Beppu is Japan’s most active hot spring city, producing more geothermal water per day than anywhere else in the world except Yellowstone. Steam rises from vents across the city, onsen are found on every street, and the famous Jigoku (Hells) are spectacularly coloured geothermal pools open to visitors.
Beppu is the most dramatic onsen destination in Japan and one of Kyushu’s strongest reasons to extend a trip beyond Fukuoka.
Quick Answer: Beppu: Japan’s most active hot spring city in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Eight onsen districts, the seven Jigoku (Hell) geothermal pools, a sand bath on the beach, and excellent seafood. 2 hours from Fukuoka by limited express. See the Fukuoka guide and Fukuoka day trips for how Beppu fits into a Fukuoka-based Kyushu trip.
Getting to Beppu
From Fukuoka (Hakata)
JR Sonic limited express from Hakata Station to Beppu Station. Approximately 2 hours. Cost: approximately 5,940 yen. Covered by the JR Pass guide. Trains run approximately every hour. Beppu makes an excellent overnight from Fukuoka.
From Oita
JR Nippo Line from Oita Station to Beppu Station. Approximately 15 minutes, 200 yen. Oita Airport is 45 minutes from Beppu by bus, making Direct access to Beppu from the airport possible.
The Jigoku (Hells of Beppu)
The seven Jigoku are geothermal pools with dramatically coloured water, named for their hellish appearance. They are viewing attractions rather than bathing in an onsen. A combined ticket covers six of the seven Hells (2,200 yen adults, 1,000 yen children). The seven Hells:
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)
The most famous and largest. Cobalt blue water at 98 degrees, coloured by dissolved minerals. The surrounding garden has lotus plants that float on the surface of the hot water in summer.
Oniishibozu Jigoku (Shaven Head Hell)
Grey mud bubbling at the surface, resembling the shaved heads of Buddhist monks. The mud viscosity varies by season.
Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell)
Named for the myth of a demon cooking rice over the steam. Has multiple pools of different colours and temperatures visible from an elevated walkway.
Oniyama Jigoku (Monster Mountain Hell)
Famous for the large crocodile farm that has been part of the attraction since 1923. The geothermal heat maintains the crocodile enclosure year-round.
Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell)
Milky white water, relatively calm compared to the other Hells. Has an aquarium of tropical fish sustained by warm water.
Tatsumaki Jigoku (Waterspout Hell)
A natural geyser that erupts approximately every 30 to 40 minutes, reaching 50 metres in height—one of the few natural geysers in Japan.
Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell)
The most visually dramatic. Deep red water coloured by iron oxide and magnesium.—one of Japan’s oldest natural spa attractions, mentioned in documents from 1276.
Bathing in Beppu
Beyond the viewing Hells, Beppu has eight distinct onsen districts (Beppu Hatto) with bathhouses at every price point. The municipal public baths (shikabu onsen) cost 100 to 200 yen and are where Beppu residents bathe daily. Takegawara Onsen near Beppu Station (dating from 1879) offers sand baths and standard baths in a historic wooden building. The Beppu Beach Sand Bath at Shoningahama beach is a unique experience: attendants bury you in sand naturally heated by geothermal activity beneath the surface, with temperatures reaching 40 to 45 degrees. See the onsen guide and the onsen etiquette guide for onsen etiquette.
What to Eat in Beppu
Toriten (chicken tempura) is a local Beppu specialty, a central Oita dish made with chicken battered and fried in a distinctive seasoning. Beppu also has excellent seafood from the Bungo Channel. The restaurants near Beppu Station’s shotengai (covered shopping arcade) serve both. See what to eat in Japan.
Where to Stay
Beppu has ryokan with private onsen rooms, business hotels near the station, and traditional guesthouses in the onsen districts. Staying at a ryokan with an in-room onsen or private outdoor bath (rotenburo) in Beppu is one of Japan’s finest overnight experiences. Please see the ryokan guide for how stays at Japanese inns work.
Nearby Guides
- Fukuoka guide
- Fukuoka 3 days
- Fukuoka day trips
- Nagasaki guide
- Kumamoto guide
- onsen guide
- JR Pass guide
- Best places to visit in Japan
FAQ
How many days should I spend in Beppu?
One night minimum to properly experience the onsen and the Hells. Two nights allow the Hells circuit, multiple onsen visits, a day trip to Yufuin (a famous onsen resort town, 1 hour by bus), and proper relaxation. Beppu is a destination for slowing down, not rushing.
Can I visit Beppu as a day trip from Fukuoka?
Yes. The 2-hour Sonic limited express from Hakata gives approximately 5 to 6 hours in Beppu, enough time to cover the seven Hells and take a quick bath. An overnight is strongly recommended for the full experience. See the Fukuoka day trips.
Is Beppu good for first-time onsen visitors?
Yes. Beppu has onsen at every level, from tourist-friendly public baths with English signage to traditional local bathhouses. The Takegawara Sand Bath is an ideal first onsen experience as it is less intimidating than a communal bath. See the onsen etiquette guide for everything to know before visiting an onsen.
