About
The traditional thatched-roof yunohana-goya huts at Myoban Onsen, where mineral bath salts have been produced using hot spring steam for over 300 years
Myoban District is the highest-elevation onsen area among Beppu's renowned eight hot spring districts (Beppu Hatto), nestled in scenic mountain foothills at 350 meters above sea level. 🔗 The district's most iconic feature is the Yunohana-goya - traditional thatched-roof huts where natural bath salts (yunohana) have been produced using steam from hot springs for over 300 years. 🔗
This unique manufacturing method, unchanged since the Edo period (1725), was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 2006, and the landscape itself became a National Important Cultural Landscape in 2012. 🔗 Myoban Yunosato was founded by Yoshisuke Wakiya, who initially produced high-quality alum before transitioning to yunohana (hot spring mineral powder) manufacturing. 🔗 This 16-generation family business celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2025, preserving a "world's only manufacturing method" found nowhere else on Earth. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
The yunohana production technique represents one of Japan's most remarkable examples of sustainable natural resource utilization. Inside the distinctive triangular-shaped thatched huts, craftsmen spread blue clay containing iron and aluminum compounds (montmorillonite) found exclusively in the Myoban area over cobblestone floors. 🔗 As volcanic steam gushes up from underground at 35°C (after cooling through stone layers from much higher temperatures), it permeates the blue clay, and mineral components crystallize slowly at approximately 1mm per day, taking 40-60 days for sufficient growth before harvesting. 🔗
Historically, yunohana (alum) served diverse purposes beyond bathing: as a hemostatic agent in traditional medicine, as a mordant in textile dyeing since 700 AD (essential for imperial garment colors), in the dousa sizing process for painting and calligraphy surfaces, and even in paint and gunpowder production. 🔗 The Matsuyama clan derived significant income from myoban (alum) production during the Edo period. 🔗 At the production peak around 1930, approximately 300 yunohana-goya dotted the landscape; today, about 15 active huts remain, maintained by six dedicated artisans and the 16-generation Wakiya family. 🔗
The thatched roof - constructed entirely from straw, cogon grass, bamboo, and timber without any nails - plays a critical functional role by maintaining constant temperature and humidity, absorbing moisture inside and releasing it outside to prevent water droplets from forming on the crystals. 🔗 It takes 40-60 days for yunohana to grow sufficiently for harvesting, refining, and drying before becoming a finished product. 🔗
The resulting yunohana crystals, resembling delicate white "flowers," are 100% natural with no chemicals or additives, containing various minerals beneficial for skin health and therapeutic bathing. 🔗 Approximately 15 triangular-roofed huts are scattered across the spacious grounds, creating an atmosphere transporting visitors back to the Edo period. 🔗
The unique landscape of yunohana huts lined up between traditional Beppu stone walls, enveloped in characteristic sulfur smell and billowing white steam, has been selected as an Important Cultural Landscape of Japan. 🔗
Visiting Information
Getting There:
- From Beppu Station: Kamenoi Bus #5 or #41 from West Exit, Stop #3; get off at Jizoyu-mae (25-30 minutes), walk 3 minutes 🔗
- From Kannawa Onsen: Bus #5 or #41 also serves this route 🔗
- By car: 8-15 minutes from Beppu IC; parking for ~40 cars 🔗
Operating Hours & Admission:
- Yunohana-goya Huts Viewing: Free, generally 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; visitors can freely stroll outdoor grounds 🔗
- Myoban Jigoku: ¥200; 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, 7 days/week; walkway for close-up steam views 🔗
- Large Open-Air Bath: ¥600 (¥500 with Beppu Station coupon); 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM); towels ¥250 🔗
- Private Baths: ¥2,000-2,500/hour; 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM; first-come, first-served, no phone reservations 🔗
- Shop: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM 🔗
Current Status: Fully operational with all facilities open as of research date. No reported closures or restrictions. 🔗
The Myoban Experience
Yunohana-goya Huts Experience: Visitors enjoy a relaxed stroll weaving through approximately 15 rows of traditional huts, observing exquisite scenery while enveloped by Myoban's unique sulfur smell. 🔗 The distinctive triangular-shaped thatched roofs create a striking visual panorama against the mountain backdrop, particularly photogenic when shrouded in morning mist and steam. 🔗
