Hyotan Onsen to Renew Jigoku Mushi Restaurant 'Jihankei' on June 17, Evolving into an 'Onsen for Dining'

Hyotan Onsen, a hot spring facility in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, will undergo renovation work from May 25 to June 16, 2026, and reopen on June 17. The project aims to enhance the experiential value of its internal Jigoku Mushi (hell steaming) specialty restaurant, 'Jihankei'.

While dining at hot spring facilities is often considered an 'afterthought to bathing', Hyotan Onsen aims to transform it into a 'place people come specifically to eat'. By redesigning the appeal of Jihankei, the facility is working to create a new reason for visiting that seamlessly integrates the hot spring and culinary experiences.

Jihankei offers 'Jigoku Mushi Cuisine', which utilizes the natural steam from the hot springs. This cooking method cooks ingredients rapidly with high-temperature steam, bringing out their natural umami while reducing excess fat. The menu focuses on vegetables, meat, and seafood, providing dishes that are simple yet highly satisfying.

This renovation reevaluates not only the menu structure but also customer flow and spatial design. The experiential value has been redesigned around the themes of 'the joy of choosing', 'the joy of sharing', and 'the perfect lightness for after a bath', thereby updating how guests spend their time post-bathing.

A statement from Hyotan Onsen notes, 'It is a waste to simply go home immediately after enjoying the hot spring. Jihankei is a place designed to let you enjoy the hot spring experience to the very end. This renovation is a challenge to further strengthen the "reason to come and eat".'

During the renovation period (May 25 - June 16), operations at Jihankei will be temporarily suspended. It will resume business on June 17, offering renewed value.

Moving forward, Hyotan Onsen aims to maximize the value of visits by combining its core essence—the hot springs—with 'food', 'experiences', and 'time'.

Overview Renovation Period: May 25, 2026 - June 16, 2026 Renewal Opening: June 17, 2026 Details: Enhancement of the experiential value of the Jigoku Mushi specialty restaurant 'Jihankei' (redesign of menu, customer flow, and space)

Features of Jihankei - Jigoku Mushi cuisine utilizing hot spring steam - Simple cooking methods that bring out natural flavors - 'Light yet satisfying meals' perfect for after a bath

Strengths of Hyotan Onsen - Over 100 years of history since its founding - '100% natural source water' with no added water or heating - 3-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide

Facility Overview Facility Name: Hyotan Onsen Location: Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture Offerings: Day-trip hot spring facility (large public baths, sand baths, steam baths, dining facilities, etc.)