Takegawara Onsen, Traditional bathhouse in Beppu, Japan
Takegawara Onsen is a traditional bathhouse in Beppu with a distinctive roof that uses the Karahafuu architectural style and simple white walls. The facility contains several indoor pools fed by hot spring water and outdoor sand baths where volcanic sand is heated naturally from below.
The bathhouse was founded in 1879 with a bamboo roof that was later replaced by ceramic tiles. This renovation also brought the change in name that the facility still carries today.
The name comes from its original bamboo roof, a detail now replaced but still part of local identity. You can see how the building follows traditional Japanese bathing customs with separate areas for men and women.
Plan to arrive early in the morning when the space is less crowded and you have more time to enjoy the experience. The sand baths work best on sunny days when the natural heat reaches its peak, so clear weather makes the visit more rewarding.
Attendants bury visitors in naturally heated volcanic sand while they wear traditional cotton robes called yukata, a practice you will not find in most other baths. This hands-on experience connects you directly to how people have used geothermal heat in this region for generations.
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