Why 300,000 People Choose It: Beppu's Hyotan Onsen Didn't Dilute Its Hot Spring for 100 Years

Hyotan Onsen (operated by UNET Co., Ltd.), a 100% natural source hot spring in Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, has surpassed 300,000 visitors. The reason for its continued popularity lies in its commitment to 'Gensen Juwari' (100% natural source) – never adding water, reheating, or circulating the water – for over 100 years since its founding. This release marks this milestone and explains the facility's core philosophy of 'why we don't dilute the water.'

■ Surpassing 300,000 Visitors

Hyotan Onsen has surpassed 300,000 visitors. As a day-trip hot spring facility, it is a significant achievement, serving a wide range of customers from tourists to locals on a daily basis.

■ Why Are 300,000 People Choosing It?

The reason is not a flashy gimmick. It is simply because they have never diluted the hot spring water for over 100 years. The facility has named this practice 'Gensen Juwari' and has maintained it as the core of its operations.

Gensen Juwari means using only the natural source water as it springs forth, without any addition of water, reheating, or circulation. The water in the baths and the water flowing down the famous 'Taki-yu' waterfall are all from the same source. This unadulterated unity is why Hyotan Onsen continues to be chosen.

■ It All Started with a Man's Love for His Wife

Hyotan Onsen's history began in 1922 (Taisho 11). The founder dug the hot spring himself to ease the suffering of his wife, who was afflicted with rheumatism. The name comes from the first bath, which was shaped like a gourd (hyotan), a shape said to be inspired by the battle standard of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a warlord the founder admired. The origin of 'water to heal the body' is the root of the policy of not diluting the water.

■ Why Is 'Not Adding Water' So Difficult?

The natural source water is extremely hot, at approximately 98°C, making it impossible to bathe in directly. Many facilities add water to lower the temperature, but this dilutes the source. Hyotan Onsen uses a uniquely developed bamboo cooling device called 'Yumedake' to naturally cool the source water without diluting it with water. Lowering the 98°C water to a bathable temperature while maintaining 100% natural source – this effort is the essence of the choice not to dilute.

■ Continuing Is the Hardest Part

'Not diluting' cannot be sustained on idealism alone. It is built on the burden and resolve of the staff, including handling high-temperature source water, maintaining equipment, and daily management. Yet, for 100 years, rain or shine, they have continued to provide the same water. This accumulation has led to the 300,000 visitor milestone and is reflected in the facility's recognition as a Michelin Green Guide three-star facility for 14 consecutive years (according to the company's research).

■ Media Inquiries (For Journalists)

Filming of the 98°C source water cooling down as it flows through the Yumedake, and interviews with the staff and management who uphold the Gensen Juwari policy are possible. We welcome coverage and features from angles such as 'A 100-year-old authentic hot spring,' 'A day-trip hot spring chosen by 300,000 people,' 'The unique Yumedake technology,' and 'Preserving Beppu's hot spring culture.' Please contact us below to arrange a schedule.

【Facility Overview】

Facility Strengths: Founded in the Taisho era, over 100 years of history, Gensen Juwari (100% natural source flow) / First hot spring facility to receive a Michelin Green Guide three-star rating for the 7th time and 14th consecutive year (according to company research)

Facility Name: Hyotan Onsen
Address: 159-2 Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture

Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM (Last entry at 12:00 AM)

Special Page: https://www.hyotan-onsen.com

Phone: 0977-66-0527
Contact: Taiki Tanaka, Managing Director, Marketing

Company Profile: UNET Co., Ltd. (Representative: Hitoshi Tanaka / Established: June 1962 / Capital: 30 million yen)