[3 sightseeing spots recommended by local staff] Enjoy hot springs and nature! A relaxing trip around Oita and Beppu

• Table of Contents
• Oita/ Beppu| Welcome to Hot Spring Wonderland
• Access | Direct train from the airport takes about 50 minutes to the hot spring resort with a view of the sea
• Local staff recommends 3 sightseeing spots in Beppu!
• If you're staying in Beppu, we recommend "Beppu Onsen - Bamboo and Camellia Inn - Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu"
• Summary | Enjoy a relaxing and fulfilling trip to the hot spring wonderland of Beppu

Oita/ Beppu| Welcome to Hot Spring Wonderland

When talking about hot spring towns in Japan, the first name that comes to mind is Beppu. Boasting one of the highest volumes of hot spring water and the largest number of hot spring sources in the country, its scale makes it truly worthy of being called "Japan's No. 1 hot spring resort."

Its history is long, and it was already mentioned in the "Iyo no Kuni Fudoki," compiled in the early 8th century, as "the hot spring that saved lives." There are also records that during the Kamakura period, sanatoriums for samurai injured in battle were established in Kannawa and Hamawaki, and Beppu's hot springs have been loved by people since ancient times as hot springs with "healing powers."

Today, Beppu is dotted with eight hot springs known as the "Beppu Hatto," each with its own unique spring quality and atmosphere. It is rare in the world to be able to enjoy such a wide variety of hot springs in one city.

Walking up the hillside where steam rises from the hot springs, travelers are drawn in by the aroma of bamboo townhouses and local food. In this land embraced by the sea and mountains, the warmth of the people who live in harmony with nature still lives on, and the "culture of handicrafts" that symbolizes the charm of Beppu, such as tableware and local cuisine, is also carefully passed down.

When you immerse yourself in the abundant hot spring water, the hustle and bustle of everyday life fades away and your mind and body slowly relax. This is the charm of hot springs, a part of Japanese culture, and the reason why Beppu continues to attract travelers from all over the world.

This is truly a hot spring theme park, where history and nature come together in harmony to create a "healing wonderland" that will quietly welcome you.

Provided by: Tourism Oita Public Interest Incorporated Association

Access | Direct train from the airport takes about 50 minutes to the hot spring resort with a view of the sea

Oita Airport is a popular airport for international travelers, with direct flights from major domestic cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, as well as Korea and Taiwan. Located in northeastern Kyushu, it is used by many travelers as an access point to popular tourist destinations such as Beppu, Yufuin, and Oita City.

Oita Airport (OIT) is a popular airport for international travelers, with direct flights from major domestic cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, as well as Korea and Taiwan. Located in northeastern Kyushu, it is used by many travelers as a base for accessing popular tourist destinations such as Beppu, Yufuin, and Oita City.

Beppu is about 50 minutes away from Oita Airport by airport bus. As you travel along the coastline, you'll gaze out the window at the calm blue of Beppu Bay and the abundant nature of the Kunisaki Peninsula, and before you know it, you'll find yourself in front of a hot spring town with steam rising from the hot springs.

The bus stop is just a five-minute walk from the arrival gate, making access easy. It's designed to make travel safe even for those with lots of luggage, allowing you to start your trip stress-free after arriving at the airport. Online tickets can also be purchased in advance, making it perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their time. Travel efficiently and head to Beppu's hot spring town without disrupting your travel schedule.

For details such as airport bus timetables, please click here

It is also about two hours by express train from Hakata (Fukuoka), the gateway to Kyushu. Since you can travel there without changing trains, it is easy to incorporate into your Kyushu travel route, and is ideal for round trips such as "Fukuoka to Beppu" and "Beppu to Fukuoka."

If you want to enjoy Kyushu to the fullest, we recommend using Hakata, a transportation hub connecting various areas, as your base. With Hakata as your base, you can not only enjoy a hot spring trip to Beppu, but also travel to other areas surprisingly easily.

▼For more information on attractive spots and recommended ways to spend your time in Hakata, please see this article.

Local staff recommends 3 sightseeing spots in Beppu!

① Beppu Jigoku Onsen "Umi Jigoku" | A 1200-year-old miracle dyed cobalt blue

The "Hell Tour" is Beppu's most famous tourist attractions, and among them, Umi Jigoku exudes a particularly mystical beauty.

Contrary to the impression given by the name, what spreads out before your eyes is a cobalt blue hot spring pool that is reminiscent of a tropical sea. The blue that sways beyond the steam is truly a work of art painted by nature. This color is created when the iron sulfate contained in the hot spring reflects light, and the hue changes subtly depending on the season and weather, so you'll see something different every time you visit.

Within Umi Jigoku Garden, the heat from the hot springs is used to grow giant water lilies (water lilies) native to the Amazon and tropical water lilies. They flower from early May to early November, and the flowers floating in the morning light are breathtakingly beautiful. During the Obon period in August, there is also an opportunity for elementary school children (up to 20kg) to experience riding a giant water lily, which has become a popular summer tradition.

We also recommend the foot bath, which is free for visitors to enjoy. If you want to rest your feet for a bit during your trip, the hot spring water, which flows directly from the source, will soothe your fatigue. Towels are sold at the shop within the park, so you can drop in empty-handed, which is a nice feature.

