The Essential Guide to Beppu, Japan

"With three Michelin stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, this onsen feels like an exceptional, traditional Japanese bathing experience: the water is completely undiluted with tap water, the architecture is classically Japanese, and they use an original bamboo cooling system called 'yu no taki' that channels water down bamboo chutes. I appreciate that Hyotan Onsen is tattoo-friendly and offers private bath rentals, so it’s an outstanding choice if you only visit one onsen in Beppu." - Kim Kay Kim Kay Kim Kay is a freelance writer with a focus on Japan travel and culinary culture. Her writing has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Tokyo Weekender, ByFood, and other travel and lifestyle platforms.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines