Things To Do
in Beppu
Beppu is a renowned hot spring city on Kyushu’s eastern coast, famed for its abundant onsens and dramatic geothermal activity. The town clusters around Kannawa and Myoban, where steam vents and bathhouses line the streets. Visitors come to soak, relax, and marvel at the colorful Jigoku (hell) springs that dot the landscape.
With coastal scenery, mountains, and a friendly, laid-back vibe, Beppu offers a soothing blend of nature and culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Beppu Station or airport and make your way to a traditional ryokan or onsen hotel. Check in and freshen up before stepping outside to explore the bustling streets lined with steam vents and souvenir shops. Wander through the neighborhood to get a feel for local life and indulge in a quick steamed bun snack from a street vendor.
Head to a public footbath or rotenburo to ease travel fatigue, soaking your feet or body in naturally heated mineral water. Explore nearby Takegawara Onsen and marvel at its iconic sand bath building shimmering in the midday sun. Sample a variety of local manju filled with sweet bean paste at charming cafes dotting the area.
Return to your ryokan for a traditional kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal Oita produce and seafood. After the multi-course meal, slip into your private onsen for a soothing soak under the starry sky. Wind down with a cup of green tea in the ryokan lounge while listening to the gentle hiss of nearby hot springs.
Begin the day exploring Beppu’s famous 'Hells' (Jigoku) starting with Umi Jigoku to see its cobalt-blue hot spring pond. Move on to Chinoike Jigoku to witness the eerie crimson waters and bubbling mud pools. Visit Oniyama Jigoku to feed iguanas kept in a natural hot spring habitat, snapping photos of these prehistoric-looking creatures.
Enjoy a lunch of fresh steamed seafood and local vegetables at a restaurant overlooking the Jigoku steam vents. Head to Kamado Jigoku to see steaming iron cauldrons and try black onsen eggs boiled in sulfur-rich water. Stop by Shiraike Jigoku for a contrast of milky white waters surrounded by lush greenery.
Wander through the historic Kannawa district, where narrow lanes are lined with traditional wooden inns and natural hot spring outlets. Have dinner at a cozy izakaya serving Oita specialties like toriten (tempura chicken) and bunasu fish. Finish the night with an outdoor rotenburo soak beneath lantern-lit trees, listening to the distant hum of the town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $90-150 |
| 🚆Local transit (single ride/one day pass) | $5-15 |
| 🧃Convenience store snack | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class hot springs and relaxing onsens
- Friendly, compact city with good access to nature
- Can be crowded around major onsen areas
- Some attractions close early or have limited English signage
- "こんにちは" - Hello (greeting)
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "日本語を話せますか？" - Can you speak Japanese?
- "おすすめは何ですか？" - What do you recommend?
Places to Visit in Beppu
Visit one of these nice places.
A striking blue hot spring with a dramatic backdrop; best photographed in the softer morning light.
Deep red mineral-rich pool set against white steam—great for bold color contrasts.
A hillside complex of steaming ponds and rugged terrain ideal for atmospheric shots.
Historic lanes where natural steam vents mingle with traditional bathhouses; perfect for moody documentary photos.
Coastal boardwalk offering silhouettes of fishing boats and glimmering water at golden hour.
Food in Beppu
Beppu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Beppu’s signature fried chicken tempura, usually served with a dipping sauce and a side of rice or vegetables.
Must-Try!
A bowl of fresh local seafood over rice, showcasing Beppu’s coastal bounty.
Eggs slow-cooked in hot spring water, often enjoyed with soy sauce or dashi.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Stalls around Kannawa and the bay area offer snacks like tempura, yaki-imogori (grilled sweet potatoes), and dango.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Rinse your body before entering the communal bath, avoid soaking towels in the water, and be mindful of tattoos in some onsens where they may be restricted.
Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional inns, and some establishments; use provided slippers.
Beppu is generally quiet in public spaces; speak softly on trains and in streets near residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Beppu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; polite service is included in the price. If given, a very small tip is optional and not expected.
Cash is widely accepted, especially at smaller shops and markets. Many hotels and tourist spots accept credit cards, but carry cash for street stalls and rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with occasional typhoons; stay hydrated and wear sun protection. Early morning and evening are best for outdoor activities.
Pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage in the surrounding hills—great for hikes and outdoor photography.
Mild compared to many parts of Japan; evenings can be cool, making onsen soaking especially appealing.
Cherry blossoms along the coast and in Beppu Park create picturesque scenes; comfortable for walking and casual sightseeing.
Beppu at Night
Hiking in Beppu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic trails with forest scenery and coastal views, accessible from the ropeway.
Expansive hiking area in the nearby Aso-Kujū Quasi-National Park with volcanic landscapes and forests.
Airports
How to reach Beppu by plane.
Approximately 50–60 minutes by bus or car from Beppu; convenient for international and domestic arrivals.
A major international hub about 150–170 km away; reachable by Shinkansen and express train services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of local Japanese travelers and visitors from abroad drawn by the onsens.
Local population with an aging trend; daily life centers around the onsen districts and coastal areas.
Beppu attracts both families seeking relaxation and solo travelers exploring spa culture and nature.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime in Japan; fans and local clubs are common in the region.
Local and regional matches are played; easy to catch a game in the wider Kyushu area.
Several municipal and resort courses in the Oita region suitable for visitors.
Road races and scenic runs are common in Beppu and the surrounding area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Beppu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes use fish-based dashi or meat stock. Look for tofu, vegetable curries, and rice-focused options; ask for no dashi or for vegetarian-friendly preparations when possible.