Takegawara Onsen

In central Beppu, Takegawara Onsen retains the scale of a neighbourhood bathhouse and a façade that seems to belong to another era. The establishment dates to 1879; its present building, completed in 1938, is recognized by its karahafu gable and a high-ceilinged lobby where bathers can rest afterwards. The story behind its name—first a bamboo roof, later tiled—is part of the history the institution shares, in a city where hot springs are woven into urban life rather than set apart as a luxury.

There are two ways to visit. The regular bath offers an inexpensive dip in natural hot-spring water, while the sand bath requires a provided yukata: lie on the heated sand and staff cover the body, leaving the head free. The official fees distinguish the experiences: the regular bath costs ¥300 for adults and the sand bath ¥1,500. The sand area accommodates eight people at once, so a flexible arrival time helps keep a wait from disrupting the rest of the day.

Visitors often praise the building’s atmosphere, the chance to experience a historic public bath and the unusual sensation of being covered with warm sand. Less favourable comments mention waits and simple changing facilities; this is not a resort with multiple spa rooms, but a direct-use municipal bath. Bring cash and a towel, or check what is available at the counter. The official site notes that certain bathing garments require advance coordination.

The address is 16-23 Motomachi, a short walk from Beppu’s shopping streets and station area, and there is no on-site parking. The regular bath opens 6:30 am–10:30 pm; the sand bath runs 8 am–10:30 pm, with last admission listed at 9:30 pm, although this can be brought forward when busy. It closes on the third Wednesday of each month. Compared with the coastal Sand SPA at Shoningahama, Takegawara offers stronger historic character, a lower admission and a central location; the seaside facility has more space and a newer format.