“Ohhh… I’m in a cocooned sauna.”
That was the first thought that came to mind as I lay beneath the warm black sand at SHONIN PARK’s Sand Onsen.
Reopened in July 2025 with new accommodation, shops, and its famous sand onsen, SHONIN PARK welcomes both day visitors and overnight guests who want to experience this unique and deeply relaxing form of bathing.
If you’re new to sand onsens, let’s start with the basics.
Onsen means “hot spring” in Japanese natural baths heated by volcanic activity and rich in minerals known to relax muscles, nourish the skin, and restore energy.A Sand Onsen (Sunayu) on the other hand, is a type of onsen where you’re gently buried in sand naturally warmed by geothermal steam rising from below. The sand envelops your body like a weighted blanket, soothing muscles and improving circulation.
The Sand Onsen at SHONIN PARK has a long history. Photos from the Taisho period show travellers enjoying sand baths along this same Beppu shoreline, and some records trace the practice back to the Heian era.
However exciting the idea may sound, public bathing can feel intimidating for first-timers. When do you undress? What are the rules? What if you make a mistake?
Don’t worry, I had those same questions too. This guide will take you step-by-step through SHONIN PARK’s sand onsen experience, so you can enjoy it comfortably and confidently.
Preparing for the Sand Onsen
The sand bath area is a short walk from reception. Upon arrival, a staff member will hand you:
- A Yukuta (to wear during the sand onsen)
- A Plastic Phone Sleeve (phones are allowed only in the sand onsen area, not in the water onsen later)
- A Numbered Chip (to reclaim your phone afterward)
You’ll then head into the gender-separated locker room to undress and change into your yukata. If you’re unsure how to wear it, remember to pull the left side over the right.
If you want to take a photo, place your phone inside the plastic sleeve, the angle might not be the most flattering, but it’s a fun memory to look back on. I proudly posted mine online for everyone to see.
Next Get Buried
From the locker room, a hallway connects to the outdoor sand baths, where both men’s and women’s locker areas meet. The outdoor space overlooks Beppu Bay and the Kitsuki Peninsula, and depending on the season, a cool breeze adds to the excitement of being buried in the warm sand.
A staff member will guide you to your spot and gently shovel the sand over your body. The sensation feels like a heated, weighted blanket, warmth slowly builds until it feels like a natural sauna. You’ll rest for about 15 minutes, feeling cosy as you enjoy the sea view.
If it gets too hot, simply lift your hand to let some cool air in. Staff will adjust the sand or check on your comfort.
During your session, staff can also take your photo, just remember the number on your chip, as they’ll need it to return your phone later.
Transition to the Hot Spring Onsen
Once your 15 minutes are up, you’ll carefully rise and covered in sand! Don’t worry, it comes off easily. Follow the hallway to the next area:
- Place your yukata in the basket.
- Rinse off the sand in the hall shower.
- Proceed to the next room with the hot spring onsen.
This is the time to be fully nude. It can feel a little daunting at first, but remember , everyone is there to relax, not to look. Keeping that in mind helps ease any tension before entering the onsen.
Onsen Etiquette
- Shower thoroughly before entering (shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided).
- Tie up your hair so it doesn’t touch the water.
- Enter the bath slowly and quietly.
- Avoid sitting on the edge of the onsen (the edge is used as a headrest).
The indoor onsen at SHONIN PARK features large windows overlooking Beppu Bay. As you soak, you can feel the deep warmth of the water releasing the last of the tension from your muscles.
After the Bath
You’ll return to the locker room where towels, hairdryers, lotion, and mirrors are provided. Take your time getting ready. Once dressed, hand your chip number to reception to retrieve your phone.
Then, head to the bar lounge overlooking Beppu Bay, whether you choose a cold beer or a non-alcoholic drink, it’s the perfect way to end your experience.
Why This Belongs in Your Travel Plan
SHONIN PARK offers a one-of-a-kind experience within Beppu’s bathing culture, blending history, nature, and relaxation. There are very few places in the world where you can enjoy something like this, so why not give it a try?
After experiencing both a traditional onsen and a sand onsen, you’ll realise you’ve only scratched the surface. With over 2,500 hot springs across Beppu, there’s always another hidden gem waiting to be found.
If you’d like help planning the rest of your onsen journey or want to explore beyond bathing into local foods, crafts, bamboo workshops, and scenic hikes, Glide Japan can create a personalised itinerary that’s thoughtful, local, and meaningful to you.
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For further information on SHONIN PARK, check out https://www.shoninpark.jp/en
