Top 8 Recommended Day-Trip Hot Springs in Oita! From Natural Onsen to Private Open-Air Baths
Oita Has Plenty of Attractive Day-Trip Hot Springs!
Day-trip hot springs in Oita offer a wide range of attractions. In Beppu, you can stop by baths between your "hell tours" or enjoy mud baths known for their skin-beautifying effects. There is also plenty of onsen entertainment, allowing you to relax while taking in stunning views. In Oita City, there are many hot springs with free-flowing source water characterized by qualities beneficial to the skin. Some facilities allow you to refresh your body and mind while gazing at the sea and nature, providing healing and enjoyment to all who visit.
Top 8 Recommended Day-Trip Hot Springs in Oita
"Relax with Carbonated Bubbles" Ramune Onsen-kan
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
"Ramune Onsen-kan" in Nagayu Onsen, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, is a day-trip hot spring facility where you can enjoy one of the world's highest concentration carbonated springs. Soaking in the 32°C lukewarm water covers your body in silver bubbles, which is expected to help improve blood circulation and boost metabolism. The unique exterior, designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori, is also a highlight. In addition to enjoying two types of source water—the carbonated "Ramune Onsen" and the bicarbonate "cloudy bath"—the facility also includes an art museum and a drinking station, offering a special experience unique to Nagayu Onsen.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 7676-2 Nagayu, Naoiri-cho, Taketa-shi, Oita |
| Access | Approx. 60 minutes from Oita City via Prefectural Road 412; approx. 45 minutes from Yufuin IC via Yunohira Onsen. Approx. 30 minutes by taxi from Bungo-Taketa Station on the Hohi Main Line. |
| Parking | Free parking available (30 spaces) |
| Business Hours | 10:00 - 22:00 (Last entry at 21:00). Closed on the 1st Wednesday of every month (2nd Wednesday in January and May). |
| Admission | Public Bath: Adults 500 yen, Children (3 years old to elementary school) 200 yen, Under 3 free. |
"History and Retro Atmosphere" Takegawara Onsen
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Takegawara Onsen, a symbolic fixture of Beppu Onsen, is a historic municipal bathhouse founded in 1879. It is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property featuring a stately wooden structure completed in 1938 with a characteristic karahafu (gabled) roof. The interior exudes the atmosphere of the early Showa era, featuring a high-ceilinged lobby and a 90-mat-size hall. The gender-separated baths have different water qualities: chloride spring for men and bicarbonate spring for women. In the famous sand bath, you can enjoy a detox experience by being buried in sand heated by hot spring steam. Strolling through the surrounding retro "Takegawara-koji Arcade" is also highly recommended.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 16-23 Motomachi, Beppu-shi, Oita |
| Access | 15 minutes from Beppu IC on the Oita Expressway via Route 10, turn right at Nagarekawa-dori. Approx. 576m walk from Beppu Station. |
| Parking | Many paid parking lots in the vicinity |
| Business Hours | 6:30 - 22:30 (Sand bath 8:00 - 22:30, last entry 21:30). Closed on the 3rd Wednesday (next day if a holiday). |
| Admission | Standard bath fee: Adults 300 yen, Children 100 yen. |
"Mystical Green Water Experience" Tsukahara Onsen Kakonoizumi
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Tsukahara Onsen Kakonoizumi in Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, is a hidden hot spring boasting one of Japan's strongest acidic springs (pH 1.4). Characterized by its mystical emerald green water, it is a 100% free-flowing natural hot spring gushing from the hillside of the active volcano Mt. Garan. It contains the highest iron ion content in Japan and is considered one of Japan's top three medicinal baths for skin diseases and neuralgia. You can enjoy crater tours and the famous steamed eggs made with onsen steam, and the view of Beppu Bay from the hillside while bathing is a major attraction.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1235 Tsukahara, Yufuin-cho, Yufu-shi, Oita |
| Access | Approx. 5 min drive from Yufudake Smart IC, 20 min drive from Yufuin Station, 20 min drive from Yufuin IC, 35 min drive from Beppu Station. Approx. 15 min by taxi from JR Yufuin Station. |
| Parking | 60 spaces (free) |
| Business Hours | Sept-June: 09:00-18:00 (last entry 17:00); July-Aug: 09:00-19:00 (last entry 18:00). |
| Admission | Indoor bath: Adults 500 yen, Children 200 yen. Open-air bath: Adults 600 yen, Children 200 yen. Family bath: 2,000 yen (up to 2 adults, 2 children). |
"Healing Place Surrounded by Nature" Shichirida Onsen-kan Konoha-no-Yu
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Shichirida Onsen-kan Konoha-no-Yu in Kuju-cho, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, is a hidden hot spring overlooking the spectacular Kuju Mountains. Surrounded by rich nature, you can bathe while enjoying seasonal scenery. There are two baths in the facility: "Konoha-no-Yu" (400 yen for adults) with brownish free-flowing spring water, and "Shita-yu" (800 yen for adults), popular as a high-concentration carbonated spring said to be the best in Japan for carbonation experience. It is a recommended spot for a superb onsen experience while healing your mind and body in a quiet environment. Open 9:00-21:00 (closed on the 2nd Tuesday).
