Beppu Onsen is an attractive tourist destination that is visited by over 4 million people every year, but it is also a historic hot spring resort with a history of over 1,300 years.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to Beppu Onsen, including its history, water quality, tourist spots, how to access it from overseas, and a specific example itinerary.

Please use this as a reference and consider a trip to Beppu Onsen.

Beppu Onsen is in Oita Prefecture! Its history and charm

The roots of one of Japan's leading hot spring towns

Beppu Onsen is located in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, and is one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts, popular with both domestic and international travelers. It has such a long history that its name appears in documents from the Nara period, and it developed as a hot spring resort for aristocrats during the Heian period.

Furthermore, during the Edo period, it became widely known among the common people, and was ranked as one of the leading hot springs in western Japan in the hot spring rankings of the time. The culture and customs that have been cultivated over this long history are still alive and well in every corner of the city, and you can feel the traditions in its long-established inns and local cuisine.

The blessing of one of the world's largest quantities of hot water

Beppu Onsen boasts an abundance of hot spring resources, and the steam rising from various parts of the city is symbolic. The fact that there are so many hot springs scattered around has led to the development of a unique food culture and tourist experiences that make use of the hot spring heat.

For example, "Hell Steamed Cuisine" is a dynamic cooking method that uses steam to cook vegetables and seafood all at once. It is loved by locals because it is packed with the original flavor of the ingredients. As you walk around the town, you will be able to feel the unique atmosphere of a "hot spring town" along with the hot spring steam everywhere.

Why is Beppu Onsen recommended? Diverse spring qualities and benefits

Perfect for therapeutic baths! The secret behind the rich spring quality

Beppu Onsen is characterised by a wide variety of spring qualities. There are eight areas in the city known as the "Beppu Hatto" (Hamawaki, Kamegawa, Kankaiji, Hotta, Myoban, Kannawa, Shibashi, and Beppu), and you can experience hot springs with different acidity, alkalinity and mineral content.

For example, the "warm water" at Kannawa Onsen is said to be effective in easing neuralgia, while the cold mineral springs at Shibaishi Onsen are said to be effective in treating skin diseases. The appeal of these hot springs is that they have different effects depending on the spring quality. The reason why people have been taking "hot spring cures" since ancient times is probably due to the wide variety of spring qualities.

From beautiful skin and fatigue recovery to relaxation

The diverse spring qualities of the waters are said to have a variety of effects, including improving skin and relieving fatigue. For example, alkaline hot springs are said to soften keratin and make the skin smooth, making them popular among female visitors.

Many people also say that by warming their body from the inside out, they are able to reduce stress and improve the quality of their sleep. There are many hot spring facilities of various sizes scattered around Beppu Onsen, so it's great fun to go on a "hot spring tour" to find the spring quality and temperature that suits you.

Why not try finding your own "favorite bath"?

Must-see spots in Beppu Onsen! Hell tours, sand baths, and art experiences

From cobalt blue to red...the charms of visiting hell

A classic tourist attraction in Beppu Onsen is the "Hell Tour." This is a tour of the uniquely colored and shaped hot springs and fumaroles, such as Sea Hell and Pond of Blood Hell. The name "Hell" was given to this area because the rising steam and brilliantly colored hot water have long been considered "hell-like places that people cannot approach."

It continues to attract many travelers even after it was officially established as a tourist spot in 1924. When you see the impressive sight of steam rising from the hot springs, you will realize that there is more to hot springs than just taking a bath.

A new hot spring town with sand baths and contemporary art

Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath and other experiential hot spring spots that use sand are also popular. The weight of the sand and the heat of the hot springs will make you sweat, and you may experience a different kind of relaxation than usual. Depending on the facility, you may be able to bathe with less exposed skin, which is apparently popular with foreign tourists.

Furthermore, in recent years, collaborations with contemporary art have also been gaining attention in Beppu Onsen town. The sight of the historic hot spring town merging with cutting-edge artworks is not only photogenic for social media, but also makes your trip around the town even more exciting. Details of events and exhibitions change depending on the season, so be sure to check the official website or tourist information center for the latest information.

