Visitors to Japan's island of Kyushu are sure to come across some of its many infamous hot springs. The city of Beppu within Kyushu's Oita Prefecture is famous for having some of Japan's most iconic, and still draws in visitors from all over the world for one of its most famous hot spring systems: Beppu Onsen. Home to some of Japan's most famous onsen resorts, the volume of water discharged from it is second most in the world, coming below Yellowstone National Park in the United States, with more than 130,000 tons of water discharged every day.
Table of Contents
1. Hells of Beppu
2. Beppu Mixed Onsen
3. Best Onsen Hotel in Beppu
4. Transportation Guide to Beppu Onsen
Beppu City Hot Springs has eight different hot spring districts: Beppu, Kannawa, Myoban, Kankai-ji, Hamawak, Kamegawa, Horita, and Shibasek, all known as Beppu's Hatto. All Beppu Onsen Japan have a plethora of public baths and ryokan one can visit. Aside from the regular geothermally heated water onsens, Beppu Onsen Otia also offers other baths of geothermally heated sand, natural steam, and mud.
(Note: some Beppu hot springs may bar their service from individuals with tattoos, as they are often culturally associated with yakuza/crime. It is advised to research each Beppu Japan Onsen for their rules on the subject before visiting. Or you can check Japan Tattoo Onsen for further reading on hot springs in Japan that allow tattoos)
1. Seven Hells of Beppu
Beppu is one of the best Onsen Towns in Japan. In Beppu Japan hot springs, there are seven lakes known for their distinctly hellish appearances, each having a unique theme. They consist of:
●Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku)
This Beppu onsen is one of the most aesthetically striking hot springs in the area, distinguished by a pond of vivid blue boiling waters. Within its expansive gardens lie several smaller hells, tinged orange, along with a serene pond adorned with lotus flowers whose sturdy leaves can bear the weight of small children.
●Shaven Head Monk's Hell (Oniishi Bozu Jigoku)
Named for the way it pumps out hot grey mud in a way that resembles a monk's hairless head, visitors can admire this ancient natural wonder amidst lush greenery when visiting Onsen Beppu Japan.
●White Hell (Shiraike Jigoku)
In Beppu's unique aquarium, rare tropical fish thrive in tanks heated by the area's hot springs. Maintaining a consistent temperature of 26°C to 30°C year-round, it's Japan's only such facility. Start a Beppu hell tour to explore exotic species awaiting your visit to this best Onsen in Beppu.
●Cooking Pot Hell (Kamado Jigoku)
At Kamado Jigoku, visitors can have food, like Onsen eggs, boiled in its steaming waters. This site features multiple pools, including a blue one with a sacred stone, adding to its allure on the "Hells Tour" of 7 Hells Beppu.
●Demon Mountain Hell (Oniyama Jigoku)
Aside from the hot springs, Oniyama Jigoku also houses an enormous crocodile habitat/zoo, all 70 of them soaking in water naturally heated by the surrounding hot springs. Spectacular feedings of these crocodiles are also held once in the morning every weekday and twice every morning and afternoon on weekends.
●Blood Hell (Chinoike Jigoku)
Perhaps the most famous of the Beppu 7 hells that is located in Shibaseki District, it's known for the striking sight of its crimson waters, which steam from its heated waters, giving it an otherworldly, hellish sight.
●Tornado Hell (Tatsumaki Jigoku)
The "spout hell" of the 7 hells of Beppu features a boiling hot geyser, which erupts every 30-40 minutes for about 6-10 minutes. There's a short walking trail that leads up the forested slope in the back of the hell grounds.
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2. Mixed Gender Onsens in Beppu
There are a few unique Beppu onsen in which all genders may share and bathe together in, as full nudity is not allowed or necessary. These Beppu mixed onsen include:
2.1 Kaihin Sunayu (Beppu Beach Sand Bath)
This unique sand bath in Beppu substitutes warm sand for hot water, offering a unique seaside experience on the coast of Beppu Bay. After receiving a sunakake-ken (Sand Cover Ticket), guests are provided with special yukata for a Beppu sand bath here and then enter the bathing area together and lie down to be buried with sand, excluding their heads. Spending just 15 minutes buried under the sand induces warmth and sweating, thanks to natural geothermal heating processes. Due to its novelty, Beppu Kaihin Sunaba often experiences long queues for service queues, so arriving early is advisable to avoid crowds if you want to experience the Beppu beach sand bath at this mixed onsen Beppu.
