Tsuru no Yu 鶴の湯 (Dec 2017)

Introduction

Tsuru no yu is one of the three hidden baths in Beppu. It is a natural flowing myoban onsen (明礬温泉 alum hotspring), with a source temperature of over 80℃. The very hot water is naturally cooled to about over 40℃ as it flows into the bathing areas.

There is a simple changing shed that is maintained by some volunteers. Other than that, there are no fences or shades around this mixed onsen. One can really enjoy a complete sense of liberation in the nature.

A point to note, however, is that this onsen is located very near to a cemetery. I cannot help but wonder if it this place does get crowded at night; if you know what I mean.

Experience

It took me two attempts to located this onsen. During the first attempt, google map made me drive onto a very quiet road up in the hill beside the onsen, and then told me I had arrived at the destination. I got out of the car, looking around, and then realized that the onsen was below the hill. I probably would have to trek for an hour or so to make my way down the cliff!

On the second attempt, I marked the nearby cemetery as the destination on google map, and finally managed to arrive at the onsen.

The onsen was completely open in the nature, with a simple shed for changing. The water was clear and bluish with a mild sulphur smell. The water temperature was pretty hot, but perfect for a cold winter morning.

It did not take long before I eased myself into the hot soup with my onsen buddy. It was a blissful moment to just sit quietly in the onsen, while enjoying the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.

Onsen data

• Type: -

• Source: natural flowing spring

• Flow rate: -

• Minerals: -

• Osmotic pressure: -

• pH: -

• Source temperature type: -

• Indications: -

Review

• Experience (体験) : 5/5

• Ambience (雰囲気) : 5/5

• Rustic charm (野趣) : 5/5

• Accessibility (アクセス) : 3/5 [easier with car]

• Price (値段) : 5/5 [it is free!]

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