Beppu Beach Sand Bath (Sand SPA)

At Shoningahama, the walk leaves Beppu’s centre behind and opens onto a coast where geothermal heat is part of the landscape. The former municipal beach sand bath was renewed as Sand SPA and has operated inside TKP SHONIN PARK since July 2025, alongside accommodation, a restaurant and seaside spaces. That change matters to visitors: this is no longer an isolated hut on the sand, but an organized visit with reception, changing rooms, showers and a large public bath.

A session starts with a special yukata provided on site. Staff then cover the visitor with sand heated by hot-spring water; the sand bath lasts up to 15 minutes, while the full visit usually takes about an hour, including the regular bath afterwards. The published adult price for sand bathing plus the large bath is ¥2,500; the bath alone is ¥1,500. The operator recommends booking online because capacity is limited, although same-day visits are accepted when space allows. Towels are available to borrow, and the facility can store large luggage.

Visitors describe something different from soaking in an onsen: the weight of the sand, concentrated warmth and bay views make the rest more sensory. Comments often praise cleanliness, staff assistance and the larger bath afterwards; others need time to adjust to the pressure and heat or encounter waits without a booking. The operator says the sand is heated and refreshed several times a day and assigns guests to different spots. The sequence matters: guests may not use the large bath before the sand session, so follow staff instructions.

The complex is at 795-1 Shoningahama-cho. Sand SPA hours change by season: it closes at 8 pm from April to May, 10 pm from June to October and 6 pm from November to March, with last entry 30–60 minutes earlier. It closes on two irregular days each month. Because this is a coastal location, check the bus connection from Beppu and do not assume it is beside the central station; the official site provides access directions and free parking for the complex. Compared with Takegawara, the choice is clear: historic architecture and a low-cost central bath, or a more comfortable, planned seaside experience.