Bathing and bopping in Beppu

Once-famous Japanese hot springs resort is making a comeback

Late-night bathing at the Oniyama Hotel in Beppu, Oita prefecture. (Courtesy of the Oniyama Hotel)

PETER TASKER, Contributing writer

September 9, 2022 10:10 JST

BEPPU, Japan -- Ichiro is the big boss around here. Brought up in the hot springs mecca of Beppu, on the Japanese island of Kyushu, he has never left his hometown. He has his pick of the local females and at mealtimes his favorite food is brought to him without fail.