About
Tanayu's signature terraced pools overlooking Beppu Bay. Source: Suginoi Hotel Official Website
Tanayu is the crown jewel of the renowned Suginoi Hotel, offering one of Beppu's most spectacular hot spring experiences. Situated on the hotel's rooftop, this modern luxury onsen complex features open-air baths providing panoramic, unobstructed views of Beppu city below and the shimmering Beppu Bay in the distance. 🔗
The facility is an architectural marvel resembling traditional Japanese rice terraces, spreading out into 5 tiers of baths that include an indoor bath, a semi-open-air bath, and three open-air baths. 🔗 This terraced design creates the sensation of floating in the sky as you soak while gazing at Beppu Bay and the clouds of steam rising from the city's numerous hot springs. 🔗
The complex also offers additional facilities including a sauna with panoramic views, a fragrant hinoki (Japanese cypress) barrel bath, and an aroma bath. 🔗 On clear days, visitors can see as far as Cape Sadamisaki in Shikoku across the bay, with Mt. Tsurumi visible on the opposite side. 🔗
The setting is particularly enchanting at sunset, when golden light casts a serene glow over the landscape, transitioning into Beppu's glimmering cityscape night view. 🔗
Cultural & Experiential Significance
Tanayu represents a modern luxury onsen experience that contrasts beautifully with Beppu's traditional historic bathhouses like Takegawara Onsen, offering contemporary comfort and spectacular views rather than rustic authenticity. 🔗
As you enter Tanayu, you'll encounter a stunning complex designed like traditional rice terraces, spreading across five distinct tiers. The progression through indoor, semi-open-air, and fully open-air baths creates a journey from sheltered comfort to sky-exposed immersion. From the rooftop pools, experience unobstructed 180-degree views spanning Beppu city below, the shimmering Beppu Bay extending to the horizon, and on clear days, Cape Sadamisaki on Shikoku Island across the water. 🔗
Time your visit for late afternoon to witness the transformation from daylight to golden hour to nightfall. The setting sun casts a serene glow across Beppu Bay, painting the sky in warm hues. As darkness falls, the city below illuminates, creating a glimmering urban tapestry contrasting with the dark bay waters and star-filled sky above. 🔗
Visiting Information
Operating Hours:
- Tanayu day-use: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM (last entry 10:00 PM) 🔗
- The Aqua Garden: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (last entry 10:00 PM)
Admission (Day-Use Visitors):
- Combined admission for Tanayu and The Aqua Garden: ¥1,500-2,800 (varies by season)
- Weekdays: ¥1,900-2,100
- Weekends and national holidays: ¥2,300 🔗
- Bath and face towels included free of charge 🔗
Access:
From JR Beppu Station:
- Free shuttle bus service operates daily every 40 minutes from 7:40 to 18:40
- Journey time: approximately 20 minutes 🔗
From Kannawa District:
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 km (5-10 minutes by taxi)
- Local bus service available through Beppu city network
By Car:
- 5 minutes from Beppu Interchange (Oita Expressway toward Kanmidera)
- Parking available on-site 🔗
Best Time to Visit:
- Visit during daytime hours (9:00-17:00) for fewer crowds
- Late afternoon (16:00-18:00) for sunset views with moderate crowds
- Evening (after 18:00) for night views but expect larger crowds 🔗
Current Status: Open and operating; facilities may close irregularly for maintenance - recommend checking with hotel before visiting 🔗
The Experience
The Five-Tier Bath Experience:
As you progress through the facility, you'll encounter a stunning complex designed like traditional rice terraces. The journey from indoor to semi-open-air to fully open-air baths creates a progression from sheltered comfort to sky-exposed immersion, with each tier offering unique perspectives of the panoramic views. 🔗
Beyond the main terraced pools, explore the fragrant hinoki cypress barrel bath, which fills the air with the natural wood aroma characteristic of traditional Japanese bathing culture. The sauna with panoramic views offers an intense heat experience followed by the cooling contrast of outdoor air and hot spring water. 🔗
Your admission includes access to The Aqua Garden, a mixed-gender hot spring pool facility where swimsuits are required (rental available for ¥440). This contemporary water park-style onsen features specialized pools including Jet Massage, Aqua Amma Massage, Vibra Bath, and other therapeutic options. 🔗
November Seasonal Considerations:
Early November marks the transition from autumn to early winter in Beppu, offering ideal conditions for rooftop onsen bathing. Daytime temperatures create perfect contrast between crisp outdoor air and steaming hot spring waters. Early November typically brings clear skies with excellent visibility across Beppu Bay to Shikoku Island, creating optimal conditions for panoramic photography and sunset viewing. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Optimal Visit Strategy:
Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset (approximately 4:30-4:45 PM in early November) to secure position in outdoor pools before peak sunset viewing time. This timing allows exploration of indoor facilities first, followed by outdoor soaking during the most spectacular lighting conditions, concluding with night views of illuminated Beppu cityscape. 🔗
Cultural Etiquette - Traditional Onsen Rules:
Tanayu follows traditional Japanese onsen etiquette despite its modern facilities. Swimsuits are NOT allowed in Tanayu bathing areas (gender-separated traditional onsen). Before entering any bath, thoroughly wash your entire body at the washing stations provided. Use the small towel for modesty while walking, but never allow it to touch the bath water. Enter baths slowly to avoid splashing. Hair must be tied up to prevent contact with water. 🔗
Tattoo Policy:
Suginoi Hotel restricts access to public bathing facilities for individuals with visible tattoos. However, guests with small tattoos may be permitted entry to The Aqua Garden if tattoos are covered with adhesive patches (available for purchase). Contact the hotel in advance if you have tattoos to discuss options. 🔗
What to Bring:
Towels (bath and face towels) are provided free of charge for day visitors. Bring personal toiletries if you have preferences, though basic amenities are provided. For The Aqua Garden, bring swimwear or rent on-site for ¥440. Consider bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated during extended soaking sessions. 🔗
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/beppu/tanayu-suginoi-hotel.md