What is Space Beppu?

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If you're visiting Beppu and want to avoid the touristic areas and get off the beaten track a bit, then the Minami area is perfect for you. This article will introduce you to Space Beppu - a community space utilising a century-old Japanese house situated in downtown Beppu.

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Space Beppu

A community space located within a century-old Japanese house, Space Beppu comprises art & photo galleries, a book cafe (reading zone) and a gift shop specialising in local, eco-friendly products. We offer classes in Japanese cooking and calligraphy, as well as tea ceremony sessions and guided walking tours around the local area. We operate as a 'safe space' - an anti-discrimination zone where members of marginalised communities will be welcomed and accepted as their authentic selves.

Table of Contents
What is Space Beppu?
Space Beppu's features
How to get to Space Beppu
Final remarks

What is Space Beppu?

A community space in a century-old Japanese building

Space Beppu first opened its doors to the public in April 2023.

Under the concept of an inclusive, anti-discrimination 'safe space', Space Beppu comprises a gift shop selling local crafts, art gallery, reading zone, history room and much more. It is believed to be Beppu City's first ever designated LGBTQ+ safe space.

With something to suit everyone's tastes, Space Beppu is frequently visited by both locals and overseas tourists alike.

Space Beppu's features

Ground floor: gift shop

Upon entering the shop, you'll feast your eyes on a wide variety of unique products. We sell accessories carefully crafted by local artisans, bamboo products unique to Beppu, as well as children's educational items imported from Europe.

Handmade seaglass accessories (Instagram: @rurimoharimo_)

Space Beppu's own products

First floor: event/exhibition rental space

Space available to rent out for temporary displays, exhibitions, etc.

There are currently two exhibitions on display (free admission):

・Art Gallery - Tomoe Higashi:

A Beppu-based artist, Higashi graduated with a Master's Degree in Fine Arts from Bath Spa University in the United Kingdom. Her paintings express her own experiences and thoughts through the intricate layering of colour and motifs.

・Beppu History Room - Kenyu Enjyouji (Instagram: @kenyu_enjyouji ):

Currently enrolled in a doctoral program in the Department of History and Cultural Heritage Studies (Archives) at Beppu University's Graduate School of Letters, Kenyu Enjyouji's expert selection of photographs gives visitors an authentic sense of what the local Beppu area was once like in days gone by.

First floor: book cafe (reading zone)

For just ¥500 (including one soft drink), visitors can read, study or simply relax in our airy, comfortable reading room (WiFi and plug sockets available). Featuring a wide variety of books, the book cafe is a great choice for those looking for somewhere cosy to work, or to meet and have a chat with friends.

English learning

The demand for English language learning in Japan only continues to grow.

Space Beppu's own English school, 'Eigo Space', is a small-scale English conversation school for adults only. Run by Space Beppu owner Francis, the aim of Eigo Space is to teach natural English - the way it's really spoken by native speakers as opposed to how it's taught in outdated school textbooks. With both group sessions and private lessons available, the school is known for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and affordable pricing.

Details: Eigo Space for adults (Space Beppu official website) , Instagram ( @eigo_space_beppu )

Activities for tourists visiting Japan

Space Beppu offers a variety of activities for visitors from overseas.

Calligraphy classes for beginners

Minami Area Walking Tours

・Minami area walking tour

・Calligraphy classes for beginners

・Cooking class (learn how to make 'dango-jiru' - a local delicacy from Oita Prefecture)

・Experience an authentic tea ceremony hosted by a local instructor dressed in kimono

Through a variety of activities, we provide opportunities for tourists visiting Japan to immerse themselves in both traditional Japanese culture and everyday life.

Details: Space Beppu Activities List (TripAdvisor)

How to get to Space Beppu

1. Exit Beppu Station at the East Exit (sea side)

2. Walk down the street heading in the direction of the large Tokiwa Department Store, until you see a Lawson convenience store (on the right side of the road). At Lawson, turn right.

3. Keep going for about 10 minutes until you see a restaurant called 'Toraya'. Turn left at Toraya.

4. Keep walking for approx. 1 minute (or possibly less). Space Beppu will clearly be visible on your right.

Final remarks

Space Beppu aims to connect both tourists and locals, providing a safe and inclusive space for education, exploration and relaxation.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Please feel free to stop by:

12-9 Chiyomachi, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, 874-0942, Japan. 12 minutes walk from JR Beppu Station. 4 parking spaces available.

Opening hours: 11:00-17:00. Closed: occasional (unscheduled) closed days

・TEL: 0977-75-9566

・Email: info@glidejapan.co.jp

・Instagram @space_beppu

・Official Website

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Space Beppu

Oita

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