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Beppu Onsen

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Beppu Onsen

Japan's top hot spring destination by both water output and number of hot spring sources.

3.39 11

Last update :
Supervised by :  Beppu City Tourism Division

Beppu Onsen is the collective name for the hot springs found throughout Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. With 2,847 hot spring sources producing approximately 130,000 kiloliters of water per day, it is the largest hot spring resort in Japan. Beppu Onsen consists of eight areas and is also known as the Beppu Hatto or Beppu Onsen-kyo. Each area has different water qualities and colors, making a tour of the hot springs a great way to experience them.

Beppu's hot springs have long been called “hells” because the sight of their extremely hot water bursting from the ground resembles a scene from hell. The popular Beppu Hells Tour takes visitors around seven visually distinct hot springs, mainly in the Kannawa Onsen area.
Four of the hells—Umi Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku, and Shiraike Jigoku—have been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty under the collective name “The Hells of Beppu.”

There are more than 150 public bathhouses operated for local residents. Admission is inexpensive at ¥100–¥200, and they are also open to tourists.

Beppu Hatto: The Eight Hot Spring Areas

  • Beppu Onsen: Beppu's main hot spring district, located around JR Beppu Station
  • Hamawaki Onsen: A hot spring area around the mouth of the Asami River
  • Kankaiji Onsen: A hot spring area 150 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of Beppu Bay and the city
  • Horita Onsen: A hot spring source area farther inland from Kankaiji Onsen and close to Yufuin
  • Myoban Onsen: A hot spring area 400 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mt. Garan, where the scent of sulfur fills the air
  • Kannawa Onsen: A hot spring area with steam rising throughout its streets and the main hub of the Beppu Hells Tour
  • Shibaseki Onsen: A hot spring area near Chinoike Jigoku, one of the stops on the Beppu Hells Tour
  • Kamegawa Onsen: A seaside hot spring area located just outside JR Kamegawa Station

Highlights

  • One of Japan's leading hot spring destinations, with eight distinct hot spring areas.
  • The popular Beppu Hells Tour is primarily for sightseeing, but some locations also have footbaths.
  • Public bathhouses long used by local residents offer an inexpensive way to soak in the hot springs.
  • The Yukemuri Observatory offers a panoramic view of steam rising across Beppu's hot spring districts.

Photos

  • View from the Yukemuri Observatory

    View from the Yukemuri Observatory

  • Umi Jigoku

    Umi Jigoku

  • Chinoike Jigoku

    Chinoike Jigoku

  • Tatsumaki Jigoku

    Tatsumaki Jigoku

  • Shiraike Jigoku

    Shiraike Jigoku

  • Footbath

    Footbath

Reviews

11

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • BobbyJenny
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    The view from the Yukemuri Observatory left a lasting impression on me. From above, you can look out over the entire city of Beppu and see hot spring steam rising continuously from all around town. The white mist drifts between the streets and wooded hills, creating a landscape unique to Beppu and showcasing the charm of this hot spring city.

    A gentle breeze blew across the observation deck, with sweeping views of the distant mountains and city. It was wonderfully refreshing. Around sunset, the warm light illuminates the city and steam, adding a romantic atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

  • 王小鈞
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    When visiting Beppu Onsen, Umi Jigoku is a must-see. The moment I stepped into the grounds, I was drawn to the huge, vivid blue hot spring. The color was so beautiful it almost looked unreal!
    Even though it’s called “Sea Hell,” the scenery doesn’t feel like hell at all. It’s more like stepping into a dreamy wonderland. The steaming hot spring pond surrounded by greenery makes every photo look amazing. You can also try the specialty hot spring eggs, and there’s a free footbath too. The Beppu Hell Tour is absolutely worth experiencing.

  • marina
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    I bought the combo ticket and did the tour of the seven 'Hells'! (The combo ticket is JPY 2,000 for adults)

    You can walk between Umi Jigoku, Bozu Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, and Oniyama Jigoku, and there are several places nearby where you can try 'Jigoku Mushi' (food steamed by hot spring steam). Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku are a bit farther, so I recommend taking a bus or something similar to get there.

    Oniyama Jigoku has crocodiles, and Shiraiike Jigoku has pirarucu (a type of fish), so there are lots of interesting things to see. I think you could easily spend a whole day here without getting bored.

    Kamado Jigoku was especially crowded, and the foot bath was almost full! There are foot baths all over Beppu, but the one at Kamado Jigoku is a beautiful blue color and made my skin feel super smooth!

    By the way, Chinoike, Umi, and Kamado Jigoku each sell their own exclusive bath salts, but you can only buy them at their respective souvenir shops, so don't forget to pick them up if you want them!

  • 王悅芯
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    There are all kinds of different hot spring 'hells' to check out. The food sold inside is delicious and not too expensive.

  • 林偉堂
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    Don't waste your money on the Beppu Jigoku Meguri day pass. The tour is super boring—seeing just one is more than enough.

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Details

Name in Japanese
別府温泉
Address
Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa