Beppu city is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts. Boasting the largest number of hot spring sources as you can see hot spring steam rising from all parts of the town. Beppu was extremely popular in the Showa period and retrains an old-fashioned atmosphere. Be sure to try the local delicacies as well as the classic Jigoku tour.
1. Beppu Jigoku tour
Jigoku (or hell, in English) refers to the hot spring where hot water gushed out. With an extremely hot stream, scorching water, and bubbling mud, it is likened to Hell. The Jigoku tour, which goes around these hells, is the staple sightseeing attraction when visiting here.
- Umi Jigoku
The largest Jigoku in Beppu. The blue color of the hot spring may look cool but the temperature is surprisingly hot with 98°C. It is said that this hot spring sprouted 1,200 years ago when Mt.Tsutumidake erupted.
- Chinoike Jigoku
Japan’s oldest natural Jigoku hot spring! The name was found in the Bungo Fufoki, an ancient historical chronicle on Bungo(present-day Oita prefecture) culture, geography, tradition, etc. With 30 m. depth, the red-hot bloody pond make one definitely thinks of Hell.
2. JR Beppu Station
Your journey in Beppu starts here. There are Tourist Information Office, located inside Station to guide you about transportation and also souvenirs shops that gather all unique famous local things so you could grab something before leaving.
Right outside the east exit, there is a statue of “Kumahachi Aburaya” who helped to build tourism promotion in the area. And next to the statue is a free hot spring bath for your hands. “Please enjoy dipping your hands,” says the sign.
3. Beppu Beach Sand Bath
Looking over the beach while listening to the sound of waves, Beppu sand bath offers a time to peacefully enjoy a sand bath. Just after 10-15 minutes, you will be sweating and feel relaxed and light.
4. The Aqua Garden/ Suginoi Hotel
An outdoor hot spring facility at Suginoi hotel, the largest hotel in the city. At night the fountain art show is also beautiful. Enjoy the Onsen and dressed in a swimsuit.
5. Jigokumushi Streamed Food
In the Kannawa hot spring area in Beppu, the traditional use of Jikoku-gama (steaming oven) of the hot spring to steam food is clean, healthy and fun. Food cooked with the hot steam from the onsen is called “Jikoku-mushi”. A popular facility where you can buy various ingredients and cook them yourself is Jigokumushi Kobo Kannawa. The staff will teach you how to stream your food so there’s no need to worry
6. Beppu Ropeway
Ride a large-sized gondola and enjoy a sweeping view from Mt.Tsurumidake to Beppu city and Beppu Bay. The Kyushu azalea in Spring and the colored leaves in autumn are also stunning.
7. Beppu Tower
Beppu Tower was the third of its kind to be constructed after Nagoya TV Tower and Tsutenkaku in Osaka. Designed by the same architect for Tokyo Tower, it has become a beloved, quintessential icon of Beppu tourism. Beppu Tower was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2007 after its 50th anniversary.
8. Kijima Kogen Amusement Park
Located on a sloping hill in the highland, Kijima Kogen Park is a multi-purpose resort complex with an amusement park, a hotel, a fully-equipped 18-hole golf course, and more.
Japan’s first wooden roller coaster, “Jupiter,” and a wide range of exciting attractions make this a great destination for families.
After enjoying Beppu city, you would definitely go visit the neighbor city, Yufuin.
