Recommended Family Baths(Private bath) in Oita
Oita Prefecture is one of Japan's top destinations for hot springs. While famous resorts like Beppu and Yufuin are well-known, there are also many hidden gem hot spring spots. This feature introduces family baths (private hot springs), where you can enjoy hot springs in a private space. Utilizing family baths allows those who feel uncomfortable using shared baths with multiple people to relax and enjoy the hot springs with peace of mind. We hope this helps you plan your wonderful trip.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Contents
- Oita's hot spring culture
- Private Hot Springs in the Beppu Bay Area
- Private Hot Springs in the Usa & Kunisaki Area
- Private Hot Springs in the Hita & Nakatsu Yaba Area
- Private Hot Springs in the Taketa & Oku-Bungo Area
- Private Hot Springs in the Yufu & Kokonoe Area
- List of Hot Spring Facilities Featured This Time
- Hot Spring Etiquette: A Quick Guide Before You Go
Oita's hot spring culture
Oita Prefecture is home to the largest number of hot spring sources and the highest output of spring water in Japan. It's celebrated as a place where you can “experience the world's hot springs in Oita,” as it contains eight of the ten known types of spring water.
Visitors can enjoy a unique and diverse array of hot springs, including steam baths (mushi-yu), warm sand baths (suna-yu), and mineral-rich mud baths (doro-yu).
A must-try experience is ""Hell Steaming,"" where you cook ingredients using the geothermal steam rising from the springs. This offers a flavorful and unforgettable culinary adventure.
Private Hot Springs in the Beppu Bay Area
The Beppu Bay area is home to Beppu Hot Springs, where you can not only enjoy the water but also take a relaxing stroll through the historic townscape. It is also an incredibly convenient place to stay, with Oita Station serving as a great base for exploring all of Oita Prefecture. Some of the hot springs even offer fantastic ocean views overlooking Beppu Bay.
- ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa
- A luxurious resort hotel that feels like a world apart. The open-air bath on the first floor, crafted from Beppu stone, offers breathtaking views of Beppu Bay and the cityscape. Guests can enjoy the glittering city lights at night and the stunning sunrise over Beppu Bay in the morning while soaking in the onsen.
*Tattoos:We are a tattoo-friendly onsen. 
- GoogleMap
- Myoban Yunosato
- At the yunohana koya huts, visitors can observe the production process of Yakuyou Yunohana natural bath additive for free.This production process designated as a national important intangible folk cultural asset. The sulfur spring water makes the skin smooth. Cosmetics made from yunohana are also popular as souvenirs.
*Tattoos:It is up to the customer to decide whether or not to take a bath. 
- GoogleMap
- 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.
*Tattoos:Tattoo-friendly 
- GoogleMap
- Shibaseki Onsen(Beppu City)
- At the City-run Shibaseki Onsen, visitors can enjoy indoor baths with different temperatures, an open-air bath, and a unique steam bath that warms the body deeply. A special feature is a bath within a temple’s grounds, where guests make a small offering before bathing—blending relaxation with tradition. Soak in the soothing waters and experience Shibaseki Onsen’s history and tranquil atmosphere.
- Google Map
- Yamanoyu(Beppu City)
- Located on the mountain side of Beppu, this hot spring offers stunning views of Myoban Bridge, Beppu Bay, and Mount Takasaki from its large windows.The water has a light, milky-white color and contains "yunohana" minerals floating on the surface. For a more private experience, family baths are available, allowing you to enjoy this unique hot spring all to yourself.
- Google Map
- Hotel Solage Oita-Hiji(Beppu City)
- A hotel offering breathtaking views of Beppu Bay, where you can enjoy the beauty of the sunrise every morning. The ocean-view open-air baths include both Japanese and Western-style options, which alternate daily, allowing guests to experience both. The indoor baths feature a spacious communal bath, a jacuzzi, a waterfall bath, and a sauna, providing a variety of ways to relax and unwind.
- Google Map
Let’s go on the Beppu Jigoku Tour!
The Beppu Hell Tour is one of Kyushu’s most iconic attractions.
This unique journey takes you through Beppu’s striking “hells” — hot spring pools and steaming vents found only in this renowned hot spring town. Visitors can experience powerful natural phenomena up close, with each stop offering its own fascinating features and memorable photo opportunities. On this site, we’ll introduce the highlights of each hell along with recommended spots and tips for touring efficiently, so you can enjoy the Beppu Hell Tour to the fullest.
