Beppu

About Beppu

Beppu discharges 130,000 kilolitres of hot water daily - the second largest geothermal output of any city in the world after Yellowstone. The eight Jigoku (hell ponds) include cobalt blue, blood-red, and grey mud-bubbling varieties.

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  Umi Jigoku

  Popular

  ★4.3(12,046)

  Small park centered on a cobalt-blue geothermal pool cloaked in vapors, with a footbath & cafe.

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  Chinoike Jigoku

  Popular

  ★4.0(11,067)

  Steaming thermal pool with dark-red water naturally colored by iron oxide & nearby foot baths

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  Kamado Jigoku

  Popular

  ★4.1(11,024)

  Hell-themed geothermal park with steaming red & blue pools, plus a footbath, gift shop & snacks.

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  Beppu Jigoku (Hells of Beppu)

  Popular

  ★4.2(10,210)

  Popular hot springs attraction featuring fenced pools with kitschy themes & animal enclosures.

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• 

  Takegawara Onsen

  ★4.1(5,091)

  Classic hot spring baths & a unique sand immersion bath offered in an old-fashioned building.

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  Okamotoya Jigokumushi Pudding

  ★4.0(4,704)

  Low-key joint for comfort food, including soupy Japanese curry & pudding steamed over hot springs.

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Getting around Beppu

Beppu's compact layout is best navigated by bus, with the Kamenoi Bus and Beppu City Bus covering most neighbourhoods and attractions, typically running until around 9 p.m. Most visitors purchase an IC card like ICOCA or a rechargeable Suica at convenience stores or the station, with single fares around ¥200 - 240; alternatively, one-day bus passes (roughly ¥700) offer good value for exploring the famous Hells and scattered onsen districts. The city centre is walkable, and bike rentals are available near the station for around ¥1,000 per day, ideal for leisurely rides between hot-spring neighborhoods. Taxis are reasonably priced and worth considering for evening returns from remote onsen or when buses run less frequently late at night. Most major attractions - the eight geothermal Hells, the Takegawara Bathhouse, and hill-top observation points - are within 20 - 30 minutes by bus from the station, making advance route planning unnecessary.

Best time to visit

The ideal months to visit are October and November, when mild temperatures and clear skies make exploring the famous hells and onsen districts genuinely pleasurable, while autumn foliage adds colour to the surrounding hillsides. April offers similar advantages with cherry blossoms blooming around the city's parks and waterways, though crowds swell considerably. Avoid June through early July due to Japan's rainy season, and skip August when peak summer heat and humidity make bathing in outdoor hot springs uncomfortable. Typhoon season typically runs September through October, so early autumn visits require flexible planning. The Beppu Hatto Matsuri festival, usually held in early November, celebrates the city's eight coloured geothermal pools with parades, food stalls, and cultural performances. For fewer visitors without sacrificing good weather, consider late April through May or September after the rainy season ends but before typhoons arrive.

Where to stay

Beppu's accommodation spreads across several distinct areas, each suited to different travel styles. The Kitahama and Ekimae districts near the station offer convenient access to transport and typically feature business hotels and mid-range chains (usually ¥8,000 - 16,000 for a double), making them practical bases for exploring the famous hells and onsen scattered throughout the city. For a more immersive experience, the Kannawa area - home to numerous traditional ryokan and onsen resorts - sits near several of the eight hells and provides direct soaking opportunities, though prices tend to climb toward ¥15,000 - 25,000 per person with meals included. Budget travelers might consider capsule hotels in the central districts, which offer rock-bottom rates and walkable proximity to shopping and dining. Most neighborhoods sit within 10 - 20 minutes of the Beppu Station bus terminal, where connections to the geothermal attractions radiate outward, so proximity matters less than your chosen onsen experience.

What to eat

Beppu's culinary scene reflects its status as Japan's hot spring capital, with jigoku mushi (food steamed over geothermal vents) standing out as the city's most distinctive dish - local restaurants cook vegetables, seafood, and eggs in bamboo baskets suspended above boiling mineral-rich steam. Head to Taketa Jigoku Mushi Village or the food stalls near Beppu Station to sample this unique preparation. The city also excels in fresh sashimi and grilled fish, thanks to its coastal location in Oita Prefecture. For casual dining, ramen shops and donburi stands throughout the Ekimae shopping district offer hearty meals typically ranging from ¥800 to ¥1,500 per bowl. While Beppu doesn't have a major sake brewing tradition like other Kyushu regions, local shochu distilleries dot the area, and many onsen resorts pair their kaiseki dinners with regional spirits. Budget-conscious visitors should explore the covered shopping streets, where fresh seafood markets and standing noodle shops keep costs low.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sand bath (sunamushi)?▾

Which hell pond is most dramatic?▾

What is the combined hell entry fee?▾

What is the best public bath (konyoku) experience?▾

What are the entry times for Beppu Jigoku?▾