Kannawa Onsen

Explore Beppu’s Famous Jigoku Tour and More

Kannawa Onsen serves as the vibrant heart of Beppu tourism, attracting visitors with iconic attractions like the Beppu Jigoku Tour (Hell Tour). The area is characterized by its unique landscape of billowing steam rising from countless onsen sources and its nostalgic charm that reflects Beppu’s historic ambiance.

Renowned for its deep-rooted onsen therapy culture, Kannawa Onsen continues to offer a wide array of experiences. Visitors can enjoy day-use onsen facilities or opt for extended stays at traditional inns to fully immerse themselves in the therapeutic waters. The variety of spring types, including chloride springs, simple hot springs, and sulfur springs, ensures there’s something for everyone.

A must-try experience is the Mushi-yu, a natural herbal steam sauna. Participants recline over aromatic stones of shobu (sweet flag) while the therapeutic steam gently envelops their entire body – a rejuvenating and uniquely relaxing activity.

Make sure not to miss the local culinary delight, Jigoku Mushi (Hell Steaming). This traditional cooking method uses onsen steam to prepare vegetables, seafood, and meats, highlighting their natural flavors. At interactive facilities, you can select your own ingredients, place them into steam chambers, and savor the freshly cooked meal. Watching the rising steam as your meal cooks adds an extra layer of fun, making it a memorable part of your journey.

* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.

Recommended Facilities in the Kannawa Onsen Area

Hyotan Onsen
Founded in 1922, this onsen is the only one in Japan to earn a three-star rating from the Michelin Guide. It offers 100% natural, free-flowing hot spring waters and a unique sunayu sand bath using sand from Beppu's coast. Don't miss the exclusive Jigoku Kamadashi Pudding, a delicious dessert steamed using the onsen's natural heat – an absolute must-try.

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Municipal Kannawa Steam Bath
Believed to have been established around the late 12th century during the Kamakura period, the Kannawa Steam Bath features a stone chamber approximately the size of eight tatami mats (approx. 13 square meters). Guests lie on a bed of medicinal herbs spread over the chamber floor, sweating for about 10 minutes before soaking in the onsen for a relaxing experience. Don’t miss the unique "foot steam bath," a rare treat even in Japan!

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Basic Information

Address (Japanese)
大分県別府市鶴見、小倉、北中、北石垣、風呂本、鉄輪上 など
Address
Tsurumi, Ogura, Kitanaka, Kitaishigaki, Furomoto, Kannawakami districts, etc., in Beppu City, Oita
Telephone Number
0977-24-2828(Beppu City Tourism Association)
Access
[By car]
Approximately 5-20 minutes from Beppu IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway

[Nearest train stations]
-JR Beppu Station
-JR Beppu Daigaku Station
-JR Kamegawa Station
Website

Reviews (Tripadvisor)

*Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

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