Beppu Hot Springs (Beppu City, Oita Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Beppu Onsen (Beppu City, Oita Prefecture) is one of Japan's leading hot spring areas, boasting the highest level of both water output and number of hot spring sources in the country. It has long developed as a therapeutic hot spring resort, and its foundation as a tourist destination was established from the Edo period through the Meiji and Taisho periods. The eight hot spring villages known as the "Beppu Hatto" (Beppu Eight Hot Springs) (Beppu, Hotta, Kanawa, Kankaiji, Myoban, Kamegawa, Shibaishi, and Hamawaki) are spread throughout the city, and are characterized by the diverse spring quality and bathing culture that can be enjoyed.

The hot springs' greatest appeal is the rich variety and quality of their springs. There is a mixture of sulfur springs, chloride springs, carbonated springs, and more, and visitors can enjoy a variety of onsen experiences, including open-air baths, steam baths, sand baths, cooking using steam, and foot baths. Furthermore, the geothermal phenomena, such as the hot mud known as the "Hell Tour," the vibrantly colored fumaroles, and geysers, are also popular tourist attractions.

Highlights

• Beppu Hell Tour (Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell, Kitchen Hell, etc.): Several hells (hot springs for tourists) with different colors and shapes. Each hell can be visited in a short time, and you can see the smell of sulfur and steam up close.
• Kanawa hot spring town: An atmospheric hot spring town with steam rising from the alleyways and the lingering scent of hot springs. You can experience steam baths and hell steamed cuisine (steamed cuisine using geothermal heat).
• Myoban Hot Springs: The milky sulfur spring and the "Yunohana Hut" are famous attractions. The traditional scenery of collecting hot spring ingredients is photogenic.
• Takegawara Onsen/Takegawara Sand Bath: It is famous for its retro-looking public baths and sand baths (where you warm your body by burying yourself in sand) that can be enjoyed on the beach.
• Beppu Eight Hot Springs Tour: Visit each hot spring area and enjoy the different spring qualities and atmospheres. There are also many day-trip hot springs and public baths, so you can easily go from one to the other.
• Geyser (Tornado Hell): You can time your visit to see the geyser, which periodically erupts into the air (the intervals between eruptions may vary).

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station: JR Nippo Main Line "Beppu Station" (main entrance). From Beppu Station, you can travel to various parts of the city by bus or taxi.
• Access by train:
  • From Fukuoka (Hakata): Take the JR Sonic Limited Express from Hakata Station to Beppu Station (approximately 2 hours to 2.5 hours)
  • From Oita Airport/Oita Station: Oita Station → Beppu Station is about 15-25 minutes by local train. From Oita Airport, take the airport limousine bus or express bus to Beppu (about 50-70 minutes).
• Access by car: Take the Higashi Kyushu Expressway (via Beppu IC and Beppu Bay Service Area) or the Oita Expressway. There are many parking lots and inn parking lots in the city.
• City transportation: Kamenoi Bus (tourist route), city buses, and taxis are convenient ways to get from Beppu Station to major tourist spots. Some tourist spots are within walking distance, but it is more practical to use the bus to get to places like Kannawa and Myoban.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip to see the highlights: If you visit the hells in the morning and evening and two or three of the main public baths, it will take half a day to a full day.
• Relaxed sightseeing + bathing experience: Enjoy a tour of the hells, strolling around Kannawa and Myoban, and even a night stroll around the hot spring town in a two-day, one-night trip.
• A stay focused on hot springs: Ideally, you would stay for two nights or more and include hot spring hopping, a long stay for a therapeutic bath, and sightseeing in the surrounding area (Hiji, Yufuin, Taketa).
• Estimated time for each facility: Tour of the Hells (2-3 hours for sightseeing and travel), sand bath experience (approximately 30-60 minutes), bathing in the public bath (30 minutes-1 hour).

Nearby spots

• Yufuin (Yufu City): About an hour by car or train from Beppu. Highland resorts, art, and cafes.
• Takasakiyama Natural Zoo: Observe a group of Japanese macaques. Approximately 20 minutes by car from central Beppu.
• Sea Eggs (Oita Marine Palace Aquarium): A popular aquarium for families, located along Beppu Bay.
• Beppu Park and City Walk: You can enjoy shopping, eating, and touring local hot spring-related shops.
• Kunisaki Peninsula and Yabakei area: A base for exploring nature and historical sites.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion: Tourists tend to gather during Golden Week, summer Obon (Obon period), the New Year's holiday, and weekends during consecutive holidays. There may be long lines around the Hell Tour area and famous public baths. Weekday mornings and evenings are relatively quiet.
• Bathing etiquette: Please observe general hot spring etiquette, such as washing your body before entering the bath, not putting your towel in the bath, and refraining from speaking loudly or taking photos in the bath area. In public baths, be sure to take care of your lockers and valuables.
• About tattoosSome inns and public baths may refuse entry to people with tattoos. We recommend checking with the facility in advance to see if you can use a sticker to cover up your tattoo, or if you can use a private bath.
• Health precautions: Hot water or prolonged bathing can be a burden for people with heart disease or high blood pressure, as well as pregnant women. Start bathing for short periods and monitor your condition. Avoid bathing after drinking alcohol.
• Geothermal and burn hazardGeothermal steam, hot mud, and areas near geysers are dangerous due to high temperatures. Do not enter restricted areas and keep an eye on children.
• Seasonal precautionsIn winter, the contrast between steam and cold is beautiful, but there are also days when the roads are frozen and there are strong winds. In summer, it is hot and humid, so it is important to take measures against heatstroke while sightseeing (frequent hydration, wearing a hat). Transportation may be disrupted during typhoon season.

Beppu Onsen is a hot spring resort with a wide variety of spring waters, experiences, and geothermal phenomena to see. If it's your first time, we recommend the one-night plan that combines a tour of the hells with a bath at Kannawa or Myoban. Please be mindful of etiquette and safety during your stay and enjoy your hot spring hopping.