[Firsthand] What Is Kannawa Mushiyu Like? How to Use the Steam Bath in Beppu

This time I tried the steam bath at Kannawa Onsen in Beppu, Oita,“Kannawa Mushiyu,”and I’d like to tell you about it.

Kannawa Mushiyu is a rare spot where you can experience a room filled with hot spring steam and kept at about 70°C, called a steam bath.

How to Get to Kannawa Mushiyu

Kannawa Mushiyu is in Kannawa, Beppu, and you can get there from Beppu Station by Kamenoi Bus.

From the west exit of Beppu Station, take bus No. 2, 5, 7, or 41 and get off at the “Kannawa” stop. The ride takes about 20 minutes. From the “Kannawa” stop, walk slightly downhill for about 4 minutes (260 m) to arrive.

What Is Kannawa Mushiyu Like?

At Kannawa Mushiyu, the room is filled with hot spring steam at about 70°C, and you lie down for 8 to 10 minutes enjoying the space and aroma while you sweat.

After sweating, you can also soak in the hot spring and cool off in the open air.

How to Use Kannawa Mushiyu

The process at Kannawa Mushiyu is simple, with the following 6 steps.

“Welcome!”

A cheerful lady kindly explains the pricing and how to use it.

First, pay the ¥700 adult bath fee at the ticket machine.

Inside they lend you a special rock-bath-style yukata, so you don’t need to worry even if you sweat heavily!

The changing room is about 4 tatami in size and is now separated for men and women.

First, get undressed and rinse yourself simply at the wash area with kakeyu (scooped hot water).

Then put on the yukata marked “Beppu Yu” handed to you by the grandma.

You sweat a huge amount in the steam bath, so even if you wear underwear it will be soaked afterward and you won’t be able to put it back on!

Here’s how it looks on!
So cool! I look like an uncle at a public bathhouse!

When you’re ready, head to the secret base labeled “Steam Bath.”

There’s only one steam room, and up to 4 people can enter at once. If there are few people, you share it.

The ceiling is low, so be careful not to hit your head.
Inside, the floor is covered with a medicinal herb called sekisho herb and you lie on your back on it to enjoy the steam.

Grandma: “I’m setting the timer now! 8 minutes, start!”

At the call the door closes, the room instantly fills with steam, and within 3 minutes sweat is dripping down.

sekisho‘s aroma feels great, and I sweat more and more~.

“Beep! Beep! Beep!”

8 minutes passed. Hot! I’m steamed!

If you’d like more, they’ll extend it by 2 minutes. Since you’re here, nearly everyone asks for seconds!

After rinsing off the sweat at the wash area, you can cool off on the chairs outside, or change and rest in the waiting area.

Good work~!!

Sightseeing Near Kannawa Mushiyu

The main sightseeing near Kannawa Mushiyu is the Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri).
From Kannawa Mushiyu, it’s about a 6-minute walk even to Shiraike Jigoku, one of the Hells.

However, rather than visiting Shiraike Jigoku after Kannawa Mushiyu, I recommend touring the Hells first and then soothing your tired body at Kannawa Mushiyu!

The Hells are on slightly higher ground, so going from Kannawa Mushiyu to Shiraike Jigoku is uphill.

I explain the detailed route in a separate article, so please read it!