Kyushu, Japan
The Beppu Hells (Jigoku Meguri) are a collection of eight unique geothermal hot springs. Each hell features a distinctive color, bubbling mud, or steam formation, deemed too hot for bathing but captivating to view. These "Hells" have attracted visitors for centuries, demonstrating the raw power of the earth beneath Beppu. Book your Hell tour tickets via GetYourGuide.
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is a striking cobalt-blue pond, considered the deepest and most beautiful. Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) features a blood-red hot spring, one of Japan's oldest natural Hells. Tatsumaki Jigoku (Spout Hell) is a geyser that erupts every 30-40 minutes. Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell) displays milky white water. Oniyama Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell) is home to numerous crocodiles. Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell) features several hot springs, a footbath, and offers various steamed foods. Yama Jigoku (Mountain Hell) has small hot springs with a mini-zoo. Oniishibozu Jigoku (Monk's Head Hell) is characterized by bubbling grey mud pools resembling monks' shaved heads.
Tatsumaki and Chinoike Hells require a short bus ride from Kannawa but are close to each other.
No major archaeological ruins exist within Beppu city center. The city's historical focus centers on its modern and traditional onsen culture.
Takegawara Onsen is a prime example of historic Beppu architecture. Some older streets in the Kannawa area retain a traditional onsen town atmosphere, providing a glimpse into Beppu's past.
Suginoi Palace Shrine, near Suginoi Hotel, offers a tranquil space. Local Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are scattered throughout the city, reflecting daily spiritual life.
No specific memorial sites or monuments are highlighted as major tourist attractions in Beppu.
Beppu's "industrial heritage" connects to its long history of harnessing geothermal energy for onsen, heating, and early power generation.
Beppu's natural beauty extends beyond its hot springs, encompassing parks, scenic viewpoints, and unique wildlife.
Beppu Park is a large, pleasant urban park with a variety of trees, including beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, and walking paths. Jigokubaru Public Hot Spring is an unique, rustic onsen set in a natural environment, providing a more local experience.
The Beppu Hells remain the main natural wonders, showing incredible geothermal activity. Yukemuri Observatory offers iconic views of steam. Mount Tsurumi, accessible via ropeway, provides panoramic views. Mount Yufu is a beautiful twin-peaked mountain visible from Beppu, popular for hiking.
Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden is home to wild Japanese macaques. Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago is a modern aquarium adjacent to Takasakiyama, focusing on marine life from the Kyushu region.
The entire city of Beppu sits upon a vast geothermal system, making the onsen and the Beppu Hells its most prominent geological features. The steam and bubbling waters are constant reminders of the earth's activity.
Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath is a beach where you can experience an unique hot sand bath. Beppu Bay offers scenic views and opportunities for seaside walks. While not a swimming beach, it provides a pleasant coastal ambiance.
A modern aquarium located next to Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, offering engaging displays of marine life, especially from the Kyushu region. It caters to all ages and is a popular attraction for families.
Seek out Beppu's lesser-known spots for a more local and authentic experience.
Onsen Hoyo Land is a rustic mud bath onsen with indoor and outdoor mud baths, some mixed-gender (requiring Swimwear). It provides a local and earthy onsen experience. Jigokubaru Public Hot Spring is a less touristy, authentic onsen in a natural, rustic environment, frequented by locals. Many small, communal neighborhood onsen offer an authentic communal bathing experience at very low prices.
While Beppu is well-established, exploring more rural Oita Prefecture provides less-explored experiences. Consider Kunisaki Peninsula, known for ancient Buddhist culture, or Bungo-Ono area, offering nature, waterfalls, and a tranquil rural setting. These areas contrast with Beppu's bustling hot spring scene.
The Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center showcases the local tradition of bamboo craftsmanship, a highly regarded art form in Beppu.
Local Favorites Rarely Visited by Tourists: Many of the very inexpensive local public baths, often tucked away in residential streets, fall into this category. They provide a genuine insight into local bathing rituals.
Unique Photo Opportunities: The steam rising from the onsen districts, especially at dawn or dusk, creates a mystical atmosphere. Panoramic views from Mount Tsurumi or the Yukemuri Observatory provide sweeping landscape shots. The historic architecture of Takegawara Onsen also offers picturesque moments.
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is one of the most famous of Beppu's eight "Hells."
Takegawara Onsen is a historic public bathhouse in Beppu, famed for its traditional architecture and sand baths.
The summit of Mount Tsurumi, accessible via the Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway, provides stunning panoramic views.
Onsen Hoyo Land is an unique and rustic onsen facility in Beppu, known for its therapeutic mud baths.
Image Context: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago (Previously discussed in Section 8.4)
Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden offers an unique experience observing wild Japanese macaques. They gather at feeding times, allowing for close and respectful observation in their natural habitat. This provides an engaging wildlife encounter just south of Beppu.
Beppu Kaihin Sand Bath is a beach where you can experience an unique hot sand bath. Beppu Bay offers scenic views and opportunities for seaside walks. While not a swimming beach, it provides a pleasant coastal ambiance.
Mount Tsurumi, accessible via the Kintetsu Beppu Ropeway, provides panoramic views of Beppu Bay, the city, and the surrounding mountains. Yukemuri Observatory offers iconic views of the steam rising from Beppu's Kannawa district.
Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago is a modern aquarium adjacent to Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden.
Explore tickets on GetYourGuideIt focuses on marine life from the Kyushu region. It provides an engaging experience for all ages.
Find family activitiesLocated just south of Beppu, making it a convenient pairing with a visit to Takasakiyama for a full day of natural and animal attractions.
Discover more attractionsFeatures various tanks, dolphin shows, and interactive exhibits, demonstrating a diverse range of aquatic species and their habitats.
See all exhibitsThe facility is well-designed with clear signage and accessible paths, suitable for visitors with varying mobility levels.
Plan your visitThe image captures the panoramic view from the Kankaiji area, showing the city nestled against Beppu Bay.
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is a striking cobalt-blue geothermal hot spring, considered the deepest and most beautiful among the Beppu Hells.
When visiting the Beppu Hells, plan to spend a half-day or full day to experience all eight unique hot springs. The combined ticket offers savings and is available at any of the Hells.
For the best views from Mount Tsurumi, consider going early morning for clearer air or late afternoon for a beautiful sunset. Public transportation provides access to most major attractions.
Image Context: Booking.com Logo (Previously discussed in Section 6.3)
Many of the very inexpensive local public baths, often tucked away in residential streets, are local favorites rarely visited by tourists.
Beppu's unique geothermal landscape offers many opportunities for memorable photographs.
The image depicts a traditional tatami mat room with futon bedding, characteristic of ryokan accommodation.
The room's serene ambiance reflects Japanese aesthetics and provides a peaceful retreat for guests.
The "Tanayu" at Suginoi Hotel is a massive, multi-tiered outdoor onsen.
This onsen complex provides extensive wellness and entertainment options within the large resort.
The Booking.com logo represents a widely used international platform for hotel reservations.
This platform serves as a main resource for planning your stay in Beppu, allowing comparisons of various properties.
The rising steam from Beppu's onsen districts at these times creates a mystical and dramatic visual effect, ideal for atmospheric photos.
This viewpoint offers a stunning night view of the steam plumes illuminated by city lights, an unique spectacle only found in Beppu.
The historic bathhouse, with its traditional Japanese design, offers a picturesque backdrop for photos, especially its distinctive roof and entrance.
