A sand bath with easy access that you want to try at least once
Located in a part of Shoningahama, one of the few natural sand beaches left in Beppu, this is a sand bath where you warm your body buried in sand that makes use of the geothermal heat of a hot spring. First opened in 1986, there is a movable roof so that the bath can be used even on rainy days, and change rooms, showers and indoor bathing facilities are also provided. In Kyushu, the sand baths of Ibusuki, Kagoshima are also famous, but due to the time needed to reach the place at the southern tip of Kyushu, the easily accessible sand baths in the heart of Beppu are also a hit with tourists. Only 12 people at a time can enter so there are often cases in which there are waits of over one hour, but if you have time, the staff can contact you by cellphone so you can wait and relax while strolling along the sea or enjoying the nearby foot bath.
The ultimate way to bathe as you warm up while on the beach
Warmed by a salt spring, the bath is great for chills, exhaustion, muscle & joint pain, and cuts & bruises. The sand is kept at a temperature of 42 degrees C and bathing for just 10 minutes will bring a feeling of refreshment and a good sweat. After receiving a yukata from the reception desk, a staffer will shovel the sand over you. The ocean will spread out in front of your eyes and you will be able to relax while hearing the sound of waves. If carrying a digital camera or a cellphone, don’t forget to bring it with you since staff will be willing to take a picture of you. Once you get out of the sand bath, your body will cool down quickly from the sweat, so getting into a shower to completely wash off the sand and then heading into a bath is the rule. Shampoo, body soap and a dryer are supplied, and towels can be rented for a fee. This is a place which you can visit easily without needing to carry anything.