Kannawa Steam Bath: A Historic Herbal Sauna
Experience a 700-year-old tradition at Kannawa Steam Bath: Relax in geothermal steam and medicinal herbs in the heart of Beppu's Kannawa district.
Kannawa Steam Bath offers a unique and historical bathing experience in the heart of Beppu's Kannawa district. Founded in 1276 by the Buddhist monk Ippen Shonin, this traditional herbal sauna has been steaming herbs for over 700 years. The Kannawa area itself is known for its retro townscape and the steam rising from the ground, creating a mysterious and romantic atmosphere. Inside the facility, you'll find a stone chamber where you can lie on tatami mats spread with aromatic sekisho herbs. Volcanic steam rises through the floor, enveloping you in therapeutic heat. This induces sweating, which is believed to detoxify the body, improve circulation, and alleviate muscle tension. Each session lasts for about 8-10 minutes. After the steam bath, you can relax in an indoor hot spring. Kannawa Steam Bath welcomes visitors with tattoos, making it a comfortable destination for international travelers. The facility provides a vending machine where you can purchase tickets for the steam bath and onsen, as well as rent a yukata and towel. Soap is provided.
Local tips
- Bring your own towel to save on rental fees.
- Visit early in the morning for a quieter and more peaceful experience.
- Pour hot spring water over the statue of Ippen Shonin outside the bath; it is said to relieve aches in the corresponding part of your body.
A brief summary to Kannawa Steam Bath
- 鉄輪上1, Beppu, 鉄輪上, Oita, 874-0041, JP
- +81977-67-3880
- Visit website
- Monday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
- Tuesday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
- Wednesday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
- Thursday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
- Friday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
- Saturday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
- Sunday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From JR Beppu Station, take bus number 2, 5, 7, or 41 from the West Exit, or bus number 15, 16, 16A, 20, 24, or 25 from the East Exit. Get off at the 'Kannawa' bus stop. The steam bath is a short 3-minute walk from there. A single bus fare costs around ¥330.
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Taxi
From Kitahama in Beppu, a taxi to Kannawa Steam Bath takes approximately 15 minutes. Expect to pay around ¥2,000 - ¥2,500.
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Walking
If you are visiting the 'Hells of Beppu', Kannawa Steam Bath is a few minutes walk from Shiraike Jigoku. Follow the signs for Kannawa Onsen and the steam bath. The walk is mostly flat and easy.
