Friends, ready for a town where the earth hisses, bubbles, and cooks your lunch? Beppu pairs theatrical geothermal with restorative bathhouses, coastal air, and mountain panoramas.

It’s 45–60 minutes from Ōita Airport by bus, or 15–20 minutes from Ōita City by JR train to Beppu Station. Pack quick-dry clothes and a small towel—you’ll want to dip often.

Quick Start

Base yourself near Beppu Station or Kannawa for easy access to buses and bathhouses. A local bus day pass costs roughly $8 and covers most sights. Many onsens are cash only, so carry coins. Some bathhouses have specific admission rules—check signage or ask politely.

Beppu Circuit

Beppu’s headline act is the Jigoku Meguri, eight dramatic geothermal pools to admire rather than soak in. Buy the combined ticket (about $15) and ride the loop: six are clustered in Kannawa, two in nearby Shibaseki. Expect about three hours including photos and short walks between sites.

Red Pond

Chi-no-ike Jigoku, the “Blood Pond,” glows a surreal rust-red from mineral deposits. It’s compact, photogenic, and includes a small gallery on local clays and balms. Go early or late in the day for softer light and fewer visitors.

Sand Baths

At Shōningahama Beach, attendants gently bury you in naturally heated sand up to your neck. Sessions last 10–15 minutes and feel like a warm weighted blanket—perfect for easing travel tension. Expect $10–$12, with a small extra fee for a cotton yukata. Rinse off at the adjacent baths afterward.

Geyser Show

Tatsumaki Jigoku erupts roughly every 30–40 minutes. There’s shade, seating, and a countdown board; bring water and a hat in summer. Your joint ticket includes entry, so relax and wait for the plume to surge.

Central Park

Beppu Park, just a few blocks from the station, makes a lovely pause between onsens. In spring, its paths bloom with cherry blossoms; in autumn, the trees blaze copper and gold. Benches, snack kiosks, and restrooms keep it easy for families or solo wanderers.

Night Music

For retro fun, Hit Parade brings 1950s tunes and a lively dance floor. Doors open around 19:00, with shows most nights except select weekdays. Cover charges are usually $10–$15 depending on the program.

Classic Onsen

Takegawara Onsen, operating since the Meiji era, offers an atmospheric, no-frills soak. Entry is $2–$4. The water runs hot, so start with short dips and drink plenty of water. Bring soap and a towel, or rent them for a small fee at the counter.

Steam Kitchen

At Jigoku Mushi Kōbō, use geothermal steam to cook your meal. Rent a basket ($3–$5), buy ingredients—vegetables, eggs, sweet potatoes ($5–$10)—and let them steam under mineral vapor. Staff timers make it foolproof and fun.

Mud Springs

Oniishibōzu Jigoku bubbles with thick gray mud, mesmerizing to watch and great for photos. Nearby footbaths let you feel the warmth safely. Bring a towel and avoid white socks—the minerals can stain.

Sweet Bakes

Tomonaga Panya, a beloved local bakery since 1916, serves soft breads and pastries. Try the custard-filled “doggie” bun or seasonal fruit options. Each costs about $1–$3—perfect for park picnics between hot-spring stops.

Ropeway Views

Ride the Beppu Ropeway up Mt. Tsurumi for wide views of the bay and town. Round-trip tickets cost about $12 and $6 for children. On clear days you can trace the coastline; in winter, frost-dusted trees turn the summit into a silver forest.

Onsen Fest

Every April, Beppu’s Onsen Festival fills the town with parades, performances, and extended opening hours at select bathhouses. Most events are free. Arrive early for popular spots, and check the city website for shuttle schedules.

Bamboo Crafts

At the Beppu Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center, admire woven works from the Edo period to modern design. Join a short workshop to make a small piece yourself. Plan 60–90 minutes; admission is $3–$5, with workshop fees listed at the desk.

Practical Tips

Carry a small waterproof pouch for your pass and coins. Always rinse before entering pools and follow posted etiquette. Locker rentals cost about $1–$2. Ryokans with in-house baths start near $70–$120 per room off-season; Western-style hotels by the station often include breakfast.

Conclusion

Beppu glows when you balance drama with calm—a geyser’s rush followed by a quiet soak, a red pool before a bakery bench. Which moment tempts you most: steam-cooked lunch, sand’s warm embrace, or a ropeway glide into the sky? Choose your rhythm, and let the city’s gentle steam carry you there.