Beppu Onsen Town
Explore Japan's hot spring capital with steaming streets and unique bathing experiences
Beppu's hot springs have been utilized since ancient times, with references in the 8th-century Bungo Fudoki (regional chronicles). The area sits on an active volcanic zone producing the highest volume of hot spring water in Japan - over 130,000 kiloliters daily from more than 2,000 hot spring sources. This extraordinary geothermal activity creates the iconic landscape of steam rising from streets, buildings, and hillsides throughout the city. The town developed as a hot spring resort during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when rail connections made it accessible to visitors from across Japan.
Beppu is organized into eight distinct hot spring districts (Beppu Hatto), each with different water qualities and characteristics: Beppu, Hamawaki, Kannawa, Kamegawa, Shibaseki, Horita, Myoban, and Kankaiji. This variety allows visitors to experience different types of therapeutic bathing - from iron-rich waters to sulfur springs, from sand baths to mud baths. The famous 'Hells of Beppu' (Jigoku Meguri) are seven spectacular geothermal features including boiling mud pools, cobalt-blue hot ponds, and geyser-like fountains, developed as tourist attractions in the early 20th century.
Today, Beppu is one of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations, attracting over 8 million visitors annually. The city has embraced its identity as an onsen town with creative initiatives like 'onsen-powered' city facilities (heating and energy), therapeutic bathing courses for health improvement, and annual events like the Beppu Hatto Onsen Matsuri festival. Unlike the upscale refinement of nearby Yufuin, Beppu maintains a more democratic, accessible character with hundreds of public bathhouses charging just ¥100-¥500, making it possible for visitors on any budget to experience authentic Japanese onsen culture.
Key Highlights
- Japan's largest hot spring output - 130,000 kiloliters daily from 2,000+ sources
- Eight distinct hot spring districts (Beppu Hatto) with different water types
- Famous 'Hells of Beppu' (Jigoku) - seven colorful geothermal attractions
- Unique bathing: sand baths, mud baths, steam baths (mushiyu)
- Hundreds of affordable public bathhouses (¥100-¥500)
- Kannawa district with steaming streets and traditional atmosphere
- Takegawara Onsen - historic 1879 bathhouse with sand baths
- Easy access: 10 minutes from Beppu Station, 45 minutes from Fukuoka Airport
Access Information
Location
Beppu City, Oita 874-0000
Nearest Stations
- • Beppu Station (JR Nippo Line) - Main gateway to all onsen districts
- • Kannawa Bus Stop - Access to Kannawa district and Hells
Opening Hours
City accessible 24 hours. Public bathhouses: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM (varies by facility). Hells of Beppu: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily. Most facilities open year-round.
Admission Fee
Public bathhouses: ¥100-¥500. Sand/mud baths: ¥1,000-¥1,500. Hells of Beppu combined ticket: ¥2,200 (7 hells), single hell ¥450. Day-use facilities: ¥500-¥2,000. Ryokan: ¥8,000-¥30,000 per person with meals.
How to Get There
From Fukuoka (Hakata)
Take JR Limited Express Sonic to Beppu Station (2 hours, ¥5,500). Runs hourly throughout day. Fast and comfortable option.
2 hours
From Oita Airport
Take airport bus to Beppu Station (45 min, ¥1,550). Buses timed with flight arrivals. Most convenient entry point.
45 minutes
From Kumamoto
Take JR Limited Express across Kyushu to Beppu (3 hours, ¥5,500). Scenic route through mountains.
3 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri)
Seven spectacular geothermal sites: Umi Jigoku (cobalt blue pool), Chinoike Jigoku (blood-red pond), Oniyama Jigoku (crocodile hell), Kamado Jigoku (cooking pot), Shiraike Jigoku (white pond), Tatsumaki Jigoku (geyser every 30-40 min), Kinryu Jigoku (golden dragon). Combined ticket ¥2,200 saves money. Tour takes 2-3 hours by bus or 3-4 hours walking. Interesting but touristy - not actual bathing.
Sand Bath Experience
Takegawara Onsen (1879 building) most famous sand bath (¥1,500). Lie on beach while staff bury you in naturally-heated volcanic sand - therapeutic and unique experience. Also available at beachfront Shoningahama (ocean views). Wear yukata provided. Session 10-15 minutes (surprisingly tiring). Rinse off and regular bath included. Reserve popular times ahead.
Kannawa District
Most atmospheric onsen district with streets steaming from underground sources. Traditional bathhouses, 'jigoku steam' cooking (vegetables steamed over vents), ryokan. Kannawa Mushiyu (steam bath) unique experience (¥510). Less developed than downtown Beppu - better traditional atmosphere. Base yourself here for authentic onsen town feeling. 20-minute bus from Beppu Station.
Budget Bathing Strategy
Beppu perfect for budget travelers. Hundreds of public bathhouses charge ¥100-¥300 (called '100-yen onsen'). Buy 'Onsen Hoyo Land' guidebook at tourist info (¥1,100) for maps and bath descriptions. Different baths every day possible. Many ryokan offer day-use bathing ¥500-¥1,500 (nicer facilities than public baths). Foot baths throughout city free.
