Hebinoyu — Local services in Beppu

Hebinyu is a beautiful outdoor hot spring, tucked away in the forests that surround Tsurumi. The hot spring is free to use and is mixed gender, but usually there will be more men than women (don't feel too put off by this though, it's usually like that). We went as a couple and the locals were very friendly and helpful with how to use the baths. Men should not wear swimsuits; women can use a towel in the baths or a bikini/ costume if they do not want to be naked.

The hot spring itself has four baths, each lowering in temperature. I estimate the hottest bath is around 41-43°C and the coldest bath is around 36-37°C.

We took the bus (Safari Bus 41) from Beppu Station to Jizoyu mae (地蔵湯前) bus stop and then walked about 45 mins along a road/ path (google map the route). The route has a wonderful view of Beppu and Oita and passes another outdoor hot spring (Tsurunoyu) which you can walk down a hill to get to (we found mostly men seem to visit this one, but still lovely). We visited in the beginning of May, so the temperature was not too high - hiking in the summer months could be difficult. The hot spring is also accessible by car.

There a small shack to get changed in (women can use a tucked away part of the shack to change). There are no toilet or drinking facilities, so be prepared and bring water with you.

This a local hot spring managed by locals. Please respect their rules and customs...

After visiting Tsurunoyu, we came here. If youre on foot and you dont want to take a 1 hour detour, you will have to take the arbitrarily and only partially marked path up the mountain from tsurunoyu. Unfortunately our shoes and socks got completely soaked because of the weather. After we arrived there we didnt see any buckets for washing ourselves so we wanted to enter but were stopped by the locals who started kind of laughing at us. I'm quite sure it wasn't meant in a mean way and they just found our lack of knowledge amusing, it did however leave us a little embarassed. The onsen itself is very lovely though. Just like Tsurunoyu, relaxing in an onsen while completely immersed in nature is an amazing experience. There are 4 baths in total, ranging from lukewarm to relatively hot. The hottest bath was definitely still comfortable though. We didn't get to try the second hottest as the locals were occupying it. Nonetheless, it was...

Lazy me took taxi from Beppu Eki cost 3350yen worth the money coz walking uphill from the nearest bus stop is around 50min. (Regular bus to Myoban Onsen from Beppu Eki took ~40min) Road is a bit bumpy so be careful if you drive. True hidden gem of Beppu in the wild yet well managed by locals.

4pools temperature varies a little as they go down stream, but not much difference. The two lower stream next to river has more open view.

Went on a Sunday morning there were some locals, and an occasional tourists, men n women. People are friendly and tryya talk even we are all limited in others language. I was mistaken to be Japanese initially though 😂.

Walking down hill is way easier and theres good view of the nearby mountain and Beppu city. Don't miss it. Worship at the Ebisu Shrine for the...