Private Hot Springs in the Usa & Kunisaki Area
With its easy access from Oita Airport, the Usa & Kunisaki Area is perfect for a quick getaway. You can explore historical sites like the roughly 1,300-year-old Usa Jingu Shrine and the mysterious rock-carved Buddha statues.
The area's beautiful natural scenery is another highlight, with stunning views of the sea and mountains that change with each season. You can truly enjoy the hot springs while taking in these breathtaking landscapes.
- Hanairo Hot Spring(Bungotakada City)
- This hot spring offers two unique types of mineral-rich water. Guests can enjoy alternating access to either a Western-style open-air bath with brick or a Japanese-style one with natural rock.
For a private and relaxing experience, the family bath includes a spacious changing area and a large tub. Reservations are required to use the family bath. 
- Google Map
- Tsufusa Hot Springs: Tsubusa Elderly Rest House (Usa City)
- Located in the Ajimu area, Tsubusa Elderly Rest House is a hot spring open to everyone, not just the elderly. It's known for its consistently hot water. The facility features separate indoor baths for men and women, as well as private baths for a more personal experience.
- Google Map
Let’s visit a recommended nearby attraction, “Showa Town”!
Let’s visit a recommended nearby attraction, “Showa Town”!
Step back in time at Showa Town, where the streets of Bungotakada have been recreated to capture the retro atmosphere of Japan's mid-Showa period (1950s-1970s). As you stroll along, you'll find charming cafes and a nostalgic feel that makes for a great visit.
Private Hot Springs in the Hita & Nakatsu Yaba Area
This region offers a perfect blend of Japanese culture and nature. You can explore the great outdoors at Yabakei, celebrated as one of Japan's top three spots for autumn foliage and home to countless stunning waterfalls.
For a cultural experience, step back in time at the Mamecho Shopping District, where you can stroll through streets that have preserved their atmosphere from the Edo period (1603-1868), the age of the samurai.
The area is also a must-visit for anime fans, as it is the birthplace of the creator of the globally popular series, ""Attack on Titan."" You'll find various locations and spots related to the series scattered throughout the area.
- Nishitani-Camping-Park(Nakatsu City)
- This hot spring is located at a facility where you can enjoy BBQ and camping. The slightly viscous water is known as a “beauty hot spring” for its skin-softening effects.
The private family baths are filled with fresh water for each use, ensuring a clean and pure experience just for you. 
- Google Map
- Morizane Onsen Yasuragi no Sato Yamakuni(Nakatsu City)
- This hot spring facility is located about a 30-minute drive from Hitomehakkei, a famous autumn foliage spot.
The hot springs are part of a resort with cottages and campgrounds, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature. You can enjoy the large public bath, or for a more private experience, book a family bath.
*Please note that family baths are unavailable during the winter months (late December to early April). 
- Google Map
- Mikuma Hotel(Hita City)
- A hotel nestled in Hita, surrounded by beautiful mountains on all sides. The onsen facilities include a large public bath offering panoramic views of Hita's stunning landscapes, as well as open-air baths where guests can gaze at houseboats and starry skies. From May to the end of October, guests can enjoy dinner on a houseboat while observing traditional cormorant fishing.
*Tattoos:Guests with tattoos cannot enter the large public bath, but may use the private baths." 
- Google Map
- Sanso Tensui(Hita City)
- An onsen ryokan nestled in a tranquil area surrounded by lush greenery. Guests can unwind in the open-air baths with views of the cascading Sakura Falls, or enjoy the separate men's and women's open-air baths with adjoining indoor baths, enveloped by verdant trees. Private family baths are also available, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
*Tattoos:Only the family bath (private bath) may be used. 
- Google Map
- Kusu Onsen: Bungonosato(Kusu Town)
- A nostalgic onsen ryokan inn with a retro vibe, where unique ornaments greet you upon arrival. This ryokan features Kusu onsen's free-flowing hot spring water that gently warms the body. Guests can unwind in their private open-air bath while enjoying the tranquil views of a tranquil river and peaceful countryside.
*Tattoos:People with tattoos may only use the family baths. However, if the tattoo is only on a small area such as an arm, they may also use the large public baths. 
