Yes, there is a free public foot bath located outside the main entrance, which is a great spot to relax your feet.
Yes, there is an area where you can enjoy food, including unique dishes steamed using the onsen's natural heat. They also have a pudding ice cream store.
The water quality is generally considered excellent, rich in minerals that are believed to be beneficial for the skin.
While not specifically geared towards children, families can enjoy the private onsen rooms. The public foot bath is also a gentle option for younger visitors. :child:
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed in the changing areas and outside the bathing tubs, but it's respectful to avoid photographing other guests. Be mindful of privacy. :camerawithflash:
The outdoor private baths can offer scenic views, especially if you can capture the steam rising from the water. The exterior of the facility and the public foot bath area also make for nice shots. :camerawithflash:
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting. If you're visiting during the day, the steam from the hot springs can create a mystical atmosphere. :sunrise:
A waterproof case is highly recommended if you plan to take photos near the water or want to protect your phone from steam and humidity. :iphone:
The entrance area with the public foot bath and the exterior of the private bath buildings can be picturesque. Capturing the steam rising from the water is a classic onsen shot. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The free public foot bath is a great, low-commitment option for families to try out the onsen experience. It's a safe and accessible way for children to enjoy the warm, mineral-rich water. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed atmosphere for your family. :child:
💰 Budget Travelers
For a more immersive experience, the public bath access is very affordable, often costing less than a dollar. While private rooms are more expensive, they are still reasonably priced for an hour-long private soak, especially when split among a group. Trying the onsen-steamed food can also be a cost-effective and unique dining option.
💑 Couples
Consider booking an outdoor private bath if available for an even more picturesque setting. After your soak, you can enjoy a meal together at the on-site restaurant, perhaps trying some of the unique onsen-steamed dishes for a complete date experience. :couplewithheart:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Onsen Experience at Kankaiji
For those looking for a more accessible and free option, the public foot bath outside the main entrance is a delightful amenity. It's a perfect spot to relax your feet after a day of exploring Beppu. Beyond the private and foot baths, Kankaiji also boasts other bathing facilities like sand baths and steam rooms, providing a comprehensive onsen experience. The water quality is consistently praised for its mineral content, leaving skin feeling refreshed.
One unique aspect of Kankaiji Onsen is the opportunity to enjoy onsen-steamed food. This culinary experience utilizes the natural heat from the hot springs to cook local ingredients, offering a distinct and delicious taste. Visitors have also highlighted the presence of a pudding ice cream store, adding a sweet treat to the overall visit.
Navigating Private Onsen Bookings
It's important to be aware of the time management aspect of private onsen rentals. Your booked hour begins immediately after you complete the payment at the reception. This means that time spent walking to your room, changing, and settling in counts towards your allotted hour. Travelers suggest factoring this into your booking to maximize your soak time and avoid feeling rushed.
When you arrive, the process might involve taking off your shoes at the entrance, proceeding to reception to pay and get your key, and then potentially putting your shoes back on to walk to your private room. The same process is reversed upon departure. Some visitors have suggested streamlining this by providing a rubber mat to walk on, but for now, be prepared for this multi-step process.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit