Beppu Sand Bath — Buried on the Beach

Published: Jun 1, 2026

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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Takegawara Onsen (竹瓦温泉), operating since 1879, offers Beppu's most accessible sand bath experience. Visitors wear yukata and lie on the beach while staff shovel hot volcanic sand over the entire body except the face. The sand is heated by underground hot springs to 40–42°C. The 10-minute burial induces sweating that devotees claim provides deeper detoxification than water bathing.

The original Shoningahama beach sand bath (別府海浜砂湯) offers the same experience directly on the beach with ocean views, open-air and more atmospheric than the indoor Takegawara version.

Opening Hours

Takegawara Onsen: 8:00–22:30. Shoningahama Beach sand bath: 8:30–18:00.

Closed: Takegawara open year-round. Shoningahama check for maintenance closures.

Entrance Fee

Takegawara sand bath ¥1,500 (includes yukata). Shoningahama ¥1,030 (includes yukata). Towel rental ¥200.

Best Season

Year-round; Shoningahama beach version best April–October for outdoor experience

Visit Duration

1–1.5 hours for full sand bath + post-soak hot spring bathing sequence

Getting There

Access Information

Takegawara Onsen: 16-23 Moto-machi, Beppu City (near station). Hours: 8:00–22:30. Sand bath: ¥1,500. Shoningahama Beach: open 8:30–18:00, ¥1,030. Both include yukata rental.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Shoningahama vs Takegawara:** Shoningahama (beach version) is more photogenic and authentic — you're actually on the sand beach with ocean horizon visible. Takegawara is indoor, quicker, and less we