As winter arrives, the cold air brushes against your face and makes you tighten your coat, but Oita in Japan enjoys its most radiant moments during this season. In particular, the steam rising from the hot springs in the snow-covered scenery offers warm comfort and healing to travelers. For those who have yet to experience Oita's winter onsen, today I will introduce some of the unique charms of winter in Oita.

The Perfect Healing Offered by Oita's Winter Onsen

Oita is one of the most renowned hot spring regions in Japan, especially loved by visitors during the winter season. On a day when the cold winter wind blows, the warmth of the onsen feels like it washes away fatigue, making it the perfect relaxation spot for those worn out from daily life. Oita boasts famous hot spring towns like Beppu and Yufuin, providing plenty of options to choose from.

Beppu is known as the 'City of Onsen' and offers various hot spring experiences. When you visit Beppu, you can find several unique onsen known as 'Jigoku Onsen' (Hell Hot Springs), each creating a mystical landscape akin to the Earth's breathing holes. In particular, the onsen in Beppu differ in color, temperature, and composition, providing great visual enjoyment. As you watch these bubbling hot springs in various colors, you can't help but feel the wonder of nature.

I also fondly remember being captivated by Beppu's charm. I particularly cherish the memory of my first trip to Beppu with my family, where we experienced sand baths that are still frequently reminisced about among us.

Travel Episode: Simple Sand Bath Experience with Family

When I visited Beppu in winter, I wanted to try something different with my family besides the onsen, so we decided to experience a sand bath. In this method, warm sand is piled on top of you. It may look simple, but once you lay in the sand, it feels surprisingly warm and comfortable, easing your tension.

One particularly memorable moment was when our child suddenly exclaimed, "It's too hot!" as they jumped up from the sand. Everyone burst into laughter at that sight. However, they quickly settled back down, saying, "I want to stay a bit longer this time," and began to enjoy the sand bath again. In the end, we took a family photo with our bodies buried in the sand, creating delightful memories while experiencing Beppu's unique onsen culture.

Yufuin - An Onsen Town Nestled in Nature

Another hot spring town in Oita, Yufuin, offers a romantic atmosphere against a backdrop of simple landscapes. The winter view of Yufuin, featuring Mt. Yufu, creates a picture-perfect scene. In winter, you can enjoy the onsen against the serene lakes and snow-covered mountains, creating unforgettable memories for a lifetime.

Special Experiences Only Found in Winter Oita

Oita offers various winter-exclusive onsen travel packages, adding excitement to discovering new hot spring destinations. Additionally, Oita's winter onsen are rich in skin-beneficial components, so after your trip, you'll notice your skin feels smooth and soft.

In Conclusion - Be Sure to Visit Oita in Winter

The onsen trip in Oita makes even the chilly winter feel enjoyable, and I highly recommend it to those who have yet to experience it. Facing the cold air in winter and then warming up in a hot spring is healing in itself and can create precious winter memories. Oita's onsen are waiting for you.