Kankaiji Onsen Public Bath - Image 1
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Kankaiji Onsen Public Bath

4.2
·6k reviews·Beppu, Japan

Relax in private or public hot spring baths, enjoy unique steamed cuisine, and soak your feet for free at this Beppu onsen gem.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
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Kankaiji Onsen Public Bath - Image 1

Kankaiji Onsen Public Bath

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

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. Reddit

4.2
(6k reviews)

"Amazing onsen experience – a must-visit in Beppu! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Private Onsen Rooms

Private Onsen Rooms

Indoor and outdoor options available

Enjoy a secluded soak in your own private hot spring bath, perfect for couples or families.

Reddit
Public Foot Bath

Public Foot Bath

Outside the main entrance

A free and convenient spot to rest your feet and enjoy the therapeutic waters.

Reddit
Steamed Food Experience

Steamed Food Experience

On-site restaurant area

Savor delicious dishes cooked using the natural heat of the onsen.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Private Onsens in Advance

Private onsen rooms are highly sought after and can book up quickly, especially during peak times. Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment and ensure a relaxing experience. Reddit

Understand the Hour Timer

Your booked hour for private baths starts immediately upon payment. Factor in time for changing and walking to your room to maximize your soak. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Relaxing end to the day
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Destination of the Week: Oita, Japan 🇯🇵 1. Begin your journey in Beppu, the hot spring capital of Japan, easily reached from Oita Airport. Local buses and taxis make it simple to explore every onsen district. 2. Witness the otherworldly Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) - from the cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku to the crimson Chinoike Jigoku and the bubbling mud pools of Oniishibozu Jigoku. These geothermal wond...
@skyscanner
84.1K likes • 3.2M views

🎯 Book Private Baths Ahead

Private onsen rooms are popular; book in advance to guarantee your slot. Reddit :ticket:

⏰ Maximize Your Hour

Your private bath time starts immediately after payment. Plan your changing time wisely. Reddit :stopwatch:

I visited the ONLY Michelin Three Star Hot Spring in Japan♨️ Tag a friend you would want to visit here with! #japan #japanese #onsen #beppu
@jesseogn
17.2K likes • 303.5K views
reddit.com

Recommendations for itinerary for Beppu in January 2023

🦶 Free Foot Soak

Enjoy the complimentary public foot bath outside for a quick, relaxing dip. Reddit :foot:

♨️ Try Onsen-Steamed Food

Experience unique dishes cooked with natural hot spring heat. Delicious! Reddit :food:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Private Baths Ahead

Private onsen rooms are popular; book in advance to guarantee your slot. Reddit :ticket:

⏰ Maximize Your Hour

Your private bath time starts immediately after payment. Plan your changing time wisely. Reddit :stopwatch:

🦶 Free Foot Soak

Enjoy the complimentary public foot bath outside for a quick, relaxing dip. Reddit :foot:

♨️ Try Onsen-Steamed Food

Experience unique dishes cooked with natural hot spring heat. Delicious! Reddit :food:

🧼 Bring Your Own Amenities

While some are provided, consider bringing your preferred toiletries for comfort. :soap:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(6k reviews)

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

Affordable private onsens
Free public foot bath
Mineral-rich waters

What People Dislike

Mold in some rooms
Strict hour timer
Changing process

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, Kankaiji Onsen offers a variety of bathing options, including indoor and outdoor private baths, public baths, steam rooms, and sand baths. Reddit

🎫 ♨️ 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. Reddit

Yes, there is a free public foot bath located outside the main entrance, which is a great spot to relax your feet. Reddit

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. Reddit

The water quality is generally considered excellent, rich in minerals that are believed to be beneficial for the skin. Reddit

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

Kankaiji Onsen Public Bath can be a relaxing experience for families. The private onsen rooms offer a comfortable and contained environment where children can enjoy the warm waters without disturbing others. While there aren't specific play areas, the novelty of the hot springs can be engaging for kids. Reddit

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

Kankaiji Onsen is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers looking to experience authentic Japanese hot springs. The public foot bath is completely free, offering a taste of the onsen experience without any cost. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

💑 Couples

The private onsen rooms at Kankaiji are ideal for couples seeking a romantic and intimate experience. Enjoying a private soak together, surrounded by steam and the therapeutic waters, creates a memorable and relaxing outing. Booking an hour in a private room allows for quality time and rejuvenation. Reddit

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

Kankaiji Onsen Public Bath offers a diverse range of bathing experiences, catering to both those seeking privacy and those who prefer a more communal atmosphere. The private onsen rooms are a major draw, allowing visitors to enjoy the therapeutic hot spring waters in seclusion. These rooms are typically booked by the hour and come with their own bathing tub and changing area. Some even feature small steam rooms. The water is often controlled by a coin-operated system, where you insert a coin to start the flow of hot spring water into your tub. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

Navigating Private Onsen Bookings

Securing a private onsen at Kankaiji requires a bit of planning, as these popular spots can fill up quickly. Booking in advance is strongly advised, especially if you have specific times or an outdoor room in mind. Reviews indicate that private rooms are often fully booked, so proactive reservation is key to a smooth experience. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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