Explore Beppu, Japan’s largest cluster of hot springs

Beppu is situated on the northeastern coast of Kyushu Island in Oita Prefecture, Japan. It is located between the Beppu Bay and the mountainous area of the Tsurumi Volcanoes. The city is known for its abundant hot springs and is easily accessible by rail, bus, and car, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Hot Springs

Areas

Beppu Onsen

Beppu Onsen, first mentioned in the 8th century, gained prominence during the Edo period. By the Meiji era, the development of Beppu Bay as a port and new railways spurred growth. Modern drilling expanded the number of hot springs and inns. Today, iconic spots like Takegawara Onsen attract tourists from Japan and beyond.

Hamawaki

Named for the springs that emerge from the beach, Hamawaki is Beppu Onsen's birthplace. Established in the Kamakura period with Asami Hachiman Shrine, it thrived as a port town in the Edo period. The area still features traditional inns and remnants of the geisha quarter. Yutopia Hamawaki offers hot springs and a fitness room.

Kamegawa Onsen

Kamegawa Onsen is famous for its natural sand baths, noted since the Edo period. The Beppu Beach Sand Bath remains a major draw, where visitors can enjoy being buried in hot sand by the sea.

Kannawa Onsen

Kannawa Onsen is known for its steam-filled streets and jigokumushi cuisine, where food is steamed with hot spring gases. Traditional ryokan and numerous public baths and footbaths are found here. The unique mushiyu, a steam bath with medicinal herbs, offers a distinct experience.

Kankaiji Onsen

Discovered in the Kamakura period, Kankaiji Onsen was famed for its scenic views. Today, it's home to a large resort hotel with popular open-air baths offering stunning vistas.

Horita Onsen

Horita Onsen has long been a hub for travelers to Yufuin, Hita, and Dazaifu. It thrived during the Edo period and today features both indoor and open-air baths at the city-operated facility.

Shibaseki Onsen

Shibaseki Onsen's history includes curing Emperor Daigo (895 AD) and Emperor Go-Reizen (1044 AD). Known as the "wound healing hot spring," it features an open-air bath amidst nature, offering relaxation and natural beauty.

Myouban Onsen

Myoban Onsen developed during the Edo period as a center for alum gathering. Known for its sulfurous steam and acidic hot springs, it offers mud baths and jigokumushi steamed pudding. The thatched huts and unique atmosphere make it a popular destination.

Day Use Hot Springs

Several hotels in Beppu offer day-use access to their hot spring facilities. Here are a few notable ones:

1. Suginoi Hotel: Known for its luxurious hot springs, Suginoi Hotel provides day-use packages that include access to their various baths and amenities.

2. Kannawaen: This traditional ryokan offers day-use options for its hot springs, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing soak in their beautifully maintained baths.

3. Shibaseki Onsen: Though not a hotel, Shibaseki Onsen is a popular public bath that offers day-use access. It's known for its historical significance and healing properties.

4. Hyotan Onsen: Another public bath facility, Hyotan Onsen offers day-use access and features various baths, including sand baths, steam baths, and private baths.

5. Beppu Onsen Hoyoland: This facility offers unique mud baths and a variety of other hot spring experiences for day-use visitors.

6. Seikai: A luxury ryokan with beautiful ocean views, Seikai offers day-use packages that allow visitors to enjoy their hot springs without staying overnight.

7. Beppu Kaihin Sunaba Onsen: Known for its beach sand baths, this facility offers day-use access for a unique hot spring experience.

Each of these places provides a unique onsen experience, allowing visitors to enjoy Beppu's famous hot springs even if they are not staying overnight.

Sightseeing & Activities

Walking Tour in Beppu City

Recommended Sightseeing Course for Rainy Days

Beppu offers many spots that can be enjoyed even on rainy days. This course is designed to offer a rich, engaging experience regardless of the weather, making it ideal for a rainy day in Beppu.

Area: Beppu + adjacent city areas
Duration: Full day
Transport: Bus

1. JR Beppu Station (A) Start your tour at JR Beppu Station, where you can see the statue of Aburaya Kumahachi, the father of Beppu tourism.

2. Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago" (B) Head to Umitamago Aquarium, a large facility with interactive experiences like dolphin performances and touch pools. Kids can enjoy the adjacent "Asobeach."

3. Lunch at Tokiwa Beppu Store (C) Have lunch at the "Yukemuri Yokocho" food hall in Tokiwa Beppu Store’s basement. Enjoy local dishes like "tori-ten" (chicken tempura) and "Beppu cold noodles."

4. Foot Bath at Tokiwa Beppu Store (D) Take a break in the free foot bath on the basement floor. The carbonated hydrogen carbonate spring will rejuvenate you.

5. Souvenir Shopping at "Oita Souvenir Onsen Market" (E) Find unique local products and crafts at this market in Tokiwa Beppu Store.

6. Jigoku Onsen Museum (F) Experience becoming a "hot spring" at this unique museum. Learn about the origins of hot springs through interactive exhibits and enjoy the beautiful "Yukemuri Garden."

7. Beppu Jigoku Meguri - Shiraike Jigoku (G) End your tour with the "Beppu Jigoku Meguri" (Hell Tour). Visit Shiraike Jigoku, a milky blue hot spring with a garden and a tropical fish aquarium heated by the hot springs.

Artistic course

In Beppu, known for its artistic ambiance, exploring various art spots on foot offers a delightful blend of art and local culture. Starting at Beppu Station, visitors can see the bronze statue of Aburaya Kumahachi, a key figure in Beppu's tourism history, alongside his quote "Mountains are Fuji, seas are Seto Inland, and baths are Beppu." Nearby, a hand bath covered in traditional bamboo craftsmanship provides a serene artistic experience.

