Kannawa Onsen

Among the districts of the Beppu Hatto, Kannawa is especially atmospheric, with steam rising from every point along its sloping streets. Old inns line the stone paved alleys, wrapping the area in a nostalgic mood. Its specialty is jigoku mushi, a steam cooking method using geothermal heat, so here you can enjoy both the baths and the food.

Highlights

At the steam cooking workshops you can steam your own vegetables and seafood using the natural vapor and taste the results. Walking through town you will find foot steamers and foot baths scattered about, making the stroll itself a pleasure. The view of steam draped sloping lanes is wonderfully photogenic.

Enjoying the Seasons

In the cold season the steam gathers thick, offering the dreamlike scenery unique to Kannawa. Spring and autumn are pleasant for strolling, so pairing alley walks with bath hopping is recommended. Since the steamed dishes use seasonal ingredients, every visit feels fresh.

Access and Basic Information

It is about twenty minutes by bus from JR Beppu Station, with inns and workshops gathered around the Kannawa bus stop. The area is close to central Beppu and easy to reach by car. The famous hell tour sites are also within walking distance.

A Quick Tip

The steam cooking is popular, so you may have to wait at meal times. Arrive with some time to spare and enjoy a stroll through town while your food steams to make the most of it.