🗺️ Kamekawa Onsen (龜川温泉)亀川温泉

Kamegawa Onsen is located along the Beppu Bay in Oita Prefecture and is one of the eight major hot springs in Beppu. The spring water flows abundantly, featuring a colorless and tasteless simple spring, as well as a chloride spring known for its excellent heat retention properties. Kamegawa Onsen is famous for its "Beppu Seaside Sand Bath," where visitors can enjoy a sand steam bath. This unique type of onsen involves burying the body in fine sand that has been heated by the hot spring's thermal energy. It is said that the sand steam bath has detoxifying effects, helping to expel aging waste from the body and promoting metabolism. Historical records indicate that sand steam baths have existed since the Edo period. In the past, there were some private sand baths in the community, but today the only one remaining at Kamegawa Onsen is the city-operated "Beppu Seaside Sand Bath." Visitors simply change into a special yukata and lie down in the sand pit, where dedicated staff will cover them with heated fine sand, leaving only their heads exposed for normal breathing. After quietly listening to the sound of the waves for a few minutes, one can feel their body gradually warming up, and sweat begins to pour out. After sweating profusely for 10 to 15 minutes, guests can step out of the sand pit and wash off the sand and sweat in the bathhouse, instantly feeling refreshed. Additionally, the nearby "Hamada Onsen" is also a popular hot spring facility. Its public bath, designed in the elegant and stylish karahafu architectural style, is particularly favored by locals.

The sand steam baths at Beppu Beach Sand Bath have received two stars in the Michelin Green Travel Guide. The sand steam baths at Beppu Beach Sand Bath do not accept phone reservations; please visit the on-site counter directly on the day of your visit. The city-operated Hamaida Onsen is a public bath with accessible facilities, with admission fees of 200 yen for adults (100 yen for children). The water quality is less irritating, making it safe for people of all ages to enjoy the hot springs.