Beppu, Oita: Japan’s Onsen Capital

If you are following our Japan itinerary, you’ve probably heard us say “There’s no place like ___” more than once. And here we are again – there’s no place like Beppu! We know we’ve said it before, but Kyushu Island really is a treasure trove of unique and captivating destinations, and Beppu stands out in its own way.

Situated in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island’s northeastern side, Beppu is renowned for its hot springs. To be precise, there are nearly 3,000 hot springs in the area, making it Japan’s largest source of geothermal water, and the second largest in the world after Yellowstone National Park. And with the most number of onsens, it’s no surprise that Beppu has earned the title of Japan’s Onsen Capital.

While Beppu is seen as a hot spring resort town, there’s much more to explore beyond its steamy allure. With our travel guide, you can make your visit to Beppu a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Here’s our take on the top things to do in Beppu and the most exciting day trips from Beppu that make it one of the best places to visit in Kyushu.

Unique Things to Do in Beppu

Yukemuri Observatory

Kick off your Beppu visit at Yukemuri Observatory, a viewpoint about a 20-minute drive from the city center. Easily accessible by taxi, the observatory offers a unique view of Beppu, spread out beneath you, framed by Mount Tsurumi. But what really sets the scene are the plumes of steam rising from chimneys all over the city. On the streets, you’ll notice steam venting from the ground, engulfing in a faint scent of sulfur. But zooming out from and seeing the full picture from Yukemuri is surreal. If you can, visit at night, the illuminated steam clouds create a mesmerizing sight, earning this view a spot in Japan’s Night View Heritage List.

For a different perspective, take the cable car up Mount Tsurumi. You can hike up to the summit from the cable car station in about 15 minutes. On clear days, the panoramic views from the top stretch across Beppu Bay and toward Mount Yufu. A visit to Mount Tsurumi is one of the best things to do in Beppu, its scenery changes with seasons so you are always in for a treat.

Kifune Castle

Just a short distance from Yukemuri Observatory is Kifune Castle, Beppu’s only castle, perched on a hill and visible from much of the city. Built in 1957 to replicate the 800-year-old castle that stood here, Kifune offers not only a glimpse into traditional architecture and history but also sweeping views of Beppu. The castle’s most revered resident is an albino python, part of a lineage of castle-dwelling snakes worshiped here like deities. Deemed to symbolize prosperity, the snake is the castle’s unique attraction, sadly kept in a mesh bag and petted by visitors.

The Seven Hells of Beppu

No visit to Beppu would be complete without experiencing its famous hot springs, and the most popular of them all is the Seven Hells of Beppu. This collection of geothermal pools showcases vibrant colors and intriguing features. Here are some you can’t miss.

The Blood Pond Hell, with its red and orange tinted color due to mineral-rich clay, contrasts with the serene, milky blue Sea Hell, which was our personal favorite. Although the waters look inviting, these hells are strictly for viewing – temperatures reach a scalding 212F, hence the name “hell”. Some of the hells feature gurgling mud pools, other erupting geysers, and yes, one even houses crocodiles! The crocodiles are not in the hot springs themselves but nearby, as the heat creates a favorable environment for them.

Five of the hells are located in the Kannawa district, while the remaining two are in Shibaseki, about two miles apart. You can easily travel between them by bus, or even on foot.

Beyond the hot springs, the grounds of the Seven Hells feature beautiful gardens, ponds, and traditional red torii gates. A unique experience here is sampling food that’s steamed using the heat from the springs – a popular cooking method throughout Beppu.

Hell-Steamed Food in Beppu

In Beppu you don’t just steam your body in hell but your food too. Hell-steamed cuisine, or jigoku mushi, is a centuries-old method that is now a popular tourist attraction in Beppu. At restaurants like Jigokumushikobo Kannawa, you can select ingredients through a vending machine-style ordering system and then steam them yourself in massive stone ovens. The simplicity of this cooking method enhances the natural flavors of meat, rice, and vegetables, making for a healthy and delicious meal, amplified only by sauces that you select based on your palate. Our meal there was a standout experience, both interactive, flavorful, and steeped in thermal minerals.

