Beppu

Top Things to do

• Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hot Springs Tour)

  4.0

  1643 Reviews

  Oita Pref. Beppushi Kannawa 559-1

  For over a thousand years, the gasses, hot mud, and boiling waters erupting from beneath the area from Kanawa to Kamegawa have led it to being called the Jigoku (Hells) of Beppu. In 2009, four hot springs, Umi (Sea) Jigoku, Chinoike (Blood Pond) Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku, and Shiraike (White Pond) Jigoku were designated as National Places of Scenic Beauty. Visiting these four hot springs in addition to three other famous ones is fun and enjoyable. In addition to hot spring eggs (slow boiled in hot spring waters), hell-themed souvenirs such as Chinoike ointment, and Enman no Yu (bath salts) are popular to take home and give to friends. A 15-minute drive by car from JR Beppu Station.

• Umi Jigoku

  4.0

  737 Reviews

  Oita Pref. Beppushi Kannawa 559-1

  Umi Jigoku boasts of being the largest among the Beppu Jigoku hot springs. The beautiful cobalt blue color is due to iron sulphate in the hot spring water. Royal water lilies and tropical water lilies are cultivated using the heat from the hot spring and the flowers will be at their best from early May until early November. At the Bon Festival event, lower grade elementary school children (up to 20 kilograms) can get on the leaves of the royal water lilies that float in the pond. There is also a footbath. The hot spring has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

• Suginoi Hotel Acquabeat

  4.0

  1078 Reviews

  Oita Pref. Beppushi Kankaiji 1

  An indoor pool facility open in the summer adjoining the Suginoi Hotel in Kankaiji, Beppu City. Attractions include a wave pool, water slides, “water jungle gym,” Mystery Dork cavern to explore, and water balls. There’s also a kids’ pool. Modeled after a south seas resort, visitors can also relax on provided beach chairs.

• Takegawara Onsen

  4.0

  470 Reviews

  Oita Pref. Beppushi Motomachi 16-23

  A low-cost public hot spring facility operated by Beppu City. Originally erected in 1879, the current building was built in 1938. In the spa’s famous sand bath, visitors lie down in sand wearing a yukata robe, after which assistants cover you with sand heated by the site’s natural hot spring. Up to eight persons can use the sand bath at the same time. Wait times may grow long when the facility is busy. A 10-minute walk from JR Beppu Station.

• Shiosai no Yado Seikai

  4.5

  381 Reviews

  Oita Pref. Beppushi Shouningahamachou 6-24

  A hot spring inn standing on National Route 10 in Shoningahama-cho, Beppu City. The inn’s baths are constantly replenished “kakenagashi” style from a salt spring whose waters are said to treat nerve pain, rheumatism, wounds, broken bones, burns, hemorrhoids, and women’s diseases. Facilities include a large bath area situated so close to the sea it is said to be “0 meters above sea level,” and a scenic overlook bath available only to guests. All of the inn’s baths, however, boast gorgeous views of Beppu Bay. The inn has three restaurants open to non-guests as well for both lunch and dinner; and those having lunch or dinner at the restaurants can enjoy the large bathing area free of charge.

• Beppu Tower

  3.5

  279 Reviews

  Oita Pref. Beppushi Kitahama 3-10-2

  This symbol of Beppu was completed in 1957, and is one of six sister towers. From the 17th floor observation deck one can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from Beppu Bay to Beppu City. In 2007 it was registered as one of Japan’s Tangible Cultural Properties.

• Beppu Kaihin Suna-yu (Beach Sand Bath)

  4.0

  202 Reviews

  Oita Pref. Beppushi Shouningahama

  A sand bath area located in a section of Shoningahama Beach, which derives its name from Ippen Shonin (holy priest). First opened in 1986, this unusual sand hot spring has a movable roof to allow the facility to be enjoyed even in the rain, as well as a rest area, both installed in 2002. All necessary bathing items are also available (some must be purchased), making it easy to come without the need to prepare. Note that operating hours are different between the March to November period and the December to February period. A 10-minute drive by car from JR Beppu Station.

• Beppu Onsen Take to Tsubaki no Oyado Hana Beppu

  4.5

  146 Reviews

  Oita Pref. Beppushi Kamitanoyumachi 16-50

  A hot spring hotel situated along Aoyama-dori Street in Kamitanoyu-machi, Beppu City. The hotel’s bathhouse has large bathing areas with outdoor baths and a reservation only family bath. The bathhouse is supplied by a sodium hydrogen carbonate spring whose waters are said to make the skin smooth and beautiful and also treat such ailments as cuts and chronic skin diseases. The women’s bathing area is outfitted with a micro bubble bath and a steam sauna. Visitors can also make use of the aesthetic treatment salon and services such as rental yukata robes in a variety of patterns.

• Jigoku-Mushi Kobo Kannawa

  4.0

  428 Reviews

  Oita Pref. Beppushi Furomoto 5 pairs

  This is a facility where one can try “jigoku mushi (literally, hell steaming),” a traditional cooking method passed down from the Edo era in which foods are steamed to degrees of up to 98°C using the hot steam from the hot spring water, and the rapid process condenses their flavor. Foodstuffs for hell steaming are available on site, or one can bring their own. Inside the facility are also exhibits on the history of Kanawa, hot springs and hell steaming, a drinking area, and free-to-use foot steamer and bath.