What other travelers are saying about Ekimae Koutou Onsen, Beppu
Way too simple. Almost no facilities.
You have to choose hot or lukewarm (already hot) water. You can only enter one bath for the price.
Go to Kaimonji Onsen just around the corner.
Same price and much better. And you have both included - hot and lukewarm
It's a really small onsen for a low price. The retro vibe was nice. There is only one pool in the female section while the male section has two. My boyfriend said the hot bath was unbearable so I recommend using the lukewarm one. The low rating is because of the lady who runs the place. We speak japanese and still the lady was acting like she didn't really understand us and treated us differently than japanese customers. We thanked her gratefully in the end and she didn't even care to notice. I would recommend going to a different onsen in the area if you don't want to be treated weirdly for being a foreigner.
Ekimae Koutou Onsen is conveniently located just a two-minute walk from the east exit of Beppu Station, making it one of the most accessible hot springs in the city. The distinctive Western-style building with white walls and a green pointed roof stands out on the main street
The bathing fee is 250 yen. You purchase an entrance ticket from a vending machine when you enter. There are two separate bath options available: the hot bath (atsuyu) and the lukewarm bath (nuruyu), each requiring its own ticket purchase. If you need toiletries, soap and other items can be purchased or rented at minimal cost.
The hot bath reaches an extreme temperature of 48 degrees Celsius, which is quite hot even for local residents, while the "lukewarm" bath is still pretty hot at 44.5 degrees Celsius. The hot bath features clear sulfurous spring water flowing directly from the source, while the lukewarm bath contains carbonated water in a cypress wood bath. First-time visitors are generally recommended to try the lukewarm bath first.
Yes, this onsen is tattoo-friendly, making it an excellent choice for international visitors with tattoos who may find restrictions at other traditional Japanese bathhouses. There are no size restrictions or requirements to cover tattoos.
The onsen is open from 6 a.m. to midnight (12 a.m.), all year round. The facility also offers very affordable overnight lodging with tatami-style rooms starting from around ¥1,600 for a large dorm room or ¥2,600 for a single room, though reservations are required. This makes it cheaper than most hostels in the area, though meals are not included in the price.
