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Okamotoya Myoban Onsen Beppu

4.3
·520 reviews·Beppu, Japan

Experience the unique milky blue, sulfuric hot springs of Myoban Onsen and savor the birthplace of Beppu's famous Jigokumushi® Pudding.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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Myoban Onsen - Image 1

Okamotoya Myoban Onsen Beppu

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the unique milky blue, sulfuric hot springs of Myoban Onsen and savor the birthplace of Beppu's famous Jigokumushi® Pudding.

4.3
(520 reviews)

"The onsen has sulfuric and acidic water of white cobalt blue color, good for skin cleaning."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Discount Entry Coupon

Grab a coupon from Beppu Station's tourist hub for a discount on the public onsen entry fee!

♨️ Public vs. Private Onsen

Public baths are cheaper (¥500) and close at 7 PM, while private baths (¥1500) are open until 6:30 PM.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Milky Blue Onsen Baths

Milky Blue Onsen Baths

Main bathing facilities

Immerse yourself in the unique, opaque blue, sulfuric hot springs renowned for their therapeutic benefits.

Jigokumushi Pudding

Jigokumushi Pudding

Okamotoya store

Savor the birthplace of Beppu's specialty: a rich, bittersweet caramel pudding steamed using hot spring heat.

Traditional Steamed Eggs

Traditional Steamed Eggs

Okamotoya store

Taste the unique 'onsen tamago,' eggs gently steamed to perfection in the natural hot spring steam.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Milky Blue Waters

Okamotoya Myoban Onsen is famous for its unique, milky blue, sulfuric waters, known for their skin-healing properties. Plan your visit to experience this distinctive onsen, and consider purchasing a bath salt coupon from the Beppu Station tourist hub for a discount.

Timing is Key for Tranquility

While the public onsen is affordable, it closes earlier. For a more serene experience, aim for weekdays outside of peak hours. The outdoor baths offer stunning views, but be prepared for the unique washing stations that require mixing hot and cold water.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Late mornings
Why
Enjoy the baths before lunch
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Who do you wanna ride this 🛳️ with? This boujee ferry is called the Sunflower Murasaki and it runs between Osaka and Beppu. It’s brand new and just started up in April ‘23. #osaka #beppu #japan #onlyinjapan #japanthings #travelgoals #travelbucketlist #visitjapan #japantravel
@hangrybynature
768.6K likes • 5.2M views

💰 Discount Entry Coupon

Grab a coupon from Beppu Station's tourist hub for a discount on the public onsen entry fee! Reddit

♨️ Public vs. Private Onsen

Public baths are cheaper (¥500) and close at 7 PM, while private baths (¥1500) are open until 6:30 PM. Reddit

🇯🇵Yu no sato - Myoban onsen -beppu A myoban onsen depuis des temps anciens on récolte la fleur de soufre des sources chaudes pour ses bienfaits pour la peau. Aujourd’hui encore au onsen Yu no sato on s’en sert pour confectionner des sels de bains et des pommades thérapeutiques. Les cabanes qui servaient à la récolte sont utilisées pour les bains chauds aussi , on peut se relaxer en public ou en p...
alexnokuni
2K likes • 36.5K views
I stayed at Okamotoya ryokan in Myoban onsen, Oita prefecture and enjoyed this beautiful natural hot spring. Because of its high sulfur content, this natural hot spring has a milky blue color called celadon✨✨ 別府の明礬温泉♨️岡本屋旅館さんにお邪魔しました。硫黄成分が強いため、この独特の美しい青磁色✨になるとか。。肌ざわりはとっても柔らかで、神経痛や冷え性、皮膚病に効果があるそうです🥰 #okamotoya #myobanonsen #beppu #kyusyu #sparesort #onsen #japantrip #japantravel #japanvacation #na...
riko.tourguide
31 likes • 358 views

🥚 Try Onsen Tamago

Don't miss the delicious onsen steamed eggs, a local specialty! Reddit

🚗 Parking Available

There's parking for about 40 cars, making it convenient if you're driving. Reddit

明礬温泉 岡本屋 です。 別府名物、地獄蒸し®プリン 発祥のお店。 苦味が効いたカラメルと濃厚な味わいがくせになります。 実はこの地獄蒸し®プリン、お持ち帰りもできるんです! ぜひお楽しみください。 Okamoto-ya, Myoban Onsen This is the birthplace of Beppu’s specialty, Jigokumushi® Pudding. The bitter caramel and rich taste is addictive. In fact, you can even take this Jigokumushi® Pudding home! Please enjoy it. ▶︎▶︎▶︎ Follow @okamotoya.beppu 明礬温泉 岡本屋 公式アカウント 📍岡本屋売店(@okamotoya.beppu)   ...
okamotoya.beppu
73 likes • 2.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Discount Entry Coupon

