If you've already experienced Hakone's hot springs on your first trip to Japan and are planning to visit Kyushu, Beppu is a great choice. It's famous for its unique hot spring attractions and experiences.
However, planning your first Beppu trip can be not easy. With hundreds of onsens to choose from, you may wonder which ones are worth visiting, whether you should stay in Beppu or Yufuin, and how to plan your route.
I visited Beppu myself last year, and in this guide, I'll share my personal experience and tips to help you plan a relaxing and memorable Beppu hot spring trip.
Is Beppu Onsen Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you want more than just a regular hot spring bath.
Unlike traditional hot spring towns like Hakone and Kusatsu, Beppu offers many different hot spring experiences in one place. You can relax in large public baths, try sand baths, steam baths, and mud baths, or visit the famous "hell" hot springs that are only for viewing.
These unique experiences are what make Beppu stand out from other hot spring towns in Japan.
Beppu or Yufuin? Which Should You Choose?
If you can't choose between Beppu and Yufuin, why not visit both?
We suggest spending a day in Beppu and staying overnight in Yufuin. This way, you can enjoy the best of both places without rushing.
Most of Beppu's highlights are close to the city center, including the Hell Tour, hell-steamed cuisine, sand baths, and public baths. During the day, explore these unique hot spring experiences at a relaxed pace.
Then, head to Yufuin to stay overnight. Just 30 minutes from Beppu, Yufuin is a peaceful hot spring town known for its many high-end ryokans with onsen baths. You can soak in a hot spring while enjoying mountain views and experience a slower side of Japan.
Beppu Itinerary: How to Spend 1 - 2 Days in Beppu
It's smart to stay overnight in Beppu instead of taking a day trip.
It makes your trip more relaxed. You won't need to rush through Beppu's sights, and you'll have more time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Yufuin.
Day 1: Explore Beppu's City Highlights
Start your day with the Beppu Hells Tour. Mornings are usually less crowded, and you can easily explore the most unique hells at your own pace.
Around lunchtime, try the hell-steamed cooking experience. It's a fun, hands-on activity where you cook your own food with natural hot spring steam.
Next, spend the afternoon trying unique hot spring experiences, such as sand baths or steam baths. After a day of exploring, soaking in a hot spring is the perfect way to relax.
Finally, head to Yufuin for an overnight stay at a ryokan with an onsen. Enjoy a relaxing soak while taking in beautiful mountain views. This will likely be the highlight of your hot spring trip.
Day 2: Slow Down in Yufuin
Spend the morning exploring Yufuin's hot spring street at a relaxed pace. Visit local shops, enjoy a coffee at a cozy cafe, and experience the slower pace. Then, continue to your next destination.
How to Choose the Right Onsen in Beppu?
For first-time visitors to Beppu, choosing from so many hot spring options can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of choices, from public baths to sand baths and steam baths, so it can be hard to know where to start.
During your 1–2 day stay in Beppu, I suggest trying just one or two types of hot spring experiences. This gives you enough time to slow down and enjoy each one.
If I could choose only one unique hot spring experience in Beppu, I'd pick the sand bath. It's also a must-try experience for many visitors.
Takegawara Onsen is our top choice for a sand bath experience in Beppu. As the city's oldest hot spring spot, it is one of the few places where you can still enjoy a traditional sand bath. Plus, it is located in the city center, making it easy to add to your itinerary.
If you want to try different types of public hot springs in one place, Hyotan Onsen is a great option. You can enjoy large public baths, private family baths, steam baths, waterfall baths, and more. It is also tattoo-friendly.
Top 3 Things to Do Beyond Soaking in Onsens
Beppu is not just about soaking in hot springs. You can also enjoy unique geothermal experiences that you won't find anywhere else, making your trip even more memorable.
The Beppu Hells is one of the highlights you shouldn't miss. Each of the seven hot springs has its own unique color and scenery. Since the water temperature is over 80°C (176°F), these hot springs are for viewing only, not bathing.
Try hell-steamed cuisine is the most unique experience in Beppu because it's something you won't easily find in other parts of Japan. This cooking method uses natural hot spring steam to cook your food. It's a fun hands-on experience.
Relaxing your legs with a free foot bath is also a must-do. Thanks to Beppu's rich geothermal resources, you can find foot baths near many attractions. Taking a few minutes to sit down and soak your feet is a simple way to relax during your trip.
Where to Stay in Beppu?
Almost all accommodations in Beppu have their own hot springs. Most travelers choose to stay near Beppu Station, in Yufuin, or around Kannawa Onsen. These three areas are convenient for sightseeing, finding food, and enjoying Beppu's famous hot spring culture.
The Beppu Station area is the easiest place to stay. You'll find many hotels, restaurants, and convenience stores nearby. However, the city center has fewer natural hot spring sources, so some hotels may use hot spring water brought in from nearby onsen areas.
Yufuin is perfect for a peaceful hot spring getaway. You'll find many luxury ryokans here, offering kaiseki meals, private hot springs, and Japanese garden views. Surrounded by mountains and just a 30-minute drive from Beppu, Yufuin offers a relaxing atmosphere while still having plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
Kannawa Onsen offers great value for money. You'll find traditional Japanese inns with older facilities at lower prices than Yufuin. With excellent hot springs and a convenient location near central Beppu, it's a great choice for an authentic onsen stay without spending too much.
FAQs about Travelling to Beppu Onsens
1. Are Beppu Onsens Tattoo Friendly?
Yes. If you have tattoos, there's no need to worry too much. Compared with many other onsen towns in Japan, Beppu is one of the most tattoo-friendly places to enjoy hot springs.
For example, Takegawara Onsen and Hyotan Onsen both welcome guests with tattoos. If you prefer more privacy, you can also stay at a ryokan with a private onsen, so you won't need to worry about tattoo policies.
However, not every public onsen in Beppu allows tattoos, so it's always a good idea to check before you visit.
2. Can I Visit Beppu as a Day Trip from Fukuoka?
Yes, you can visit Beppu as a day trip from Fukuoka. However, if your schedule allows, I would recommend staying one night in Beppu.
The drive from Fukuoka to Beppu takes about 2 hours each way, so you'll spend almost 4 hours on the road. You can still see the main sights, but your trip will feel a bit rushed.
The real charm of Beppu isn't just the sightseeing. It's staying at a ryokan, soaking in a hot spring after a day of exploring, and enjoying the town at a slower pace.
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