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Sand is believed to have many health benefits, including improving blood circulation, reducing muscle and joint pain, and detoxifying the body. It is also thought to have a profound relaxing effect and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable onsen experience, hot sand bathing is a great option. However, it's important to note that this type of onsen isn't suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, people with heart problems, and those with other medical conditions should consult their doctor before trying it.
Bathing in hot sand onsens is a well-known health-beneficial activity in Japan.
Takegawara Hot Springs, an ancient architectural site considered a symbol of the hot springs of Beppu town, where "Take" means "bamboo" and "gawara" means "tiled roof," offers a unique form of onsen (hot spring bath) unlike any other: hot sand onsen. Visitors, dressed in yukata, lie down and have sand shoveled over them by staff.
The sand onsen room is divided into two sections: one side with heated sand and the other with water-filled sand. The two sides are used alternately. The sand used for the onsen is heated by natural hot water rich in minerals, which helps improve blood circulation, detoxify the body, and promote relaxation. This is a unique experience for visitors.
Experience hot sand onsens in Japan.
Because the sand is naturally warm, visitors often feel a sensation ranging from warm to hot as they gradually bury themselves in it. The weight and heat of the sand cause visitors to start sweating after 5-10 minutes, the sweat soaking into the surrounding sand. The warmth from the sand is believed to heal aches and pains. Sand bathing is said to make the skin more radiant, improve circulation, and rejuvenate both physically and mentally.
A sand bath lasts approximately 15 minutes. Staff are always on hand to assist if guests can no longer tolerate the heat. After leaving the sand pit, visitors rinse off with clean water and soak in the onsen bath.
Hot sand onsens are a popular type of onsen at Beppu Onsen, one of Japan's three largest hot spring resorts, attracting hundreds of visitors annually.
Hot sand baths are considered a unique spa treatment, offering numerous health benefits. The high temperature of the sand helps dilate blood vessels, promoting blood and oxygen circulation to the body's organs. The heat and pressure from the sand help reduce muscle and joint pain, especially effective for people with arthritis and spinal degeneration. Hot sand baths promote deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.
Hot sand onsens are a popular type of onsen found at Japanese hot springs.
The town of Beppu, located in the northeastern part of Kyushu Island, Japan, has long been known as a hot spring paradise. It boasts the most abundant hot springs in Japan, with eight separate springs erupting more than 87,000 liters of hot water per minute. Thanks to this precious natural resource, Beppu has developed into a renowned hot spring resort attracting visitors from all over the world.
What makes Beppu particularly attractive to tourists is the diversity of hot spring bathing (Onsen) types. Visitors can experience 10 out of 11 types of Onsen available in Japan, each offering unique benefits and sensations.
With its amazing benefits for health and well-being, Beppu is a worthy destination for those seeking a relaxing vacation and a unique Japanese cultural experience.
