Retro Japan in Photos: The stylish Takegawara Onsen bathhouse in steamy Beppu
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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)
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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)
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A throwback bathroom is seen at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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A throwback bathroom is seen at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)
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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)
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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)
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A wall clock is seen in the lounge at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)
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A bath with a curved edge is seen at the Takegawara Onsen spa in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, on April 7, 2021. (Mainichi/Minoru Kanazawa)