Grab a coupon from Beppu Station's tourist hub for a discount on the public onsen entry fee! Reddit

♨️ Public vs. Private Onsen

Public baths are cheaper (¥500) and close at 7 PM, while private baths (¥1500) are open until 6:30 PM. Reddit

🥚 Try Onsen Tamago

Don't miss the delicious onsen steamed eggs, a local specialty! Reddit

🚗 Parking Available

There's parking for about 40 cars, making it convenient if you're driving. Reddit

🧼 Unique Washing Stations

Be prepared to mix hot and cold water yourself at the washing stations for an authentic experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(520 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Okamotoya Myoban Onsen for its unique, milky blue sulfuric waters and the delicious Jigokumushi® Pudding. The affordability of the public onsen and the local atmosphere are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some minor drawbacks include the self-mixing of water at washing stations and the earlier closing time of the public baths.

"I went at night, so I didn't get to see the pretty sights with the yunohanagoya houses, but it was a nice big onsen. The price is reasonable, the attendant was helpful and sweet and gave me change for my bill of ¥5000. Since I went at a late hour, it was mostly empty. My skin feels smoother I think? The sulfur effect is interesting"

Siddhartha Gupta

"So good!!
There’s public and privat onsen, different building.
Public for ¥500 and closed at 19.00
Privat ¥1.500 and closed at 18.30

I prefer public, luckily im alone and become privat.

So quite here, love it.
Will come back."

Cindy Soliemin

"Me and my mom loved it! Also I recommend trying the onsen tamago (onsen steamed egg)!"

Eleonora Tolot

What People Like

Unique milky blue water
Affordable public onsen
Delicious Jigokumushi pudding

What People Dislike

Earlier closing times
Self-mix water stations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a bus from Beppu Station to the Myoban area, which takes about 30-40 minutes. Reddit The onsen is a worthwhile trip from the city center. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for approximately 40 cars, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

While it's possible, it's a significant distance from Beppu Station. Taking a bus is the recommended and most efficient way to reach the onsen. Reddit

Look for buses heading towards the Myoban area from Beppu Station. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

The Myoban area is accessible by bus from Beppu Station, and Okamotoya is a key attraction within this onsen district. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The public onsen typically costs around ¥500 for adults, with a discounted rate of ¥500 if you have a coupon from the Beppu Station tourist hub. Reddit Children's fees are usually around ¥300. Reddit

The public onsen usually closes around 7:00 PM, while private baths may close slightly earlier, around 6:30 PM. Reddit It's best to confirm exact hours upon arrival.

Yes, you can often get a discount by obtaining a coupon from the Beppu Station tourist hub. Reddit This can reduce the public onsen fee to ¥500.

Okamotoya offers both public and private onsen baths. The public baths provide a local atmosphere, while private baths offer more seclusion. Reddit

It's advisable to inquire about booking private baths in advance, especially during busier periods, to ensure availability.

🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience

The water is known for its high sulfur and acidic content, giving it a distinctive milky blue or celadon color. Instagram It's believed to be beneficial for skin health. Instagram

The washing stations typically have hot and cold taps. You'll need to mix the water yourself to achieve your desired temperature, which adds to the traditional onsen experience. Reddit

Yes, the onsen features outdoor baths (rotenburo) that offer a pleasant bathing experience, and some reviews mention a very nice view from the outdoor baths. Reddit

Generally, photography is forbidden inside the bathing areas to respect privacy. Reddit However, if the bath is empty, you might have a brief opportunity. Reddit

Visitors often describe it as quiet and local, especially in the public baths, offering a genuine onsen experience away from the main tourist crowds. Reddit

🍽️ 🍮 Food & Dining

Okamotoya is famous for its Jigokumushi® Pudding, a rich, bittersweet caramel pudding steamed using the natural hot spring heat. Instagram+6 They also offer onsen tamago (steamed eggs). Reddit

Yes, you can purchase the Jigokumushi® Pudding to take home as a souvenir. Instagram+5

Okamotoya store offers a variety of meals and hot spring baths to enjoy. Instagram

It has a rich flavor with a bittersweet caramel that is a perfect match, making it addictive. Instagram+6

These food items, including the Jigokumushi® Pudding, are available for purchase at the Okamotoya store. Instagram+5

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally prohibited inside the bathing areas to ensure guest privacy. Reddit However, you might find opportunities to capture the exterior or the surrounding scenery. Reddit

The unique milky blue color of the water is visually striking. The traditional architecture of the onsen facilities and the surrounding natural landscape can also make for beautiful shots.