Jigoku-Mushi Cooking
Unique experience: cook your own food using steam from hot springs. Kannawa Jigoku-mushi Kobo facility (¥330 entry) lets you steam vegetables, eggs, seafood over geothermal vents (ingredients sold on-site or bring your own). Delicious natural flavors. Also at some restaurants. Bundai Engawa cafe popular spot for jigoku-mushi meals (¥1,800-¥2,500).
Where to Stay
Kannawa district: traditional atmosphere, steaming streets, many ryokan. Downtown Beppu: near station, shopping, restaurants, more hotels. Beachfront: ocean views, beach proximity. Kannawa recommended for first-timers wanting authentic onsen town experience. Budget: simple ryokan ¥8,000-¥12,000 with meals. Mid-range: ¥15,000-¥25,000. Some hostels available ¥3,000-¥5,000 (rare in onsen towns).
Getting Around
Beppu spread across multiple districts. Unlimited bus passes available: 1-day ¥900 (Kamenoi Bus) covers city and Hells route. Buses from Beppu Station to Kannawa/Hells run every 15-20 minutes. Taxi between districts ¥1,000-¥2,000. Kannawa walkable once there. Downtown Beppu compact and walkable. Rent bicycle for exploring (¥500/day).
How Long to Stay
Day trip possible but rushed (Hells only). 1 night recommended minimum - allows multiple baths, district exploration, relaxed pace. 2-3 nights ideal for onsen enthusiasts - different baths daily, all districts, day trip to Yufuin. Beppu makes good Kyushu base - affordable accommodation, onward transport to Yufuin, Fukuoka, Kumamoto. Many visitors stay 2 nights and day-trip to Yufuin.
FAQ
What are the 'Hells of Beppu'?
The Jigoku (Hell) Tour features seven spectacular hot springs too hot for bathing, each with unique colors and characteristics. Highlights include Umi Jigoku (cobalt blue), Chinoike Jigoku (blood red), and Oniishibozu Jigoku (boiling mud). The full tour takes 2-3 hours and is Beppu's signature attraction.
Can I bathe in the Hells?
No, the Hells are viewing-only due to extreme temperatures (90-99°C). However, Beppu has hundreds of bathable onsen throughout town. The Hells are tourist attractions while actual onsen bathing happens at public baths, ryokan, and specialized facilities like sand baths and mud baths.
What unique bathing experiences does Beppu offer?
Beyond regular onsen, try sand bathing (buried in naturally heated volcanic sand), mud bathing, steam bathing (kamado-jigoku style), and various mineral-rich waters. Different districts (Beppu Hatto—eight hot spring areas) offer varied water types and experiences. Beppu's diversity is unmatched.
Should I stay in Beppu or do a day trip?
Staying overnight allows you to fully experience multiple bath types, evening onsen, and morning bathing—all part of onsen culture. Day trips from Fukuoka or combined with Yufuin are possible but rushed. Beppu deserves at least one night to appreciate its onsen variety properly.
What is the tattoo policy in Beppu?
Beppu is becoming more tattoo-friendly than many Japanese onsen areas, with some bathhouses allowing tattoos. However, policies vary widely. Many large hotels prohibit tattoos in communal baths. Private bath options (kashikiri-buro) are available. Always check specific facility policies before visiting.
How long should I spend in Beppu?
One full day covers the Hell Tour and 2-3 different bath experiences. Two days allow thorough exploration of various bath types, ropeway views, and relaxed pace. Serious onsen enthusiasts could spend 3+ days trying different waters. One night, two days is ideal for most visitors.
Can I visit both Beppu and Yufuin in one day?
Possible but rushed. The two towns are 50 minutes apart by train. Better to spend at least one night in one location. A common itinerary is one night in Yufuin, transit to Beppu for the Hell Tour, then stay overnight in Beppu. This allows experiencing both towns properly.
What are the eight hot spring areas?
Beppu Hatto refers to eight distinct onsen districts: Beppu, Kannawa, Myoban, Hamawaki, Shibaseki, Kamegawa, Horita, and Kankaiji. Each has unique characteristics and water types. Kannawa is known for the Hells and steam cooking. Myoban features alum crystals. Exploring multiple areas shows Beppu's diversity.
What local foods should I try?
Jigoku-mushi (hell-steamed) cooking uses natural steam to prepare vegetables, seafood, and meats. Many restaurants near Kannawa offer jigoku-mushi meals. Toriten (chicken tempura), dango-jiru soup, and fresh seafood from Beppu Bay are local specialties. Try foods cooked using geothermal heat.
Are there English explanations at the Hells?
Yes, the popular Hells have English signage and pamphlets. As a major tourist attraction, it's more English-friendly than many Japanese destinations. However, smaller bathhouses may have limited English. The visual nature of the Hells makes language less critical for enjoying them.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Beppu Hells
A collection of spectacular hot spring viewing areas featuring vivid colors, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers. These 'jigoku' (hells) are too hot for bathing but offer unique geothermal landscapes.
Kuju Flower Park
A spectacular highland flower park at 850m elevation featuring 5 million seasonal blooms against the backdrop of the majestic Kuju Mountain Range.
Yufuin Onsen
Picturesque hot spring resort town at the foot of Mount Yufu with art galleries, boutique shops, scenic Lake Kinrinko, and upscale ryokan.