2.2 Kitahama Termas
Kitahama Termas is home to a spacious outdoor bath, where bathers are treated to a stunning view of Beppu Bay, complete with a sizable central jacuzzi. Unlike other Japanese onsens, bathers are permitted to wear their own swimsuits to wear in the outdoor bath (or rent one for an additional fee). In the indoor facility are separate men's and women's onsens, both of which offer a traditional bathing experience, and a sauna.
2.3 Hoyoland
Nestled in the Myoban area, Beppu Onsen Hoyoland offers guests an opportunity to luxuriate in milky white onsen waters amidst a more rural part of the city. It stands as one of Beppu Onsen's most exclusive and captivating destinations.
Alongside an indoor mud bath, an outdoor mixed hot spring, and a sauna, Hoyoland also offers a range of other water treatments, including colloidal, steaming, and waterfall (takiyu) baths. Distinguished by its cloudy cobalt blue hue, derives from a sulfur spring renowned for its high colloidal sulfur content, the colloid bath is known for its efficacy in treating skin conditions and enhancing complexion. Steamed baths purify the skin by opening pores, while the gentle pressure of the takiyu bath provides a soothing relaxation experience to relish. This is a Beppu tattoo friendly Onsen as tattoo individuals are permitted in all baths.
3. Accommodations: Best Onsen Ryokan in Beppu
Where to stay when visiting Oita Beppu Onsen? Which is the best onsen ryokan in Beppu? Is there any Beppu hotel with private onsen? Here are our top 4 accommodation options for you to enjoy Beppu hotels onsen.
3.1 Ryotei Matsubaya
Ryotei Matsubaya offers a serene ambiance with natural hot spring baths and Japanese cuisine. Guests can choose between Western-style and Japanese-style rooms, some with private bathrooms. Amenities in the Beppu Kankaiji Onsen Ryotei Matsubaya include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a fridge. The Ryokan provides free luggage storage, private hot spring baths, and optional services like massages and car rentals. On-site facilities include a gift shop and drink vending machines, with complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas.
JR Beppu Station is a 7-minute drive or taxi ride away, and Beppu Ropeway Station is a 15-minute drive from the property. Jigoku-meguri Hot Springs can be reached within a 15-minute drive. The Umitamago Aquarium is also a 20-minute drive away.
Address: Japan, 〒874-0823 Oita, Beppu, 観海寺3
Phone: +81 977-22-4271
3.2 Suginoi Hotel
Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel is a stunning 4-star hotel that boasts 3 buildings across a sprawling and luxurious complex. This Beppu Onsen hotel includes 3 public hot spring facilities, an indoor pool, and even provides a shuttle bus service to help guests comfortably move from one building to another. Its main amusement facility: the Sukunoi Palace has spacious pools, hot-spring baths, saunas, a bowling alley, and karaoke rooms, as well as the fancy Shunsai Nagomi Restaurant. At the hotel's Seeds & Terrace restaurant, guests can also treat themselves to a buffet course made with fresh local ingredients.
Suginoi offers spacious, beautifully decorated, and top-quality modernist-style guest rooms with beds, some featuring a tatami (woven-straw) seating area with a low table.
Guests can enjoy nighttime outdoor entertainment a daily spectacular fountain and lights/animation show at nighttime and relax in the outdoor pool area, which has hot-spring water and views of the city and beachside.
Access: Hotel Suginoi is a 5-minute drive from Beppu Park, a 20-minute drive from Umitamago Aquarium & Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, a 30-minute drive from Kijima Kogen Park and a 40-minute drive from Harmony Land. Suginoi also offers a free shuttle to & from JR Beppu Station, an approx. 10-minute trip.
Address: Japan, 〒874-0823 Oita, Beppu, 観海寺１
Phone: +81 977-24-1141
3.3 Oniyama Hotel (Kannawa Onsen)
Experience a perfect ryokan-themed stay and Beppu ryokan onsen at Beppu Kannawa Onsen Oniyama Hotel. Conveniently situated within Beppu, this 3.5-star hotel puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options, and one of the best open-air hot spring baths within the Beppu area. Other facilities in this Beppu Onsen Ryokan include a tea lounge, the Shunsai Nagomi Restaurant, a foot massage area, and a games corner.
