Beppu travel guide
Beppu is one of the most famous onsen resorts in Japan. The resort is located on
a slope extending from Mount Tsurumi to Beppu Bay, where onsen steam rises
from everywhere. Boasting more than 2,800 hot spring sources and a flow rate of
nearly 137,000 kiloliters per day, Beppu is considered a hot spring paradise famous
for its high therapeutic effects.
The most recommended experiences are taking the ropeway up Mount Tsurumi and
exploring the famous “Hells” (Jigoku) tour. The town is divided into eight major hot
spring areas collectively called “Beppu Hatto,” each offering beautiful scenery and
various types of spring water with unique therapeutic qualities.
Beppu Hell Tour
The most famous attractions are the “Jigoku Meguri” (Hells Tour), a collection of
spectacular hot springs where water bubbles up from underground in unique and
unusual ways. Five of the hells are located in the Kannawa district, about 4 km
northwest of Beppu Station, while the remaining two are in the more remote
Shibaseki district.
Foot bath
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Have you ever tried a foot bath? Known as “ashiyu”
in Japanese, these are public hot springs where you
can soak your feet to relax. In Beppu, you can easily
find ashiyu spots throughout the Kannawa area,
conveniently located near the “Hells” tour sites.
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Hyotan Onsen, sand bath
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Beppu’s popular public baths offer a wonderful
opportunity to enjoy various types of onsen experiences,
including the unique and famous sand bath.
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Myoban Onsen
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Known for its 200-year history of alum production, Myoban
Onsen is a unique geothermal area located 400 meters
above sea level on the slopes of Mount Garan. Although it
is tucked away from the bustling center of Beppu, its iconic
traditional “Yunohana” huts make it a must-visit destination.
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Jigoku Mushi kobo
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Jigoku Mushi, literally “hell-steaming,” is a unique cooking
method found in Beppu. Fresh ingredients such as
vegetables, seafood, and meat are cooked using natural
volcanic steam from the hot springs. You can even try
using the steam cookers yourself to cook your favorite
foods.
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Mount Tsurumi
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Soaring 1,375 meters into the sky, Mount Tsurumi is a
breathtaking mountain overlooking Beppu that offers scenic
hiking trails, rare flora, and outstanding vistas. Visitors can
take a ropeway 800 meters up the mountainside and revel in
being surrounded by acres of rolling greenery.
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