Why Beppu Belongs on a Kyushu Journey
Discover Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, where volcanic landscapes, rising steam, traditional baths and mountain views create one of Kyushu’s most memorable experiences.
A Different Kind of Onsen Town
Many visitors come to Beppu for its hot springs, but the city offers much more than a place to bathe.
Steam rises from the streets, mountains frame the city, and volcanic energy can be felt almost everywhere. Beppu is lively, popular and sometimes very touristy, yet it remains one of the most impressive places in Kyushu to understand how deeply hot springs have shaped local life.
Rather than avoiding famous places simply because they are well known, we believe some of them are worth experiencing — especially when they reveal something unique about the region.
If you are interested in Japanese antiques or would like to explore them further, feel free to discover our collection or contact us.
More Than a Famous Tourist Spot
Beppu is famous, and for good reason.
It can be busy, and some places are clearly designed for visitors, but that does not make them uninteresting. When approached with the right rhythm, Beppu offers a powerful introduction to Kyushu’s volcanic landscape and hot spring culture.
From steaming streets and geothermal food to traditional baths, mountain views and lively local neighbourhoods, Beppu is one of those places where nature and everyday life are visibly connected.
For travellers visiting Kyushu for the first time, it is a destination worth including — not because it is hidden, but because it is unforgettable.
A Surprising Encounter with Wild Monkeys
Takasakiyama Monkey Park, located between Beppu and Oita, is another memorable stop.
Hundreds of Japanese macaques live on the mountain, moving freely through the park. It is especially enjoyable for families, but also interesting for anyone who wants to observe Japanese monkeys in a more natural setting than a zoo.
Combined with Beppu’s hot springs and mountain scenery, it adds another side to the day.
Seeing Beppu from Above
Beppu is not only about hot springs at street level.
The Beppu Ropeway takes visitors up Mount Tsurumi, where the view opens over Beppu Bay, the city and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, it is one of the best ways to understand the geography of the region.
Closer to town, the Yukemuri Observation Deck offers another unforgettable view: steam rising from the Kannawa district, drifting between houses, inns and narrow streets. It is one of the most symbolic views of Beppu, especially in cooler weather or around sunset.
Takegawara Onsen and the Sand Bath
For a more traditional experience, Takegawara Onsen remains one of Beppu’s most iconic bathhouses.
Its historic wooden building has a nostalgic charm, and the famous sand bath offers something very different from an ordinary onsen. Guests lie down while staff gently cover them with naturally heated sand, creating a deep warmth that is surprisingly relaxing.
It is simple, old-fashioned and memorable — exactly the kind of experience that gives Beppu its character.
Tasting Food Cooked by the Earth
One of Beppu’s most enjoyable experiences is jigoku-mushi, food cooked using natural geothermal steam.
Vegetables, seafood, meat and eggs are placed in special steam ovens heated by the hot springs themselves. The result is simple, healthy and deeply connected to the place.
It is not a luxury restaurant experience, but something more local and memorable — a meal that could only really happen in a town like Beppu.
The Hells of Beppu
No visit to Beppu would feel complete without seeing at least a few of the famous Hells, or Jigoku.
These are not hot springs for bathing, but spectacular geothermal pools created by volcanic activity. Some are colourful, some are dramatic, and some are clearly developed for tourism — but they remain part of Beppu’s identity.
Among the seven Hells, Umi Jigoku is perhaps the most beautiful, with its striking blue water and tropical atmosphere. Chinoike Jigoku, also known as Blood Pond Hell, offers a completely different impression with its deep red mineral-rich water. Kamado Jigoku is more playful and interactive, with bubbling pools, steam demonstrations and a lively atmosphere.
Rather than rushing through all seven, we often prefer choosing a few carefully and leaving enough time to enjoy the Kannawa area around them.
Discover Beppu with Kizunaway
Every journey we organise is personalised.
Some guests are interested in hot spring culture, others prefer dramatic landscapes, local food, traditional crafts or a relaxed day combining several experiences at their own rhythm.
Beppu can be visited as a classic sightseeing destination, but it can also be explored more slowly, with time to understand its atmosphere, its history and the everyday life that has grown around its geothermal energy.
