Ōita · Beppu Onsen
Beppu Municipal Horita Onsen
別府 市営 堀田温泉
One of the Beppu Hattō 'eight springs', Horita sits on the old road towards Yufuin and its municipal bathhouse is among the busiest in Beppu's city-run network. Rebuilt in 2003, it has a bright, airy indoor hall and a seasonal open-air bath set among plantings and rock work; the two differently styled bath wings swap between men and women each week. The water is a gentle simple spring. ¥300; open 6:30–22:30, closed the first Wednesday (next day if a holiday). Afterwards, rest in the lounge overlooking Beppu Bay. Amenities are sold, so bring a towel. About 13 minutes by Kamenoi bus from Beppu Station's west exit to Horita-Onsen-mae, or 3 minutes by car from Beppu IC.
- Price (adult)
- ¥300
- Hours
- 06:30–22:30 (closed 14:00–15:00 for cleaning)
- Closed
- 1st Wed (next day if holiday)
- Access
- About 13 min by Kamenoi bus (Yufuin / Ritsumeikan direction) from JR Beppu Station west exit to Horita-Onsen-mae; 3 min by car from Beppu IC
- Water type
- Simple spring
- Tattoos
- Ask ahead
- Admission
- Adults (junior-high+) ¥300 / children ¥100 / preschool free. Multi-ticket books available
- Baths
- Bright indoor bath plus a rock-and-garden rotenburo; the two differently styled bathrooms swap genders weekly. Rest room overlooking Beppu Bay
- Water
- Simple spring, piped and free-flowing; gentle on skin, good for children and seniors
- Parking
- About 30 spaces (2 accessible), free
- Amenities
- No soap or shampoo (sold); bring a towel
- Phone
- 0977-24-9418
- Official site
- beppu-tourism.com/onsen/horita-onsen ↗
- Open in Google Maps
- Google Maps ↗
Essentials
Stay in this onsen town
Compare and book stays in Beppu Onsen. Day bathing itself needs no booking.
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Why go
- Among the busiest of Beppu's city baths
- Open-air bath, ¥300, from 6:30
- Bay-view lounge; 3 min from Beppu IC
The flagship municipal bath at Beppu’s western gateway
Horita Onsen lies on the old road from Beppu toward Yufuin and Hita and prospered as a post-town bath from the Edo period. The current wooden-style building opened in April 2003 and draws among the highest visitor numbers of Beppu’s 19 municipal baths. Unlike most Beppu communal baths, which are indoor-only, it has a seasonal rotenburo, and its modern facilities make it the easiest first municipal bath for visitors.
Tips & cautions
- Closed 14:00–15:00 for cleaning; right after, the water is fresh but hot.
- Beppu style: taps but often no showers (cold only) — scoop water from the tub to wash.
- Etiquette: always kakeyu before entering, keep towels out of the water, don’t wet the changing-room floor.
- A Beppu Hatto Onsen-do stamp site.
Getting there
From JR Beppu west exit, Kamenoi bus toward Yufuin ~13 min to “Horita Onsen-mae”. About 3 min by car from Beppu IC — convenient en route to Yufuin.
Before you go
- No official tattoo policy is published — ask at reception.
- As a communal bath there is no soap or shampoo — bring your own or buy at the shop.
- Payment is usually by ticket machine in cash — bring coins.
- Last entry is 30–60 minutes before closing.
Features
Mood & scenery
Price
Convenience
Amenities
✔ Verified operating: 2026-09 別府市・大分県観光情報
Prices and hours change. Check official sources before visiting.
More in this area
Takegawara Onsen
Founded in 1879, with its 1938 wooden building and curved gable, Takegawara is the symbol of Beppu Onsen. A regular bath costs ¥300 — a deep, hot pool down a flight of steps. The famous sand bath has you buried in warm sand by staff while wearing a yukata. Bring your own soap and shampoo.
Hyotan Onsen
A large complex where you can try Kannawa's specialties — waterfall bath, sand bath and steam bath — in one place. It once earned three Michelin stars and is used to overseas guests. Many private family baths; tattooed visitors are directed to these. A restaurant serves hell-steamed dishes. Open until 1 am.
Shitan-yu at Lake Kinrin
A thatched communal bath on the shore of Lake Kinrin. Unstaffed — drop ¥300 in the box at the door. Changing area and bath share one room; an indoor pool and a half-open pool facing the lake, and it is mixed bathing with clear water and little screening, so it's a challenge for women. Right in busy central Yufuin, but quiet at the 10 am opening.