West of JR Beppu Station, you'll find the "Green Sun," a monumental artwork by Taro Okamoto, known for its vibrant depiction reminiscent of his iconic "Tower of the Sun" from the Osaka Expo. The Beppu City Public Hall showcases a blend of Western and Japanese architectural styles, featuring stained glass and an Art Deco interior, reflecting the city's dynamic heritage.

For a historical touch, Kamenoi Hotel offers a glimpse into Beppu's past with its "Bird's Eye View Map" from the Taisho era. Nearby, Beppu Towel offers locally-themed towels with retro designs, popular for their unique and playful appeal. Suhiro Onsen provides relaxation in natural hot springs adorned with murals by artist Yukari Ohira, blending art and relaxation.

In the heart of Beppu Tower, the Beppu Art Museum showcases over 400 artworks by renowned Japanese and international artists, including Picasso and Dali, providing ample photo opportunities and artistic inspiration. The renovated Beppu Tower Observation Deck offers panoramic views of Beppu City and Beppu Bay, making it a perfect finale to a day immersed in Beppu's rich artistic and cultural tapestry.

Early Morning Exploration: Beppu Full-Day Tour

Full-Day Experience

Arrive in Beppu early morning via ferry and arrange for a taxi or car to explore the quiet morning atmosphere. Start with breakfast at local spots. Enjoy breathtaking views from the Beppu Ropeway, which overlooks Beppu's iconic sights and cityscape. Experience soaking in famous hot springs, savor local cuisine, and immerse yourself in unique Beppu hot spring culture.

Rare Mud Bath Experience at Beppu Onsen Hoyoland

Located in the Myoban area, Beppu Onsen Hoyoland offers mud baths using the rare "kanzumi" mud mentioned in Bungo Fudoki and visited by Kobo Daishi. Known for its therapeutic properties, the mud's rich minerals offer moisturizing and skin benefits. The open-air baths require a bit of courage but are separated by gender, making them accessible. Indoor options include gender-specific mud and colloid baths and steam baths.

Beppu Onsen Hoyoland
Address: 5 Myoban, Beppu, Oita 874-0843
Website

Beppu Ropeway to the Summit of Mount Tsurumi

Take a 10-minute ride on the Beppu Ropeway to Mount Tsurumi (elevation 1,375m). The gondola, one of Kyushu's largest with a capacity of 101 passengers, offers stunning views of Beppu cityscape, Beppu Bay, and on clear days, even Shikoku. Learn about Mount Tsurumi and the ropeway from guides onboard and enjoy memorable photos at the summit.

Beppu Ropeway
Address: 10-7 Kanbara, Minamitateishi, Beppu, Oita 874-0000
Website

Herbal Steam Detox at Kannawa Mushiyu

Visit Kannawa Mushiyu in Kannawa for a traditional steam bath, considered the root of onsens. Relax on a bed of medicinal herbs unique to this area, with optional yukata rental available. Steam for 8-10 minutes releases a substantial amount of sweat, providing a detoxifying experience. Enjoy foot steaming nearby and refresh in indoor baths afterward.

Kannawa Mushiyu
Address: 1 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0046
Website

Lunch in Kannawa Onsen Area

After relaxing in hot springs, explore the retro streets of Kannawa Onsen, known for its hot spring atmosphere and nostalgic townscape. Enjoy various cafes, renowned restaurants, and specialty shops offering local cuisine and takeout options.

Stroll Around Kannawa Area

Explore the nostalgic streets and hot spring atmosphere of Kannawa Onsen. Relax at foot baths near Jigoku Mushi Factory or enjoy foot steaming at Oita Park. Visit hot spring facilities, souvenir shops, and food stalls for a leisurely walk around the historic district.

Kamado Hell Tour

Kamado Hell features six diverse “hells”, some changing colors with temperature and weather. Experience foot baths and drinking hot springs unique to each hell. Enjoy local specialties like "Onsen Pitan," stone wall cakes, and soy sauce pudding. Explore all seven spots in the Beppu Hell Tour, each offering unique views and experiences.

Kamado Hell
Address: 559-1 Tsurumi, Beppu, Oita 874-0045
Website

Alligator Hell Tour

Oniyama Hell, also known as Alligator Hell, houses numerous alligators and offers feeding shows on specific days. Learn about its history as Japan's first alligator breeding facility using hot springs since 1923. Visit exhibits of preserved specimens and endangered species like the gharial. Marvel at the power of approximately 80 alligators and hear passionate stories from caretakers.

Oniyama Hell
Address: 559-1 Tsurumi, Beppu, Oita 874-0045
Website

Access

How to Get to Beppu from Fukuoka

By Train:

1. From Hakata Station (Fukuoka):
   • Take the JR Sonic Limited Express from Hakata Station to Beppu Station. The journey takes about 2 hours.
   • Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen from Hakata to Kokura and transfer to the Sonic Limited Express to Beppu, which also takes around 2 hours.

By Bus:

1. From Fukuoka Airport:

   • There are direct highway buses from Fukuoka Airport to Beppu. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

2. From Hakata Bus Terminal:

   • Take a highway bus from Hakata Bus Terminal to Beppu. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

By Car:

1. Driving:
   • Drive via the Oita Expressway from Fukuoka to Beppu. The drive takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

How to Get to Beppu from Hiroshima

By Train:

1. From Hiroshima Station:
   • Take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Kokura Station.
   • Transfer to the JR Sonic Limited Express at Kokura Station to Beppu Station. The total journey takes approximately 3 hours.

By Bus:

1. From Hiroshima Bus Center:
   • There are highway buses from Hiroshima to Beppu. The journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

By Car:

1. Driving:
   • Drive via the Sanyo Expressway and Oita Expressway from Hiroshima to Beppu. The drive takes approximately 4.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.