- Google Map
Recommended Cycling Routes in the Area
Oita Prefecture is home to many unique cycling routes. In the Hita & Nakatsu Yaba Area, you'll find a truly special path built along a disused railway line. This route offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
If you love cycling, you won't want to miss this! For more details, be sure to check out the full article.
Private Hot Springs in the Taketa & Oku-Bungo Area
The Taketa & Oku-Bungo Area (Taketa City and Bungo-Ono City) is a hidden gem for hot spring lovers. The area is home to the distinctive Nagayu Onsen, famous for its high carbon dioxide content. This unique water is believed to improve blood circulation and skin beauty.
With many quiet lodges and hot springs nestled in the mountains, this is a perfect place to relax and heal your mind and body.
- Ramune Onsen Kan(Taketa City)
- This hot spring facility is famous for its carbonated spring. Though the water temperature is on the cooler side, the carbonation creates a warm, tingly sensation that allows you to soak for a long time.
In addition to the carbonated spring, you can also enjoy a separate, slightly hotter bath. After your soak, be sure to visit the art museum or gift shop. Private family baths are also available for on-site reservations. 
- Google Map
- Nagayu Onsen Gozenyu(Taketa City)
- This hot spring is home to three distinct types of spring water, including a carbonated spring.
The facility has two large public bathhouses, which alternate daily for men and women. Each bathhouse also features its own sauna. For a more private experience, the family baths include open-air tubs where you can relax to the sound of the nearby river.
After your bath, you can unwind in the tatami-mat room or grab a light meal in the tea room. 
- Google Map
- Resonate Club Kuju(Taketa City)
- Nestled in the pristine natural surroundings of Aso Kuju National Park, this resort hotel offers a serene escape. Guests can enjoy the silky and gentle waters, known as Bijin-no-Yu (Beauty Hot Spring), of the large communal bath, as well as four private open-air baths, perfect for experiencing the charm of each season. The resort also features a variety of activities, including horseback riding and golf, ensuring a memorable stay.
- Google Map
- Taketa Onsen Hanamizuki(Taketa City)
- This hot spring facility is located in the castle town just beside the ruins of Oka Castle. Its water is rich in salt, making it a hot spring that keeps your body warm longer after bathing. The water is also gentle on the skin. There are two family baths available for private rental. The facility also has a souvenir shop, so please stop by after your bath.
- Google Map
Private Hot Springs in the Yufu & Kokonoe Area
The charm of this area lies in its hot springs and stunning seasonal nature.
In Yufuin, you can enjoy a blend of charming streets and art museums, all while soaking in a hot spring with a view of Mount Yufu. In Kuju, you can explore magnificent gorges, waterfalls, and Japan's tallest pedestrian suspension bridge.
This is the perfect destination to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the countryside.
- Honobono Onsen(Yufu City)
- Located just a short walk from JR Shonai Station, this hot spring facility has a unique history—it's a former elementary school!
The building has been renovated into a local community hub, where you'll find regulars and visitors alike. Both the men's and women's areas feature spacious indoor baths and open-air baths, with private baths also available.
After your soak, you can relax in the lounge area, where you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks. 
- Google Map
List of Hot Spring Facilities Featured This Time
- ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa
- Myoban Yunosato
- Shibaseki Onsen(Beppu City)
- Hyotan Onsen
- Yamanoyu(Beppu City)
- Hotel Solage Oita-Hiji(Beppu City)
- Hanairo Hot Spring(Bungotakada City)
- Tsufusa Hot Springs: Tsubusa Elderly Rest House (Usa City)
- Nishitani-Camping-Park(Nakatsu City)
- Honobono Onsen(Yufu City)
- Taketa Onsen Hanamizuki(Taketa City)
- Resonate Club Kuju(Taketa City)
- Nagayu Onsen Gozenyu(Taketa City)
- Ramune Onsen Kan(Taketa City)
- Kusu Onsen: Bungonosato(Kusu Town)
- Sanso Tensui(Hita City)
- Mikuma Hotel(Hita City)
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Hot Spring Etiquette: A Quick Guide Before You Go
Before you head to the hot springs, it's a great idea to review some basic etiquette. Knowing these simple rules will help ensure a peaceful and relaxing experience for everyone. Checking this guide beforehand will help you fully unwind and enjoy your time at the hot springs with confidence.
