Beppu Hot Springs

The entrance of the Kaimonji bathhouse

It is June and we will have rainy days in Saga from this weekend, a remainder of the beginning of a rainy season.

Although it will rain a lot, Japan has started accepting tourists from overseas. There are restrictions but I hope things would go back to "new" normal.

As the pandemic improved, I went to Beppu Onsen (hotsprings) in Oita Prefecture by train.   

In Beppu, I enjoyed a local onsen called Kaimonji Onsen. The local bathhouse is one of public baths Beppu City manages. It costs 250 yen and you can borrow a hair dryer for additional 50 yen. You still need to pay when you bring your own dryer.

When I took a bath, I was told local manners :

・Take a basin and bath chair to a shower you use and bring them back to where they are kept after use.

・Try to use hot spring water from the bathtub to save tap water.  

・Say hello to everyone in the bathhouse as a way of communication.

Two bathtubs are in the bathhouse: one is hot and the other is "very" hot. The temperature of the very hot water is over 40 ℃. It was so hot that I was not able to move in the tub for the first time. Surprisingly, I felt my body lighter just like after the sauna. I visited the bathhouse everyday during my stay.

Near the Kaimonji Onsen, I found a delicious yakiniku restaurant, Alilan. I don't eat meat often but jo-Karubi beef (one serve 1650 yen) is extremely tender and delicious. They serve a nice cold beer, too. Unfortunately, I was too busy with eating to take photos. 

A small park between the bathhouse and the restaurant

I will definitely go back to the Kaimonji bathhouse and the yakiniku restaurant Alilan next time I visit Beppu. 

I hope we can enjoy traveling without any restrictions soon. Take care :)