Yes, you can certainly photograph the Jigokumushi® Pudding, especially before you eat it! It's a popular item to share online. Instagram+5

Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer lighting. However, since photography inside is restricted, focus on capturing the essence of the experience through its unique water color and the surrounding environment.

While direct photos of the bathing experience are limited, capturing the steam rising from the onsen or the distinctive color of the water from a permitted area can be very evocative.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Okamotoya Myoban Onsen can be a unique experience for families. While the onsen itself might be more suited for older children who can appreciate the bathing ritual, the highlight for younger ones could be trying the Jigokumushi® Pudding and onsen tamago. Reddit These local treats are a fun and tasty way to introduce kids to Beppu's culinary specialties. The public onsen offers an affordable way to experience a local tradition, and the unique color of the water might also capture children's imaginations. Remember to check the operating hours, especially for the public baths, to plan your visit accordingly.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Okamotoya Myoban Onsen is a great option. The public onsen entry fee is very reasonable (around ¥500), and you can often get a further discount by picking up a coupon from the Beppu Station tourist hub. Reddit This makes it an accessible way to enjoy the famous sulfuric hot springs without a hefty price tag. Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon to potentially have the baths more to yourself, enhancing the value of your experience. Don't forget to try the affordable and delicious onsen tamago! Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Relaxation Seekers

If your goal is pure relaxation, Okamotoya Myoban Onsen is an excellent choice. The milky blue, sulfuric waters are renowned for their therapeutic properties, promising to soothe tired muscles and rejuvenate the skin. Instagram Visiting during weekday afternoons can offer a more tranquil experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere. Reddit The outdoor baths provide a peaceful setting to unwind while taking in the surroundings. Reddit The unique, slightly acidic water is said to have a cleansing effect, leaving you feeling refreshed.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Healing Waters of Myoban Onsen

Okamotoya Myoban Onsen is renowned for its unique hot spring water, characterized by its high sulfur and acidic content. This composition gives the water a distinctive milky blue or celadon hue, a visual spectacle that hints at its therapeutic properties. Instagram For centuries, the Myoban area has been known for harvesting sulfur from these hot springs, using it in traditional remedies and bath salts. Instagram Visitors often report that the water feels soft and beneficial for the skin, making it a popular choice for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

When you immerse yourself in the waters, you'll notice the unique texture and the subtle scent of sulfur. The experience is both invigorating and calming. Instagram The onsen facilities at Okamotoya offer both indoor and outdoor bathing options, allowing you to enjoy the mineral-rich waters in different settings. The outdoor baths, in particular, provide a chance to connect with nature while soaking in the therapeutic heat. Reddit

A Taste of Beppu: Jigokumushi® Pudding

Beyond its therapeutic waters, Okamotoya is celebrated as the birthplace of Beppu's signature dessert: Jigokumushi® Pudding. Instagram+6 This unique pudding is prepared using the natural steam from the hot springs, a traditional cooking method known as 'Jigokumushi' (hell steaming). The result is a rich, creamy pudding with a distinct bittersweet caramel topping that has captivated visitors. The combination of the intense caramel and the smooth pudding creates an addictive flavor profile that many find irresistible.

What makes this pudding even more special is that you can purchase it to take home, making it a perfect souvenir from your Beppu trip. Instagram+5 Visitors rave about its unique taste and texture, often describing it as a must-try when in the area. Reddit Alongside the pudding, Okamotoya also offers 'onsen tamago,' eggs steamed in the hot springs, which are another local delicacy worth sampling. Reddit

Navigating the Onsen Experience

Visiting an onsen like Okamotoya Myoban Onsen is a quintessential Japanese experience, and understanding the etiquette can enhance your visit. Upon entering the bathing area, you'll find washing stations equipped with showers and taps. It's customary to wash yourself thoroughly before entering the communal baths. Reddit Be prepared for the unique washing experience where you'll need to mix hot and cold water to find your preferred temperature. Reddit

When it comes to the baths themselves, the milky blue, sulfuric water is the star. Instagram While photography is generally not allowed in the bathing areas to respect privacy, the visual of the opaque water is memorable. Reddit The public baths offer a chance to mingle with locals and experience a more authentic atmosphere, often described as quiet and not too crowded on weekdays. Reddit For those seeking more privacy, private baths are also available, though they come at a higher cost and may have slightly earlier closing times. Reddit

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