The Private Onsen Experience in Beppu, Japan: Hyotan Onsen
Beppu, located on Japan’s scenic Kyushu island, is a haven of stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Renowned as one of Japan’s top spa destinations, Beppu not only offers breathtaking views but also invites relaxation in its numerous hot springs. Among the various choices, Hyotan Onsen was our choice due to its outstanding private onsens that guarantee a unique and relaxing experience.
The Charm of Beppu’s Hot Springs
With over 2,000 hot springs, Beppu is a well-deserved favorite among onsen enthusiasts. These springs get their warm, mineral-packed waters from the strong geothermal activity underground. Each one provides soothing waters that can help you relax, improve your circulation, and make your skin healthier.
Exploring Hyotan Onsen
Our visit to Hyotan Onsen was a deeply relaxing detour on our way to the amazing Sunflower Ferry Terminal coming from Fukuoka. This peaceful retreat is crafted to suit various preferences, offering both indoor and outdoor bathing options. The highlight of our experience was the array of private baths, allowing us the luxury of unwinding in solitude and bathing together!
- Distinctive Features of Private Onsen Baths
The private onsen experience at Hyotan is truly unique. Each private onsen room incorporates natural materials like wood and stone. Guests can enjoy an uninterrupted soak, away from the crowds typical of public baths.
The “Ms. Matsu’s yu-kokochi” series features 8 styles of indoor baths and 2 open-air baths, all available for reservation by phone. You can begin making reservations one week in advance. We wanted an open-air bath, but it was already booked. We chose the Hotaru bath instead and absolutely loved it.
Every private bath is a standalone house, offering the ambiance of a villa and with a changing room area. After each use, the water in all reserved private baths is replaced. The bath is filled with hot spring water using a token and is assigned a specific time period. You can expect to pay approximately 2,400 yen or more for this private experience, which is reasonably priced compared to private onsens near Hakone and Mount Fuji.
Tip: The onsen also provides bento boxes with a variety of dishes, allowing meals to be enjoyed in the lobby or by the water’s edge.
Concluding Thoughts on Our Beppu Visit
We only had a few short hours in Beppu, but we fell in love with it! We wished we had more time to explore all the features of Hyotan Onsen and the city of Beppu itself. This was an outstanding private onsen experience that we highly recommend if you find yourself in that part of Japan!
