Kannawa Mushiyu
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Kannawa Mushiyu

4.3
·795 reviews·Beppu, Japan

Experience a unique herbal steam bath with medicinal herbs in traditional stone rooms, followed by a relaxing onsen soak.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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Kannawa Mushiyu

Kannawa Mushiyu

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a unique herbal steam bath with medicinal herbs in traditional stone rooms, followed by a relaxing onsen soak.

4.3
(795 reviews)

"A very intense but highly recommended and different onsen experience!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Ticket Vending Machine

Purchase your entry, yukata, and towel from the vending machine upon arrival.

♨️ Nude Bathing is Standard

Embrace the experience; nudity is expected in the onsen and steam rooms.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 795 reviews

Type

Public Bath

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Herbal Steam Bath (Mushiyu)

Herbal Steam Bath (Mushiyu)

Steam Rooms

Lie on hot stone iris leaves in a steamy room filled with medicinal herbs for a unique, intense detox.

Relaxing Onsen Pools

Relaxing Onsen Pools

Onsen Area

After the steam, unwind in the warm, therapeutic onsen pools for ultimate relaxation.

Free Foot Steam Bath

Free Foot Steam Bath

Outdoor Area

Enjoy a complimentary steam bath that targets your feet and calves, a perfect prelude to the main experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Steam: What to Know Before You Go

Kannawa Mushiyu offers a unique herbal steam bath experience. Be prepared for a communal, nude bathing environment. Renting a yukata is recommended for the steam room. The facility is popular, so consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

Navigating Kannawa Mushiyu: Tips for a Smooth Visit

Purchase your ticket from the vending machine, which includes bathing fees and yukata rental. Staff are helpful, even with limited English. The steam bath is intense but short (8-10 minutes), followed by a relaxing onsen. Don't miss the free foot steam bath!

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Relax after a day of exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Destination of the Week: Oita, Japan 🇯🇵 1. Begin your journey in Beppu, the hot spring capital of Japan, easily reached from Oita Airport. Local buses and taxis make it simple to explore every onsen district. 2. Witness the otherworldly Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) - from the cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku to the crimson Chinoike Jigoku and the bubbling mud pools of Oniishibozu Jigoku. These geothermal wond...
@skyscanner
84.1K likes • 3.2M views

🎟️ Ticket Vending Machine

Purchase your entry, yukata, and towel from the vending machine upon arrival. Reddit

♨️ Nude Bathing is Standard

Embrace the experience; nudity is expected in the onsen and steam rooms. Reddit

Who wants to see the hot spring capital of the world? ♨️ Beppu is the most unique city we have EVER visited and you MUST see this place at least once! 📍Beppu Seven Hells 📍Hyotan Onsen (world’s first Michelin onsen) 📍Jigokumushikobo Kannawa (🔥 steamed cuisine) 📍Okamotoya (Onsen steamed pudding restaurant) #beppu #kyushu #japan #travelgoals #japantrip #japan🇯🇵 #travelling
@hangrybynature
25.4K likes • 351.5K views
仕事が始まる1日前に来たので 大分駅から電車に乗って別府へ。 別府駅からバスに乗り換えて約20分(400円)で鉄輪温泉へ♨️ 「鉄輪」と書いて「かんなわ」 読み方 知らなかった〜😆 鉄輪に来た目的は鎌倉時代に創設されという「鉄輪むし湯」に行ってみたかった‼️ 小さな入り口の石室の中には、清流沿いに群生するという菖蒲の葉っぱみたいな「石菖」という薬草が敷きつめられていて、優しい草の香りが広がってました🍃 石ころみたいな石の枕にタオルを敷いて、200円でレンタルした浴衣を着てスチームサウナ状態の中で「石菖」の上に寝ると、すぐに汗が吹き出して来ました💦  時間は8分から10分と言われて、希望時間をスタッフさんに伝えると時間になったら教えてくれます🕰️ 蒸された後は、隣の少し熱めの温泉でゆっくり♨️ 温泉から出ると一段高くなった休憩所で水分をとりながらぼんやり。 石室に入る時のレクチャーし...
hiro.sep10ber
28 likes • 515 views

🌿 Herbal Steam Intensity

The steam bath is intense but short (8-10 mins). Stay hydrated! Instagram

🧖‍♀️ Yukata for Steam Room

Rent a yukata for comfort and hygiene in the herbal steam rooms. Instagram

8畳ほどの広さの石室の中に寝転び、じっくり汗をかく〈鉄輪むし湯〉。 男女別で、定員は3〜4名。 地元の温泉名人も絶賛する湯治場の〈鉄輪むし湯〉は、温泉で熱した床に石菖(せきしょう)と呼ばれる薬草を敷き詰め、その上に寝転ぶスタイル。 屈まないと入れないほど天井が低く設計されているのは、温泉の蒸気でできた石菖のスチームを全身に満遍なく浴びるため。 室温は75度と高温ですが、湿度が高いので、一般的なサウナより入りやすいのが特徴。8〜10分蒸されて終了です。 📍鉄輪むし湯 address:大分県別府市鉄輪上1組 tel:0977-67-3880 access:JR別府駅から車で約20分 営業時間:6:30〜20:00(最終受付19:30) 休館日:第4木曜(祝日の場合翌日) 入浴料:700円(中学生以上入浴可能)、レンタル浴衣220円、足蒸し無料 Lie back, relax, an...
edit_oita
128 likes • 6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Ticket Vending Machine

Purchase your entry, yukata, and towel from the vending machine upon arrival. Reddit

♨️ Nude Bathing is Standard

Embrace the experience; nudity is expected in the onsen and steam rooms. Reddit

🌿 Herbal Steam Intensity

The steam bath is intense but short (8-10 mins). Stay hydrated! Instagram

🧖‍♀️ Yukata for Steam Room

Rent a yukata for comfort and hygiene in the herbal steam rooms. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Post-Steam Onsen

Cool down and relax in the onsen pools after your steam session. Instagram

🦶 Free Foot Steam

Don't miss the complimentary foot steam bath for extra relaxation. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(795 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique and intensely relaxing herbal steam bath experience at Kannawa Mushiyu. The friendly staff and the therapeutic benefits of the medicinal herbs are frequently praised. While the nude bathing and intense steam might not be for everyone, most find it a highly recommended and distinct onsen adventure.

