Beppu
Discover Beppu
Beppu (別府 Beppu) is a city in Oita prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Famous for its visually stunning hot springs (the Hells of Beppu), Beppu is one of Japan's Three Great Hot Springs. It was also once known as the Las Vegas of Japan, a reference more to its extensive sex industry than gambling. The city has been attempting to clean up its image, however. To non-Japanese tourists, the sex industry may not be obvious, or even perceivable.
What to Experience in Beppu
Taste of Beppu...
Try vegetables and seafood placed in small baskets and cooked directly in the hot springs, called jigokumushi (地獄蒸し). Be sure to include shiitake mushroom, for which Beppu is famous. Chicken tempura (とり天 toriten) is another specialty to try. The Kannawa area has many small ryokan and paved streets that make for pleasant evenings walks in yukata.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Beppu.
The international Music Festival: Argerich's Meeting Point in Beppu has been annually held since 1998. Try vegetables and seafood placed in small baskets and cooked directly in the hot springs, called jigokumushi (地獄蒸し). Be sure to include shiitake mushroom, for which Beppu is famous. Chicken tempura (とり天 toriten) is another specialty to try. The Kannawa area has many small ryokan and paved streets that make for pleasant evenings walks in yukata.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsOita airport is nearby, from which shuttle buses run to Beppu downtown (¥1450, 40 minutes). The Fukuoka airport can be also used thanks to the bus service from the airport through the Oita Expressway coming to Kannawa onsen/Beppu downtown (¥2000 in case of 4-coupon ticket, 110 minutes). 33.2797131.50041 Beppu Station is on the JR Nippō Main Line. The Sonic limited express train runs twice an hour from Fukuoka (Hakata Station) and Kokura, stopping at Beppu before terminating in Oita. From Fukuoka takes 2 hours, and if purchased as an individual one-way costs ¥5,570. For a roundtrip on the Sonic, it's better to buy two tickets (nimai kippu) for ¥6,000 (Fukuoka–Beppu) or ¥5,800 (Kokura–Beppu). For two travellers, it's even better to purchase four tickets (yonmai kippu) for ¥10,000 (Fukuoka–Beppu) or ¥9,800 (Kokura–Beppu). A faster option from Fukuoka, and the obvious choice from Honshu, is to take the San'yo Shinkansen and transfer to the Sonic at Kokura station....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The town is walkable. The Hells may be a bit far for most to find it convenient. Though, walking is a possibility for those who don't mind it, and are not in a hurry. The Hells and other sites can be easily reached via the tourist-centered bus system. Departures are outside JR Beppu Station. The Foreign Tourist Information Office inside JR Beppu Station sells one-day bus passes for ¥900 (¥700 students), which is likely the best deal for most. The office can provide the departure time and number of the next bus going to your destination (if it's the Hells - the next bus will be leaving shortly), as well as maps detailing the route. On the Hells route itself, bus schedules are clearly posted at stops. The longest intervals are ~30 minutes. If needed, check the "See" section for more specific information on the bus system transversing the Hells area. Beppu's top sight is the seven hells (地獄 Jigoku), multicolored volcanic pits of boiling water and mud, and one geyser.
Where to Stay
The Kannawa area has many small ryokan and paved streets that make for pleasant evenings walks in yukata.
Money & Budget
Try vegetables and seafood placed in small baskets and cooked directly in the hot springs, called jigokumushi (地獄蒸し). Be sure to include shiitake mushroom, for which Beppu is famous. Chicken tempura (とり天 toriten) is another specialty to try. The Kannawa area has many small ryokan and paved streets that make for pleasant evenings walks in yukata.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Beppu
green trees covered with fog
Beppu hot spring, Japan
gray rocks on body of water
Kamado Jigoku, Beppu
Sunrise in Japan
green bus on road during night time
복도로 스며들고 있는 햇빛. the sunlight seeping into the hallway. REX HOTEL Beppu
Sunrise in Japan
Water lilies in Beppu, Japan
Calm water reflects palm trees on a small island
green trees covered with fog
Beppu hot spring, Japan
gray rocks on body of water