Beppu
Hot springs for viewing, bathing and revitalising
Located on the southern island of Kyushu, Beppu has an ideal setting between Seto Inland Sea and volcanic mountains. It is in these very mountains where geothermal waters gather the abundant nutrients that deliver health and pleasure to residents and travellers alike. The jaw-dropping landscapes of the eight Hells of Beppu – steaming with natural heat and gas – are like scenes from another planet. Together with nearby Yufuin, the city is one of the most beloved onsen destinations in Japan.
Beppu has eight major hot spring locations with thousands of vents, providing diverse experiences along with relaxation and a deep sense of wellbeing. Discover outdoor baths with natural settings that feel unchanged since the Edo period some five hundred years ago, as well as sleek indoor facilities to rival upscale spa centres around the world. Mud baths and sand baths form part of the essential wellness tours that the city offers.
Between treating your body and soul to the benefits of warm volcanic waters, explore other Beppu sights like Lake Kinrinko and Lake Shidakako, located in Aso-Kuju National Park. In this birdwatcher’s paradise, tree-lined scenic trails reveal hidden shrines and glimpses of the water between bright-green leaves. Linger awhile in Yufuin for museums, galleries and boutiques. At dusk, put on a traditional yukata and stroll the ancient streets of Hamawaki Onsen as lanterns begin to glow.
Don’t miss the Hells of Beppu, where the hot spring pools are a visual curiosity. The bubbling waters here reach up to 99 degrees Celsius, sending plumes of steam so high that they stretch towards the sky and can be seen from far away, as if the entire city were on fire. The colours of the otherworldly waters range from blood red to cobalt blue, ensuring stunning photographs. Don’t miss Kamado Hell, known as a natural stove where locals once cooked rice.