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 4050 Arimuji, Kuju-cho, Taketa-shi, Oita |
| Access | Approx. 30-35 min drive from JR Bungo-Taketa Station. |
| Parking | Available (approx. 40-50 spaces) |
| Business Hours | 9:00 - 21:00 (last entry 20:00) |
| Admission | Konoha-no-Yu: Adults 400 yen; Shita-yu: Adults 800 yen; Set (Konoha & Shita-yu): 1,000 yen. |
"Tradition and Healing Waters" Myoban Yunosato
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Myoban Yunosato, located at the highest altitude among the eight hot springs of Beppu, is a facility where you can enjoy tradition and breathtaking views. Scattered across the vast grounds are "yunohana-goya" (mineral flower huts) that have preserved traditional production techniques since the Edo period, designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2006. The distinctive celadon-colored water is a Myoban sulfur spring rich in sulfur, said to be effective for neuralgia, rheumatism, and skin diseases. At the facility, you can tour the huts and purchase bath salts and cosmetics made with mineral flowers. The large open-air bath offers stunning views of Beppu Bay and Mt. Takasaki, making it one of Beppu's premier hot springs where you can enjoy both the waters and traditional culture.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 6-kumi Myoban Onsen, Beppu-shi, Oita | Access | Approx. 10 min drive from Beppu IC toward Safari via Route 500. Via public transport, take Kamenoi Bus from JR Beppu Station to "Jizoyu-mae" stop, 3 min walk. |
| Parking | 80 spaces (free, includes bus parking) |
| Business Hours | Weekdays 10:00 - 20:00 (last entry 19:00) |
| Admission | Adults 600 yen, 4 years to elementary school 300 yen. |
"Dreamy Steam" Kotohira Onsen Yume Sansui
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Nestled along the nature-rich Takase River in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, "Kotohira Onsen Yume Sansui" is a day-trip facility where you can heal to the sound of a mountain stream. The smooth chloride/bicarbonate water has high moisture-retaining properties and is expected to provide skin-beautifying effects. In addition to gender-separated open-air baths with different scenery and temperatures, you can choose from 16 styles of family baths, including river stone baths and barrel baths. The grounds also feature accommodation and a yakiniku restaurant, and at night, the waterfall on the opposite bank is illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Admission is 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1571-1 Takase Kotohira-machi, Hita-shi, Oita 877-0054 |
| Access | Approx. 15 min drive from Hita IC; 10 min drive from JR Hita Station/Hita Bus Terminal. For bus access, take the city loop bus "Hitashiri-go B Course" from Hita Bus Terminal to "Seiwa-cho" or "Kotohira Tei Komin-kan-mae." |
| Parking | 60 spaces (free, no reservation required) |
| Business Hours | – |
| Admission | Middle school and older 800 yen, 3 years to elementary school 400 yen. |
"Skin-Beautifying Mineral Mud Bath" Kodei Onsen
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Kodei Onsen in Beppu City is a rare mud bath located within the natural "Boze Jigoku" (Monk Hell) and is a hidden gem reputed for its high skin-beautifying effects. It is sometimes called the "phantom hot spring" because it is only open from 8:15 AM to noon. Using hot mud (mineral mud) gushing from the hell, it is expected to have whitening effects by removing pore dirt and old keratin, and is also said to be effective for gynecological conditions. It is effective to soak in the mud bath for 5-7 minutes and let it dry, repeating the process. Because the spring quality is strong, children under elementary school age are not allowed, but you can enjoy fresh onsen with thorough sanitation management. It is a special hot spring recommended for those seeking therapeutic results and beautiful skin.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 6 Ogura, Beppu-shi, Oita |
| Access | Nearest station is Beppu Daigaku Station, approx. 3,300m away. By bus, take the bus bound for African Safari from Beppu Station West Exit to "Hon-bozu" stop, immediate access. |
| Parking | 16 spaces available. |
| Business Hours | 8:15 AM to 12:00 PM (mornings only). |
| Admission | Adults 900 yen, Children 700 yen. |
"Healing in Nature" Kannawa Onsen Shibu-no-Yu
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Shibu-no-Yu in Kannawa Onsen, Beppu City, is a historic communal bath loved by locals. It is a weakly acidic sodium chloride spring known for its high skin-beautifying effects, being rich in the moisturizing component metasilicic acid. It uses a unique "Yumetake" cooling device to adjust the near-100-degree spring water to an appropriate temperature. The bathhouse, which uses bluish Towada stone, has an appealing warm atmosphere. The facility is visitor-friendly with multilingual support. During the "Yuami Matsuri" festival every September, there is a unique custom where a wooden statue of Ippen Shonin is bathed. It is a recommended hot spring where you can easily experience the charm of Kannawa Onsen.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Kannawa Furo-moto, Beppu-shi, Oita 874-0044 |
| Access | Approx. 25 min by Kamenoi Bus from JR Beppu Station bound for Kannawa; get off at "Kannawa" bus stop, 5 min walk. |
| Parking | None (municipal parking nearby). |
| Business Hours | – |
| Admission | – |
Enjoy Oita's Popular Day-Trip Hot Springs!
A trip touring Oita's recommended day-trip hot springs is an excellent way to refresh your mind and body. The sensation of the rich components of natural onsen soaking into your skin and the private time in chartered open-air baths offer a special experience to heal daily fatigue. By enjoying hot springs in nature, you will feel calm and return home in a relaxed mood. Oita's hot spring areas offer a variety of facilities, perfect for visiting with families, couples, or friends. Beyond just enjoying the baths, you can also experience the surrounding nature and culture. The appeal of a day trip is that you can have a fulfilling time even in a short period. Why not visit Oita's day-trip hot springs on your next holiday? Spend a pleasant moment feeling the healing power of the onsen and the beauty of nature.