Access to Beppu Onsen from Oita Airport with peace of mind even from overseas!

Smooth travel using the Oita Airport Express Bus "Airliner"

The most convenient and common way to get from Oita Airport to Beppu Onsen is by Oita Airport Express Bus "Airliner".

- Duration: Approximately 50 minutes

- Fare: One-way 1,500 yen (adults), 750 yen (ages 1 year and over and under elementary school age)

- Frequency: 8 trains per day (approximately 1-2 trains every 2 hours)

No reservation is required for the bus, and tickets can be purchased at the automatic ticket vending machines next to the bus information counter in the arrival lobby or at the bus stop. IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc.) are also accepted.

Hands-free sightseeing service

If you drop off your luggage at the Yamato Transport counter at Oita Airport by 10:00 a.m. on the day of arrival, it will be delivered to your accommodation in Beppu City by 5:00 p.m. on the same day.

- Fee: 1,000 yen (within 120cm on all three sides), 1,300 yen (over 120cm)

To get around Beppu Onsen, we recommend using local buses or one-day passes. Details can be found at the local tourist information center. If you are traveling with a large group or have a lot of luggage, you may want to consider using a taxi or rental car.

A model plan for enjoying Beppu Onsen and gourmet food

A sample itinerary for a three-day trip

Day 1

・After arriving at Oita Airport, take a bus to the city center and head to Beppu.

・Experience the dynamic natural scenery on a tour of Hell.

- In the evening, relax and unwind in the hot springs of your hotel or inn.

Day 2

・Of the eight Beppu hot springs, we will visit the hot springs mainly around Kannawa Onsen and Myoban Onsen.

- While enjoying a soak in the hot springs, you can also enjoy the local specialties "Hell Steam" and "Hot Spring Eggs."

In the evening, enjoy Oita cuisine, such as chicken tempura at the shopping street or a local izakaya.

Day 3

- Enjoy walking around the town according to your preferences, whether that be experiencing a sand bath or touring art.

- After enjoying souvenir shopping and taking photos at the observation spots, head to the airport in the evening.

If you have time, we recommend visiting old buildings built during the Meiji and Taisho periods, as well as long-established inns that still offer hot spring treatments. Experience Beppu's deep hot spring culture and make your trip even more memorable.

Must-try specialty dishes include Jigokumushi and Toriten

If you come to Beppu Onsen, you should definitely try the local cuisine unique to Oita.

Jigokumushi: A dynamic cooking method in which vegetables, seafood, eggs, etc. are steamed all at once using hot spring steam. The flavors of the ingredients are concentrated, making it an appealingly healthy dish.

Toriten: A simple dish of battered and deep-fried chicken, it has a crispy texture and juicy meat juices that are irresistible.

Bungo Beef: A type of Wagyu beef produced in Oita Prefecture, this is a high-end brand of beef that is often served as steak or yakiniku.

Beppu cold noodles: A local delicacy with chewy noodles and a refreshing soup. It can be enjoyed all year round, not just in the hot season.

If you stop by a local restaurant between your hot spring tours, you are sure to be satisfied in both body and mind. In particular, the "onsen eggs" that can only be found in hot spring areas are appealing, as they are soft-boiled to a unique perfection using the heat of the hot springs, and make a great souvenir.

summary

Beppu Onsen, known for its diverse spring waters and unique geothermal scenery, has long been loved as a hot spring town that Oita Prefecture is proud of.

Enjoying hot springs is not just about bathing, but is also garnering attention as entertainment that involves seeing, eating, and experiencing, such as touring the hells and sand baths. Access from overseas is relatively easy, and the number of facilities offering multilingual support is on the rise, making it an easy place to visit even for those experiencing Japanese hot spring culture for the first time.

In this article, we have provided a comprehensive introduction to the attractions of Beppu Onsen, how to access it, sample itineraries, and gourmet food. However, for the latest information and detailed service information, we recommend checking the official website or local tourist information centers.

Please come and experience the ultimate relaxation that comes from the abundant hot springs and warm hospitality. We hope that your trip will be a memorable one.