HIGHLIGHTS of
Onsen Co-Living
This is the space where we share real time stories from the guests of Onsen Co-Living
Digital Nomads from Fukuoka
Tanya the influencer from India
Nomad Leaders from Bansko
Artists from Vietnam and Tawiwan
Angie san from Taiwan
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Visual Artist Esther Lin
Esther Lin — Visual Artist in Residence
Spent 3 months living in Beppu while developing an art project inspired by Japanese Oni culture and traditional festivals.
During her stay, Esther explored the meaning of “good” and “evil” through the concept of Oni (Japanese demons), inspired by experiences such as the traditional Shujō Oni-e fire festival in Kitsuki.
Living in Beppu allowed her to experience local culture closely while continuing her creative work in a slower, more reflective environment.
''It's a Place for Spirits''
Esther is sharing her experience at Onsen Co-Living
Visual Artist Xuan Ha
Xuan Ha is a visual artist from Da Nang, Vietnam, whose work explores installation, sculpture, and video art. She came to Beppu as a two-month artist-in-residence through Beppu Project, where she found inspiration in the city's slow pace of life, natural landscapes, and traditional Japanese practices such as Komomaki. During her residency, she stayed at Onsen Co-Living while developing new ideas and connecting with the local community.
''Beppu is Beppu. It will never change ''
Angie an International Coordinator
Angie Yun-Chu Chen is a cultural diplomacy practitioner and curator specializing in international cultural exchange, creative collaboration, and policy-based arts programming. In her previous role leading the Cultural Exchange Programme, she fostered Taiwan’s regional cultural diplomacy through curatorial projects, cross-border partnerships, and research initiatives that connected Taiwan with broader Asian and global cultural networks.
''They Call It "Hell." To Me, It Was Heaven. ''
"Beppu in my eyes"
I arrived in this mist-veiled city carrying nothing but professional setbacks and a quiet sense of lostness. Historically, this small town is known as "Jigoku" (Hell)—a name born from its barren, uncultivable soil and the constant plumes of steam rising from the earth. When my career was at its lowest, I came here thinking I would spend my days writing about my journey through "hell." But as the days unfolded, Beppu rewrote my story. Instead of a chronicle of struggle, my writing became a record of a healing sanctuary. Every day became a flurry of joyful busyness, all thanks to the local people who embrace newcomers with such an open-hearted warmth. It was a dual healing: while the hot springs slowly mended my tired body, the local community gave me a profound sense of belonging. April arrived in a blur of cherry blossoms and the bustling energy of the Hot Spring Festival. While every season here has its own quiet magic.
DIGITAL
NOMAD
Meet-Up
BEPPU
Last October, a group of digital nomads arrived in Beppu through a connection with the Colive Fukuoka community. Introduced by Reiner and accompanied by John, Gillard, and 17 other travelers, the group spent time exploring the slower rhythm of life in Beppu — sharing meals, visiting local spots, working together, and experiencing the city’s onsen culture.
For a few days, Onsen Co-Living became more than a place to stay. It became a small international community gathered in the steam and streets of Beppu.
Beppu Jigoku Meguri
One of the highlights of their stay was visiting the famous Beppu Jigoku Meguri together. Walking through the steaming landscapes, bright mineral ponds, and rising clouds of hot spring mist, the group experienced one of Beppu’s most iconic traditions side by side.
What started as a simple sightseeing trip slowly turned into conversations, laughter, and shared memories — the kind of moments that make traveling and co-living feel connected in a deeper way.
Beppu Sand Spa
During their stay, the group also experienced the unique Beppu Beach Sand Bath. Buried gently in naturally heated sand beside the sea, they relaxed together while enjoying one of Beppu’s oldest wellness traditions — a quiet moment of rest between work, travel, and community life.
