Soak in sand instead of water at Japan’s “Beppu Beach Sand Bath,” where you can gaze at the sea, unwind, and enjoy a sauna experience.
▲The "Beppu Beach Sand Bath" lets you enjoy a hot sand soak by the sea.
Reported and photographed by reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Japan
Located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Beppu is a renowned hot spring town. Aside from soaking in traditional baths, visitors can also enjoy one of Japan’s few “sand bath experiences.” The “Beppu Beach Sand Bath,” situated next to Beppu International Tourist Port, allows travelers to lie down and be completely buried in sand while enjoying a hot sand sauna and being caressed by the sea breeze from the endless ocean—a uniquely relaxing experience.
▲Entrance to the “Beppu Beach Sand Bath.”
▲Reception counter at the “Beppu Beach Sand Bath.”
▲You’ll receive a yukata, and towels can be purchased additionally for a fee.
▲Gender-segregated changing rooms with lockers.
The Beppu Beach Sand Bath has a history of 44 years, with up to 10 people able to experience the sand bath at once. After purchasing tickets at the counter, you’ll receive a yukata—blue for men and pink for women. It’s recommended to bring your own towel or purchase one on-site. After changing, you can go directly from the changing room to the outdoor sand bath area.
▲Outdoor sand bath area.
The sand used in the Beppu Beach Sand Bath is pre-soaked for a long time in highly heated hot spring water, allowing the sand to fully absorb the heat. As a result, there are two large sand areas at the beach bath site—one for bathing and another for preparation.
▲%After the above steps, staff will begin to shovel the hot sand onto you, covering your body.%
The process of the sand bath is simple: wear the yukata and lie down on the sand, then the staff will start shoveling sand, gradually covering your entire body starting from your stomach. From your neck to your feet, you’ll be tightly wrapped in hot spring sand, and even the pillow under your head will be covered, so apart from your face, even the back of your head will rest on thick layers of hot spring sand.
▲%A five-minute sand bath experience with the ocean right in front of you.%
After about 10 to 15 minutes of exposure to the sand’s heat, your whole body will start sweating profusely. Following the staff’s guidance, you’ll slowly sit up starting from your hands, then return to the indoor bathing area to freshen up. The entire experience takes less than an hour, making it perfect for unwinding. For a relaxing, mind-clearing escape, come to the Beppu Beach Sand Bath to enjoy a unique hot sand bath experience with ocean views.
▲After about 15 minutes, you can slowly sit up.
▲Beppu Beach Sand Bath.
Beppu Beach Sand Bath
Address: 0874-0023, Uminokahama, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan
Sand Bath Experience Fee: 1030 yen per person (approx. NT$280)
Operating Hours: [March – November] 8:30 – 18:00 (last admission at 17:00)
[December – February] 9:00 – 17:00 (last admission at 16:00)
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