Beppu
別府市
Things to Do in and Around Beppu
Located in the eastern part of Oita Prefecture, Beppu is known as one of Japan’s leading hot spring resorts. Within the city are eight hot spring areas collectively called the “Beppu Hatto,” and the volume of hot spring water is the highest in Japan. It is also notable for offering unique tourism experiences that make use of these hot springs, such as the “hell tour” (jigoku meguri) and sand baths.
Where is Beppu?
Beppu is a hot spring city located on the eastern coast of Oita Prefecture, facing Beppu Bay. It lies about 15 km north of Oita City, the prefectural capital, which is roughly a 15-minute train ride away. To the north is Hiji Town, and to the west is Yufu City, with Yufuin Onsen accessible by car in about 30 minutes. From Fukuoka City, the gateway to Kyushu, it takes around two hours by limited express train, making Beppu a convenient base for sightseeing around Kyushu.
Getting Around
The limited express train “Sonic” on the JR Nippo Main Line is a convenient way to get to Beppu. It takes about 2 hours from Hakata Station and about 15 minutes from Oita Station. The nearest station is Beppu Station, which is located in the heart of the hot spring district. If you are flying, it takes about 45 minutes by bus from Oita Airport. Within the city, local buses and dedicated “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour) buses operate, allowing you to efficiently visit the main sightseeing spots.
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About Beppu
Beppu is known as “Japan’s number one hot spring city,” boasting the highest number of hot spring sources and the largest volume of hot spring water in the country. There are around 2,300 hot spring sources within the city, making it one of the most densely concentrated hot spring areas in the world.
Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)
Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) / Photo AC
The quintessential Beppu sightseeing experience is the “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour). This route, which has over 100 years of history, takes you around seven unique hot spring sources, including Umi Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku, and Tatsumaki Jigoku. You can witness mysterious natural scenery up close, such as the cobalt-blue waters of Umi Jigoku and the vivid red hot mud bubbling up at Chinoike Jigoku.
Sand Baths and Mud Baths
In Beppu, you can enjoy not only regular bathing styles but also sand baths, where you are buried in warm sand, and mud baths, which are said to have beautifying effects on the skin. Sand baths are especially popular, with some facilities offering the experience on the beach while you listen to the sound of the waves—an activity that is particularly well-liked by international visitors.
Scenery Woven by Rising Steam
As you walk through the streets of Beppu, you will see hot spring steam rising from many places. In the Kannawa Onsen area, this steam envelops the entire town, creating a distinctive landscape that evokes a sense of nostalgia. At night, the illuminated steam creates a fantastical and dreamlike atmosphere.
Local Gourmet: Jigoku Mushi
Jigoku Mushi (Steamed of Hell) / Photo AC
“Jigoku Mushi,” a cooking method that uses hot spring steam to prepare ingredients, is a food culture unique to Beppu. In the Kannawa Onsen area, there are facilities where visitors can steam their own ingredients and eat them on the spot. You can enjoy a healthy cooking style that brings out the natural flavors of vegetables, seafood, eggs, and more.