Inside the dimly lit observation hut, visitors can witness yunohana crystals quietly forming on the blue clay floor as steam rises from below. 🔗 The production process designated as a national important intangible folk cultural asset can be observed for free, offering a rare glimpse into a 300-year-old tradition. 🔗
Hot Spring Bathing: Myoban Onsen offers two distinct types of therapeutic waters: milky white sulfur baths and mineral-rich mud baths, both highly regarded for their skin-smoothing properties. 🔗 The hot springs are characterized by a silky texture and iridescent colors ranging from light blue to turquoise, abundant in sulfur with high washing and peeling effects. 🔗
The large open-air bath at 350 meters elevation offers panoramic views down the valley to Beppu Bay and the ocean beyond. 🔗 Visitors describe the beautiful cloudy blue water as "one of the nicest onsen experiences," enjoyable in both rainy and sunny weather, appreciating the contrast between warm water and cool mountain air. 🔗 Morning visitors report seeing dragonflies fluttering around the outdoor baths, adding to the tranquil natural atmosphere. 🔗
The four private thatched-roof baths modeled after yunohana huts accommodate 2-3 adults and can be reserved for one hour, offering an intimate bathing experience perfect for families or couples seeking privacy. 🔗
Shopping and Dining: The Myoban Yunosato shop sells the facility's signature Yakuyou Yunohana natural bath additive, which turns home baths into therapeutic hot springs. 🔗 Products include yunohana-based soaps, lotions, and skincare items developed over generations. 🔗 The original jigoku-mushi pudding (steamed using natural hot spring steam) is a local specialty. 🔗
On-site restaurant and cafe serve local Oita cuisine, including "jigokumushi" (hell-steamed) food cooked using natural hot spring steam. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Onsen Etiquette:
- Bathe completely nude - swimsuits not allowed in communal baths
- Thoroughly wash and rinse entire body at washing stations before entering bath
- Tie long hair up so it does not touch water
- Small towel can be brought to bathing area but should not enter water - place on head or beside bath
- Keep conversations low and avoid disruptive behavior
- Avoid putting head under water 🔗
Tattoo Policy: Beppu is "by far the most welcoming city in the country when it comes to tattoo friendly onsen" with over 100 tattoo-friendly spots. 🔗 Private baths are always tattoo-friendly since they're exclusive to your party. 🔗
Crowd Avoidance:
- Visit during weekdays for quieter experience 🔗
- Early morning (8:30-10:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) have fewer crowds than midday
- Facility described as "not crowded despite its popularity" 🔗
Money-Saving:
- Yunohana huts viewing is completely free
- Get coupon from Beppu Station Tourist Hub to reduce bath admission from ¥600 to ¥500 🔗
- Consider Beppu City's Official Excursion Pass if visiting multiple onsen facilities
Photography Spots:
- Yunohana huts from elevated vantage points showing rows of thatched roofs
- Steam rising from blue clay inside observation hut
- Outdoor rotenburo with mountain backdrop (confirm photography policy in bathing areas)
- Myoban Jigoku walkway with sulfur vents and steam
- Best lighting: Early morning (6:30-8:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00-5:30 PM) for golden hour light 🔗
November Visit Considerations:
- Average daytime temperature: 15.6°C (60.1°F); nighttime: 8.5°C (47.3°F) 🔗
- Peak autumn foliage viewing in surrounding mountains 🔗
- Morning mist creates dramatic photographic opportunities with steam from huts
- Cool air enhances contrast with warm onsen waters - ideal bathing conditions 🔗
- Light rain occurs on ~10 days in November - bring umbrella
- Dress in layers for cool mornings and comfortable afternoons
What to Bring:
- Towels available for purchase (¥250) if needed 🔗
- Camera for yunohana huts and mountain scenery
- Light jacket for November temperatures, especially evening visits
- Cash - many traditional onsen facilities prefer cash payment
Cultural Respect:
- Production huts where craftsmen work are off-limits - only designated observation huts are open 🔗
- Avoid touching or disturbing yunohana crystals in production areas
- Show respect for the 300-year-old tradition and ongoing cultural heritage
- Purchasing yunohana products directly supports continuation of this Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property
Important Notes:
- Strong sulfur smell throughout area - normal for volcanic hot springs (may affect certain metals/jewelry)
- Natural hot springs can be quite hot - test water temperature before fully immersing
- Private baths: first-come, first-served basis; no phone reservations 🔗
- Limited English signage - staff English ability may be basic
- Onsen experience enhanced by rain, creating atmospheric steam effects 🔗
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/beppu/myoban-district.md