What Is a Mushi-yu (Steam Bath)?

A mushi-yu is a traditional Japanese steam bath that uses natural hot spring steam.

Unlike a regular onsen, you do not soak in hot water. Instead, you lie down in a warm steam room, allowing the steam to gently heat your body.

One of the most famous steam baths is located in Kannawa, Beppu. Visitors lie on fragrant medicinal herbs while enjoying the natural steam for about 8–10 minutes. It is a unique experience that many visitors enjoy.

My First Steam Bath Experience in Beppu

In July 2026, I tried a traditional steam bath in Beppu for the first time.

A steam bath is somewhat similar to a steam sauna. However, unlike a regular sauna, you lie down on medicinal herbs spread across the floor.

A staff member waits near the entrance and explains how to use the steam bath. They also keep track of the time and let you know when five minutes and eight minutes have passed. The maximum recommended time is eight minutes.

I rarely use saunas, so I began to feel very hot after about five minutes and decided to leave. Even though I stayed for only a short time, I felt that I sweated more than I usually would in a regular sauna.

After the steam bath, my body felt refreshed, and I felt very relaxed.

I have lived in Japan for more than 40 years, but this was my first time experiencing this type of sauna. I think the main differences from a regular sauna are the medicinal herbs on the floor and the higher level of humidity.

It was a unique and memorable experience that felt very special to Beppu.

Now, let’s look at some useful Japanese phrases you can use at a mushi-yu.

Useful Japanese Phrases

At the Reception（受付で）

初めてです。
（はじめてです）
Hajimete desu.
It’s my first time.

入り方を教えてください。
（はいりかた を おしえて ください）
Hairikata o oshiete kudasai.
Could you tell me how to use it?

大人二人です。
（おとな ふたり です）
Otona futari desu.
Two adults, please.

チケットをお願いします。
（チケット を おねがいします）
Chiketto o onegai shimasu.
Ticket, please.

Before Entering

タオルは借りられますか？
（タオル は かりられますか？）
Taoru wa kariraremasu ka?
Can I rent a towel?

荷物はどこに置けますか？
（にもつ は どこ に おけますか？）
Nimotsu wa doko ni okemasu ka?
Where can I leave my belongings?

何分入ればいいですか？
（なんぷん はいれば いいですか？）
Nan-pun haireba ii desu ka?
How long should I stay inside?

In the steam Bath

熱いです。出てもいいですか？（ あついです　でてもいいですか？）
Atsui desu. Dete mo ii desu ka?
It’s hot. Can I come out?

After the Steam Bath（蒸むし湯ゆの後あと）

とても気持ちよかったです。
（とても きもち よかったです）
Totemo kimochi yokatta desu.
It was very relaxing.

ありがとうございました。
（ありがとうございました）
Arigatō gozaimashita.
Thank you very much.