Suginoi Tanayu & Aqua Garden
Swimwear-friendly heated pools with stunning city views, magical light shows, and unique therapeutic treatments.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Sunset views & light shows
Suginoi Tanayu & Aqua Garden
Best Time
Sunset views & light shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Swimwear-friendly heated pools with stunning city views, magical light shows, and unique therapeutic treatments.
"You can enjoy the Aqua Garden even in winter. There are warm pool and onsen with superb city view!"
swimwear required! :bikini:
Unlike traditional onsens, Aqua Garden allows swimwear, making it a great option for everyone .
Cover tattoos :scissors:
If you have tattoos, be prepared to cover them as some areas may have restrictions .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aqua Garden's Infinity Pools
Outdoor pools
Swimwear-friendly heated pools with breathtaking panoramic views of Beppu city.
Aurora Show
Aqua Garden
An immersive light show where colorful aurora-like lights dance around you in the warm pools.
Fountain Show
Aqua Garden
Watch water dance to music in a captivating display, a highlight for many visitors.
Salt Float & Mud Treatments
Indoor facilities
Relax and rejuvenate with unique therapeutic treatments like salt floats and mud baths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Onsen Culture
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
swimwear required! :bikini:
Unlike traditional onsens, Aqua Garden allows swimwear, making it a great option for everyone.
Cover tattoos :scissors:
If you have tattoos, be prepared to cover them as some areas may have restrictions.
Towels provided :beach_with_umbrella:
Entrance fee usually includes a set of towels, so no need to bring your own.
Book in advance :calendar:
Especially during peak seasons, booking your tickets ahead of time is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
swimwear required! :bikini:
Unlike traditional onsens, Aqua Garden allows swimwear, making it a great option for everyone.
Cover tattoos :scissors:
If you have tattoos, be prepared to cover them as some areas may have restrictions.
Towels provided :beach_with_umbrella:
Entrance fee usually includes a set of towels, so no need to bring your own.
Book in advance :calendar:
Especially during peak seasons, booking your tickets ahead of time is recommended.
Explore all facilities :mag_right:
Don't miss the indoor onsens and unique treatments beyond the main pool area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Suginoi Tanayu & Aqua Garden for its stunning city views from the heated outdoor pools and the magical light and fountain shows. The swimwear-friendly policy is a significant plus, making it accessible for families and those hesitant about traditional onsens. Some find it more geared towards families than couples, and tattoo policies can be a minor inconvenience.
"Love the heated outdoor swimming pool with great view of the city. You can see sunset though. It's in the opposite direction. The onsens on the 2nd floor can be used together. Costs 2,000 yen per person."
Shirley Odelia
"You can enjoy the Aqua Garden even in winter. There are warm pool and onsen with superb city view!"
Ahan Tegi
"Beautiful views of Beppu and nice facilities. More for families than couples traveling together but really enjoyed the salt float and salt scrub plus was fun to be together for a bit before going into the gender onsen."
Kathryn Cervantes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Suginoi Tanayu & Aqua Garden is located within the Suginoi Hotel complex. From Beppu Station, you can take a local bus (e.g., lines 2, 5, or 7) towards the hotel, or a taxi. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes.
Yes, visitors not staying at the Suginoi Hotel can still access the Aqua Garden and Tanayu facilities by purchasing a day pass. This allows you to enjoy the pools and shows even if you're based elsewhere in Beppu.
Beppu is known as the 'hot spring capital,' and exploring its various onsen districts is easy. Local buses are frequent and cover most areas. Taxis are also readily available. For a scenic journey, consider the Yufuin no Mori train if traveling between Yufuin and Beppu.
Yes, the Japan Rail Pass can be used for travel on JR Kyushu trains to Beppu Station, making it a convenient option for those exploring Kyushu.
Bus lines 2, 5, and 7 from Beppu Station are commonly used to reach the Suginoi Hotel area, where Suginoi Tanayu & Aqua Garden is located. It's always a good idea to check the latest bus schedules upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for the Aqua Garden is typically around 2,000 yen per person. This often includes a set of towels, so you don't need to bring your own.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays, to ensure entry and avoid long queues.
The Aqua Garden is generally open from morning until late evening, often until 10 PM. However, hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Suginoi Hotel website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, like many Japanese onsens, Suginoi Tanayu & Aqua Garden may have policies regarding tattoos. Small tattoos might need to be covered with waterproof bandages.
Yes, the Aqua Garden is a family-friendly facility. Children are welcome, and there are often specific pricing tiers for younger visitors.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The main draw is the Aqua Garden, featuring heated outdoor pools with stunning city views, a unique aurora light show, and a captivating fountain show set to music.