Furthermore, seasonal events such as illuminations and special exhibitions are held, so the best part of Umi Jigoku is that no matter what season or time you visit - day or night, summer or winter - you can experience a different charm.

Umi Jigoku is a symbol of Beppu Onsen. Oku within the steam, you can feel the breath of a hot spring culture that has continued for over a thousand years.

Provided by: Tourism Oita Public Interest Incorporated Association

Click here for the official Umi Jigoku website

Mount Tsurumi dake Ropeway | Take in the panoramic views of Kyushu on a journey through the sky at an altitude of 1,375m

Towering over the city of Beppu is Mount Tsurumi, 1,375 meters above sea level. The summit can be accessed by a 10-minute ropeway ride. As the gondola slowly ascends into the sky, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Beppu city, Beppu Bay Bay, Lake Shidaka, Jojima Takaharu, and even the distant mountains of Shikoku, making you feel as if you're on a panoramic journey through the great outdoors of Kyushu.

Once you reach the summit, you'll be greeted by beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. In spring, dainty flowers such as Miyamakirishima bloom in full bloom, while in summer, vibrant green blends with the clear blue of the sky, creating a refreshing contrast. In autumn, the entire mountain is dyed in red leaves, and in winter, the entire area is enveloped in a silver world of sparkling frost.

It is truly a spectacular spot in the sky where you can enjoy the four seasons with all your senses.
Enjoy the grandeur of nature while gazing at the steam rising from Beppu's hot springs below.

Provided by: Tourism Oita Public Interest Incorporated Association

3. Lake Shidaka | A quiet retreat in the heart of a Takaharu park

Lake Shidaka, a Takaharu lake that spreads across the southeastern slopes of Mount Tsurumi in Beppu City , is part of the Aso Kuju National Park and was once praised as one of the "Three Scenic Spots of Beppu." Boats float on the lake's surface, and time passes peacefully, enveloped in the sounds of wild birds and the scent of greenery.
The lake's surface reflects different expressions with each season, and the majestic Mount Yufu enhances its beauty. The temperature is about 5 degrees lower than in the city, and the gentle breeze makes it a popular summer resort.

The famous attractions are the swan- and whale-shaped pedal boats. As you sail across the lake, you may see swans swimming alongside you, making them extremely popular with children. Near the boat dock, you can also taste the cool spring water, truly experiencing the blessings of nature.

There are campsites and walking trails along the lakeside, and the adjacent Lake Kagurameko is filled with large irises in bloom in early summer.

Enjoy Oita's nature to your heart's content at Lake Shidaka.

Provided by: Tourism Oita Public Interest Incorporated Association

If you're staying in Beppu, we recommend "Beppu Onsen - Bamboo and Camellia Inn - Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu"

If you want to make your stay in Beppu more personal and heartwarming, we recommend Hana Beppu, a Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu spring inn with bamboo and camellias. Although located in the heart of the steamy hot spring town of Beppu, the moment you step inside you will feel the tranquility of another world.

It is easily accessible, just a 6-minute walk from the west exit of JR Beppu Station; just leave the station and walk straight ahead.
There are no big steps and it is easy to move around.

The interior of the building is a gentle space decorated throughout with bamboo crafts, a traditional Beppu craft, and is enveloped in the scent of wood and tatami mats.
Taking off your shoes and enjoying the feel of the tatami mats with your bare feet will be a special experience that allows you to experience the essence of Japanese culture.
For your enjoyable dinner, we offer a Kaiseki course meal made with seasonal ingredients, using plenty of the bounty of Oita's seas and mountains.
The hotel also offers natural hot spring water that is gentle on the skin.
As you immerse yourself in the hot water, the fatigue of your journey melts away and your heart is warmed and soothed.

Click here for the official website of "Beppu Onsen - Bamboo and Camellia Inn - Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu"

Summary | Enjoy a relaxing and fulfilling trip to the hot spring wonderland of Beppu

Beppu is one of Kyushu's leading wellness destinations, where hot springs, nature, and culture coexist in harmony. Stroll through the townscape shrouded in the mystical beauty of hot springs, marvel at the cobalt blue glow of Umi Jigoku, and take a deep breath at Mount Tsurumi and Lake Shidaka, which show off their different faces throughout the seasons. Every time you visit Beppu, you'll be moved by the beauty of nature and the warm-hearted lives of its people.

After your adventure in Beppu , Hana Beppu, a Bamboo and Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu Inn in Beppu Hot Springs, will warmly welcome you. Conveniently located close to Beppu Station, just one step inside, you'll find a tranquil hideaway adorned with the artistry of bamboo crafts. Savoring the local delicacies and immersing yourself in the soft hot water is a luxurious experience worthy of the climax of your trip. Escape from the everyday and embark on a journey to Beppu, the hot spring Beppu, where all five senses will be satisfied. Why not make your unforgettable stay a lifelong memory at Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu, where tradition and healing resonate?

Book "Beppu Onsen - Bamboo and Camellia Inn - Oita Beppu Onsen Hanabeppu" at the best rate