"very lovely time in the sauna with the stone iris leaves. the staff are very friendly and helpful! i felt very relaxed after the sauna.

here’s what to expect (as someone who was confused):

you buy a ticket from the vending machine for bathing fee, yukata rental and towel (if needed). the staff at the counter will pass you the items.

after you enter the changing room, shower and then put on the yukata. the staff will tell you when to enter the sauna and will set a timer. inside the sauna, you lie down on the hot stone iris leaves. there are stones on the ground to support your head - use your towel to cover the stone and lie down.

the staff will tell you when it’s the 8 minute mark and you can choose to leave or stay for up to another 2 minutes.

after the sauna, go in the onsen."

alicia seah

"I really enjoyed ed the free foot steam bath, especially because it included my calves and not just my feet.

I got to try the special herbal grass steam. It was a smell more savory and like hay vs sweet wood or floral. Some of the grass sticks to you and you have to remove every piece. Check twice, including after you remove your yukata. The onsen after was somewhat smallish and warm enough that I dont think I was in for more than 15-20 minutes. It was pretty quiet and only about 4 of us in there."

Dalilah

"It was my first time visiting an onsen. It was weird to be nude because i am really shy but after a short while i felt comfortable. The stuff was super friendly and helped me with buying a ticket and gettink on the yukata. It was a really good experience! Would go there again if i have a chance ^^"

Caroline Guenni

What People Like

Unique herbal steam bath
Relaxing onsen pools
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Intense steam can be overwhelming
Nude bathing may cause shyness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Beppu Station, take a bus towards Kannawa (approx. 20-30 minutes, around 400 yen). Get off at the Kannawa bus stop and walk to the facility. Instagram

Yes, Kannawa Mushiyu is accessible by car. There is likely parking available nearby, though specific details may vary. It's recommended to check local parking information.

From Oita Airport, you can take a limousine bus to Beppu Station, and then transfer to a local bus to Kannawa. Alternatively, consider a taxi for a more direct route.

Kannawa Mushiyu is located in the Kannawa hot spring district, which is part of the famous 'Jigoku Meguri' (Hell Tour) of Beppu. You can easily combine your visit with exploring other hot spring 'hells'. TikTok

Kannawa Mushiyu is typically open from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with the last admission at 7:30 PM. It's always a good idea to confirm hours before your visit. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry fees are generally affordable. You can purchase tickets from a vending machine, which typically covers the bathing fee and yukata rental. Expect prices around 700 yen for junior high students and above. Instagram

No, advance booking is usually not required. Tickets can be purchased on-site from a vending machine. Reddit

The admission ticket usually includes access to the onsen and the rental of a yukata for the steam bath. Towels may be available for rent or purchase separately. Reddit

The herbal steam bath (Mushiyu) is typically included with the general admission fee. The rental of a yukata is also usually part of the package. Instagram

The facility usually closes at 8:00 PM, with the last entry at 7:30 PM. It's advisable to check their official hours before your visit. Instagram

🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll lie on heated stone beds covered with medicinal herbs (sekisho). The steam is intense and humid, designed to induce sweating. The session lasts about 8-10 minutes. Instagram

Yes, nudity is standard for the onsen and the herbal steam bath. While it might feel shy at first, most visitors find it comfortable after a short while. Reddit

Sekisho, or stone iris, is a medicinal herb used in the steam baths. It's believed to have therapeutic properties and contributes to the unique aroma and experience. Instagram

Yes, towels are typically available for rent or purchase at the facility. It's recommended to check if it's included with your ticket or if it's an additional cost. Reddit

The onsen pools are generally warm enough for a comfortable soak, providing a relaxing experience after the intense steam bath. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Kannawa Mushiyu itself may not have extensive dining facilities, but the surrounding Kannawa district offers various local eateries and restaurants serving regional specialties. TikTok

The Kannawa area is known for its 'Jigokumushi' (hell-steamed) cuisine, where food is cooked using the natural steam from the hot springs. You can try steamed eggs, vegetables, and seafood. TikTok

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside bathing facilities. It's best to enjoy meals at nearby restaurants before or after your visit.

Many local restaurants in Kannawa offer Jigokumushi dishes. Okamotoya is a well-known spot in Beppu that offers steamed pudding and other local delights. TikTok

Besides Jigokumushi cuisine, Beppu is famous for its onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) and local seafood. Don't miss trying the unique steamed pudding from places like Okamotoya. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally not allowed inside the bathing areas (changing rooms, steam rooms, onsen) out of respect for other visitors' privacy. Instagram

You can take photos of the exterior of the facility and the surrounding Kannawa hot spring town. The 'Jigoku Meguri' attractions also offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

The steaming vents and unique landscapes of the 'Jigoku Meguri' are very photogenic. The traditional streets of Kannawa also offer charming photo opportunities. TikTok

For general sightseeing, a smartphone or a compact camera is sufficient. If you plan to photograph the 'Jigoku Meguri', a camera with good low-light performance might be useful for some of the darker, more atmospheric locations.

While you can't photograph inside the steam room, you might be able to see some of the herbs displayed or learn about them from informational signs outside the bathing areas.

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