For a Beppu Day-Trip Hot Spring, Visit "Hyotan Onsen" — 100% Free-Flowing Natural Spring Water
Founded 1922 in Kannawa, Beppu. 100% free-flowing natural spring water across public, sand, waterfall, steam, open-air and private family baths, plus on-site jigoku-mushi cuisine.
AI Overview
Hyotan Onsen is a day-trip hot spring facility in the Kannawa district of Beppu, Oita Prefecture, opened in 1922 and the only onsen in Japan awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Bathers enjoy 100% free-flowing natural spring water across a large public bath, waterfall bath, sand bath, steam bath, open-air baths, and private family baths, plus jigoku-mushi (hell-steamed) cuisine on site.
About
Hyotan Onsen is a Michelin three-star day-trip onsen in Kannawa, Beppu, founded in 1922 and named after a nearby gourd-shaped (hyotan) observation tower. All baths use 100% free-flowing natural spring water, cooled from roughly 100°C to bathing temperature by the facility's own Yumetake bamboo cooling system rather than tap water. Guests can rotate through a large public bath, waterfall bath, sand bath heated by natural steam, steam bath, open-air baths, and private family baths. On-site dining features jigoku-mushi (hell-steamed) dishes, hot-spring pudding, and a late-night soba service. The venue is tattoo-friendly and offers free parking.
Highlights
- Hot Springs — Bath List: Large Public Bath, Sand Bath, Steam Bath, Open-Air Bath, Family Bath
- About Hyotan Onsen® — Our Philosophy and Commitments, History of Hyotan Onsen®, Company Overview, Michelin Three Stars
- New Discoveries — A Guide to Enjoying Hyotan Onsen® Digital-Free
- A Guide to Enjoying Hyotan Onsen® Digital-Free
- Download the Hot Spring Information PDF
- Download the Hot Spring Analysis Report PDF
FAQ
Where is Hyotan Onsen located?
159-2 Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture 874-0042, Japan, in the traditional Kannawa hot spring district.
Has Hyotan Onsen received any awards?
Yes. It is the only onsen in Japan to receive three stars from the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
When did Hyotan Onsen open?
It opened in 1922 and has been operating for over a century.
What types of baths are available?
Large public bath, sand bath, waterfall bath, steam bath, open-air baths, and private family baths, all using 100% free-flowing natural spring water.
Is Hyotan Onsen tattoo-friendly?
Yes. Guests with tattoos are welcome in the public baths.
Is there parking?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available for about 80 cars, and large buses can also park.
How is the water cooled?
Hyotan Onsen uses its own Yumetake bamboo cooling system to bring the source water down from about 100°C to around 45°C without adding tap water.
Is there food on site?
Yes. The facility serves jigoku-mushi (hell-steamed) cuisine, including steamed pork, vegetables, eel, and its signature jigoku mushi purin (hell-steamed pudding), plus a late-night 'Yonaki Soba' service.
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