Yes, unlike traditional Japanese onsens, the Aqua Garden is designed for swimwear. This allows visitors to enjoy the pools together regardless of gender.
Beyond the outdoor pools, you can find indoor onsens, private shower areas, jacuzzis, and unique therapeutic treatments like salt floats and mud baths.
Absolutely. The swimwear-friendly environment, the engaging light and fountain shows, and the variety of pools make it a great experience for families with children.
The Aurora Show is an immersive experience where colorful, aurora-like lights are projected around the pools, creating a magical and otherworldly atmosphere as you relax in the warm water.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Aqua Garden itself focuses on the bathing experience, the Suginoi Hotel complex offers various dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, catering to different tastes.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted within the immediate pool areas for hygiene reasons. There are usually designated areas or nearby cafes within the hotel where you can enjoy refreshments.
Beppu is famous for 'Jigoku Mushi' (hell steaming), where food is cooked using the natural steam from hot springs. While not directly at Aqua Garden, you can find restaurants offering this unique culinary experience in the Kannawa district.
The Suginoi Hotel typically offers a range of Japanese and international cuisine, often with buffet-style dining options that are popular with guests.
Yes, exploring the surrounding areas of Beppu will allow you to sample local delicacies. Beppu is known for its fresh seafood and regional Kyushu dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the Aqua Garden area, especially in the outdoor pools, to capture the views and shows. However, always be mindful of other guests' privacy and check for any specific signage regarding photo restrictions in certain areas.
The infinity pools overlooking Beppu city offer stunning panoramic shots, especially during sunset or when the light shows are active. The areas around the fountain show also provide dynamic photo opportunities.
Photography is typically prohibited in the indoor onsen and changing room areas for privacy reasons. Please respect these rules and refrain from taking pictures in these private spaces.
Late afternoon into the evening is ideal. You can capture the golden hour light during sunset, followed by the magical illumination of the fountain and aurora shows.
While Suginoi Tanayu is about relaxation, the 'Jigoku Meguri' (Hell Tour) in Beppu offers visually striking, natural hot spring vents that are very photogenic, such as the vibrant blue Umi Jigoku.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
couples
Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Beppu Onsen Experience
Beyond the general onsen experience, Beppu is renowned for its unique 'Jigoku Meguri' or 'Hell Tour,' where visitors explore natural hot spring 'jigoku' (hells) known for their dramatic colors and boiling waters. Some of these sites, like the steaming mud pots or the vibrant blue Umi Jigoku, offer a stark contrast to the serene relaxation found at places like Suginoi Tanayu. For those seeking the ultimate onsen indulgence, Hyotan Onsen is noted as the only Michelin three-star onsen in Japan, offering a premium experience.
When visiting Beppu's onsen facilities, it's important to be aware of local customs and rules. Many traditional onsens have strict policies against visible tattoos, often requiring them to be covered. While the Aqua Garden is more lenient, it's always wise to check specific venue guidelines. The sheer variety of onsen experiences in Beppu, from the communal and accessible Aqua Garden to the more traditional and exclusive options, ensures there's something for every type of traveler looking to experience Japan's famed hot springs.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Aqua Garden
The real photographic magic, however, happens after dark. The Aurora Show transforms the pools into an ethereal wonderland, with colorful lights dancing around and through the water. This creates unique and vibrant photo opportunities that are unlike any other. Similarly, the Fountain Show, where water jets move in sync with music, provides dynamic and visually engaging scenes. Capturing the movement and light of these shows requires a bit of patience, but the results can be incredibly rewarding.
When photographing at Aqua Garden, remember to be respectful of other visitors. While photography is generally permitted in the outdoor pool areas, avoid intrusive shots and always be mindful of privacy. The indoor onsen areas are strictly off-limits for photography. For the best shots, consider using a tripod if possible to stabilize your camera during the light shows, and experiment with different angles to capture the full immersive experience of the aurora and fountain displays.
Beyond the Pools: Exploring Beppu's Unique Attractions
For a taste of local culture and cuisine, explore the Kannawa district, known for its traditional onsen inns and Jigoku Mushi (hell steaming) restaurants. Here, you can witness food being cooked using the natural steam from hot springs, a unique culinary experience that's both traditional and delicious. You can also find unique onsen-themed treats, like steamed pudding.
Transportation within Beppu is relatively easy, with a good bus network connecting the various attractions. For a more scenic journey, consider the Yufuin no Mori train, a charming limited express service that runs between Yufuin and Beppu, offering panoramic views of the Kyushu countryside. This train itself is an experience, often featuring a retro design and comfortable seating, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
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