For a sweet treat, grab a Jigoku pudding, a Beppu specialty similar to crème caramel and one of the tastiest Beppu attractions. This famous dessert is cooked in the same geothermal steam so it’s doubly hellish for sweetness and preparation method. There is no better place to try it than at its birthplace –Okamotoya.

Onsens in Beppu

Beppu’s onsen culture is what draws most visitors to the city. Onsens in Beppu are a way of life, with residents and visitors alike soaking in the mineral-rich hot spring baths for their health benefits. It's a daily ritual, even if to dip feet in public foot baths. What’s unique about thermal activity in Beppu is not only its volume but also the quality of the water. We’ve experienced geothermal baths in New Zealand, but nothing quite prepared us for Beppu’s rejuvenating onsens.

Hyotan Onsen, the only three Michelin Star onsen in Japan that was founded in 1922, is the best place to have a soak in Beppu. Although the criteria for earning Michelin stars in this sphere remain somewhat mysterious, Hyotan’s appeal is clear. The beauty and variety of their treatments are unparalleled. And to be more inclusive, they are tattoo-friendly and Halal-friendly in the hell-steamed kitchen. While most public baths require you to strip down to your birthday suit and are gender-segregated, Hyotan also offers private baths if you prefer a more secluded experience.

Another must-try is Beppu’s famous sand baths, where you don a yukata and get buried in warm, mineral-rich sand heated by the hot spring. It’s a detoxifying treatment and its popular location is right on the beach offering views of Beppu Bay. Unfortunately, the beachfront Beppu sand bath was closed for renovations during our visit, but Hyotan Onsen provides a similar experience minus the ocean view.

Day Trips from Beppu

Yufuin Floral Village 

Just 30 minutes from Beppu, nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu, lies Yufuin Floral Village, a fairytale-like setting modeled after the Cotswolds in England. So far, we’ve come across perfect imitations of places in the Netherlands and Germany plopped in Kyushu Island and Yufuin Village was yet another excellent execution that transports you to medieval England.

This picturesque village, complete with quaint cottages and cobblestone streets, is a favorite among fans of Studio Ghibli films and Harry Potter, as the Cotswolds served as a filming location, so expect thick crowds to form on weekends. You’ll hear the word ‘kawaii’ being used a lot in Japan which stands for ‘cute’ and represents a whole cultural phenomenon of all things cuddly, innocent, and adorable. Yufuin Floral Village is very kawaii, indeed. 

For a peaceful escape, stroll over to Kinrin Lake, where the glassy waters reflect the surrounding mountains and koi fish swim beneath the surface. In the early mornings, mist veils the lake, adding to its magical ambiance. With its charming attractions and scenic landscapes, Yufuin makes for an ideal day trip from Beppu.

Aso-Kuju National Park

After indulging in Beppu’s hot springs, why not visit the source of the geothermal energy? Just an hour’s drive from Beppu lies Mount Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano, located in Aso-Kuju National Park, one of the oldest parks in the country. The volcano last erupted in 2021, and while visiting the crater depends on current safety conditions, the park itself offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Japan.

With its vast, otherworldly terrain, Aso-Kuju National Park is often compared to Iceland and we see the resemblance. Whether you prefer hiking or cycling, the park has a range of activities to suit outdoor enthusiasts, which you can find on this map of park activities. Rent an electric bike from Aso Station and explore the volcanic plains, or hike one of the many trails offering stunning views. The park stretches all the way to Mount Yufu and Mount Tsurumi so the possibilities are endless. This day trip from Beppu is perfect for those seeking adventure and nature and can be adapted into a multi-day trek or expedition.

Beppu’s unique combination of geothermal activity, culture, and natural beauty easily makes it one of the best places to visit in Kyushu. Whether you are soaking in the therapeutic waters of an onsen, enjoying a hell-steamed meal, or taking a day trip to nearby attractions, Beppu has something for every kind of traveler. And one thing for sure is you’ll leave feeling younger than when you arrived. Are you ready to test it out for yourself?