Kamegawa Onsen Hot Spring

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Kamegawa Onsen Hot Spring

Famous for its sand baths, where bathers are buried in naturally heated sand while listening to the sound of the waves.

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Located along Beppu Bay, Kamegawa Onsen is one of Beppu's eight hot springs, and is rich in simple hot springs that are colorless, odorless, and gentle on the skin, as well as chloride springs that are highly effective in retaining heat.

The specialty of Kamegawa Onsen is a sand bath where bathers are buried in naturally heated sand. It has been believed to detoxify the body by expelling waste and stimulating metabolism since the Edo period. There used to be private sand baths in Kamegawa Onsen, but the only one remaining is the municipal "Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath." A "sunakake-san" will pour sand over your entire body while you lie down in the sandpit in a yukata (summer kimono). Wash the sand and sweat off in the bathhouse after 10 to 15 minutes of sweating, and you will feel refreshed.

On the other hand, the most popular regular hot spring facility is Hamada Onsen. This public bathhouse, with its tasteful karahafu-style architecture, is well-loved by the locals.

Highlights

  • The sand baths at the Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath has been awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide.
  • Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath does not take reservations; instead, visitors must apply in person at the counter on the day of their visit.
  • The municipal Hamada Onsen is a public bathhouse that is accessible to disabled visitors. Adults 200 yen, children 100 yen.
  • The spring water is gentle on the skin and has no unpleasant odors, making it suitable for everyone.

Photos

  • Sand baths with colorful parasols are an iconic sight of Kamegawa Onsen.

    Sand baths with colorful parasols are an iconic sight of Kamegawa Onsen.

  • Looking at the horizon and listening to the waves while in the sand bath is a very relaxing experience.

    Looking at the horizon and listening to the waves while in the sand bath is a very relaxing experience.

  • Let them know if you have stiff shoulders or other physical pain, and they will know how to apply the sand.

    Let them know if you have stiff shoulders or other physical pain, and they will know how to apply the sand.

  • If the sand is too hot or you feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to tell the sunakake-san

    If the sand is too hot or you feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to tell the sunakake-san

  • Hamada Onsen opens early in the morning.

    Hamada Onsen opens early in the morning.

Reviews

2
  • 童寶寶

    這個沙浴是難得的體驗,可以一邊聽著海浪的聲音,一邊感受身體不斷出汗,過程差點要睡著,結束後整個身體是舒服的懶洋洋!

  • 燕燕

    人生第一次體驗沙浴,15分鐘做完後,全身上下出汗到一個不行之後覺得很累好想睡覺。

Details

Name in Japanese
亀川温泉
Postal Code
874-0014
Address
Kamegawa, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
Telephone
0977-66-5737 (Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath, Reservations are not accepted)
Business Hours
Depend on facilities (8:30am-6:00pm for Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath, 9:00am-5:00pm from December to February, last admission 1 hour before closing)
Holiday
Depend on facilities (4th Wednesday of the month for Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath. If the day falls on a national holiday, closed the following day)
Admission
Depend on facilities (1,500 yen for Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath)
Directions
A 5-minute walk from JR Kamegawa Station
Credit Cards
Depend on facilities (Not accepted except for room charges)
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)