Retro Japan in Photos: The stylish Takegawara Onsen bathhouse in steamy Beppu

The entrance to the Takegawara Onsen hot spring spa, adorned with a "karahafu" curved gable, is seen in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. The structure, built in 1938, was registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2004. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)

The sand bath, left, and hot spring bath are seen at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)

A throwback bathroom is seen at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)

The roof above the entrance to the Takegawara Onsen hot spring spa, adorned with an imposing "karahafu" curved gable, is seen in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)

Short split "noren" curtains are seen at the entrance to sand baths at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)

A pool to wash sand off after a sand bath is seen at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)

A throwback bathroom is seen at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)

The exterior of the Takegawara Onsen spa resembles that of a long-established Japanese-style inn, as seen in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)

The roof above the entrance to the Takegawara Onsen hot spring spa, adorned with an imposing "karahafu" curved gable, is seen in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)

A wall clock is seen in the lounge at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)

A bath with a curved edge is seen at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)