Oniyama also offers a few open-air baths located on its roof. As the hotel is situated in an elevated area in Beppu, bathers can enjoy views of Beppu City and the bay when looking seaward, and Mt. Ogi and Mt. Tsurumi when looking inland.
Parking is ¥100 a day.
Address: 335-1 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0041, Japan
Phone: +81 977-66-1121
3.4 Hotel Shiragiku
If you're looking for a family-friendly and more traditional Japanese living experience with all the amenities and services of a hotel, look no further than Beppu Onsen Hotel Shiragiku. Close in proximity to some of Beppu's best landmarks and attractions, this Beppu private onsen hotel is itself a terrific destination as one of the city’s most popular hotels.
The beautifully furnished, traditional-style guest rooms offer all amenities, including air conditioning and a refrigerator, including room service and baggage storage. Guests of Hotel Shiragiku are also welcome to enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal at its onsite restaurant. Parking and Wi-Fi are free as well.
Three local pubs: Beppu Dokebi, Korean Home Taste Ching, and the infamous HitParade Club are all conveniently located near this best onsen hotel in Beppu. Also close by are Beppu Park/ B-Con Plaza (0.2 mi), and the Global Tower (0.5 mi). Parking is ¥500 per day, per vehicle.
Address: Japan, 〒874-0823 Oita, Beppu, 堀田7−1
Phone: +81 977-21-2111
Tell us your budget and your preference, and we will arrange the best onsen Ryokan in Beppu to meet your needs when tailoring your Beppu Onsen tour.
4. Transportation Guide to Beppu Onsen
4.1 How to Get to Hells of Beppu
The "Hells of Beppu" refers to a group of hot springs or "Jigoku" in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan, known for their boiling, colorful waters. Here's how you can get there:
By Train: Beppu is well-connected by train. If you're coming from major cities like Fukuoka or Hiroshima, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kokura Station and transfer to the Sonic Limited Express or the Kamome Limited Express to Beppu Station. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the various Hells.
By Bus: There are highway buses that run from major cities like Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Osaka directly to Beppu. Once you arrive at Beppu Bus Terminal, you can take local buses or taxis to the Hells. If you depart from Osaka, you can enjoy both Osaka hot springs and Beppu hot springs during your trip for more different onsen experiences in Japan.
By Air: If you're traveling from other parts of Japan or internationally, you can fly to Oita Airport. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Beppu.
By Car: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and drive to Beppu. The city is accessible via the Kyushu Expressway. Once in Beppu, you can easily navigate to the various Hells by following road signs.
Once you're in Beppu, you can use local transportation or taxi services to get around. Some of the Hells are within walking distance of each other, while others may require a short bus or taxi ride. Be sure to check the opening hours of each Hell, as they may vary.
4.2 Beppu to Yufuin
Beppu and Yufuin are both famous onsen (hot spring) towns located in Oita Prefecture, Japan. They are popular destinations for visitors looking to experience traditional Japanese culture and relax in the natural hot springs.
The distance between Beppu and Yufuin is approximately 14 kilometers (about 9 miles). You can travel between these two towns by various means of transportation:
Train: The most convenient way to travel between Beppu and Yufuin is by train. You can take the JR Kyudai Main Line from Beppu Station to Yufuin Station. The journey takes around 40 minutes. The trains are frequent, and you can enjoy scenic views of the countryside during the journey.
Bus: There are also bus services available between Beppu and Yufuin. While it may take a bit longer than the train, it's another option if you prefer bus travel or if the train schedule doesn't suit your plans.
Taxi/Car: Taxis are available in Beppu, and you can also consider renting a car to drive to Yufuin. The road between the two towns is well-maintained and offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
Overall, the train is the most recommended mode of transportation between Beppu and Yufuin due to its convenience, frequency, and the opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way. But your trip to Beppu Onsen Japan will be more enjoyable and hassle-free with our private itinerary, as you don't need to worry about the accommodation, transportation, and itinerary schedule. We have it all arranged! Tailor your Beppu Onsen tour now.
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