BEPPU HATTO / Beppu City

Beppu City is one of the largest hot spring areas in the world. The otherworldly visuals of steam rising from the hills and throughout the city, are almost entirely unique to Beppu. ‘Beppu Hatto’ is the collective name for eight hot spring areas in the city; Hamawaki, Beppu, Kankaiji, Horita, Myoban, Kannawa, Shibaseki and Kamegawa. Each of these onsen offer unique qualities and characteristics, and all are set in luxurious environments which use the Kakenagashi style of onsen (in which hot spring water is pumped up directly from the ground and continuously supplied to the bath).

It is worth mentioning, that aside from the Beppu Hatto, the public bathhouses known as ‘Jimo Sen’ (of which there are over 100 in the city) are all managed and operated by local residents. These Jimo Sen are very reasonable in price, costing only a few hundred yen per entry. There are plenty of Jimo Sen open to tourists, but many are not equipped with showers or toiletries, so be sure to pack accordingly. Additionally, it’s important to show respect to local hot spring users by observing proper etiquette. Please ensure that you pour a little hot water on yourself to rinse your body before getting into the bathtub, and when inside, please be considerate of other bathers.

Adhering to these rules will ensure that you can experience Beppu like a true local.