Local Guide
Nature and animals are just close by. 9 Exciting Sightseeing Spots with Children in Beppu and Yufuin Area, Oita Prefecture

Children are full of energy and want to run around and play around with their bodies. There are many sightseeing spots in the Beppu and Yufuin area of Oita Prefecture that will satisfy even those kids. Let's go to places where you can be overwhelmed by nature and get up close to animals, and where the excitement never stops. Here are nine recommended sights for adults to enjoy as well.

Experience the energy of nature at Beppu Jigoku Meguri

Each of Beppu's hells has its own unique characteristics and offers a view you have never seen before. The scenery changes depending on the weather and temperature.
Each of Beppu's hells has its own unique characteristics and offers a view you have never seen before. The scenery changes depending on the weather and temperature.

There are many hells in Beppu, including "Blood Pond Hell," where steam rises from the red surface of the water, and "Umi Jigoku," a beautiful cobalt blue hell. In the olden days, places inaccessible due to their fumaroles, steam, and boiling water were called "hells" and avoided, but their rarity attracted attention and they were transformed from nuisances into tourist attractions.
In addition to the main attraction of each of these hells, you can see other specialties that utilize the heat and mud of hell. Be sure to experience the overwhelming power of nature at the Beppu Jigoku Meguri Tour, where you will experience the power of nature through all five senses.

About 80 crocodiles crowd around. The powerful "Oniyama Jigoku" (devil's mountain hell)

Male crocodiles are large and female crocodiles are small. They often open their large mouths to regulate their body temperature.
Male crocodiles are large and female crocodiles are small. They often open their large mouths to regulate their body temperature.

One of the most popular hells for children is "Oniyama Jigoku," which is home to a large number of crocodiles. 1923 marked the first time in Japan that crocodiles were raised using the heat from hot springs.
Normally, crocodiles do not move much and are surprisingly docile. Just when you think they are sitting still, they suddenly splash and fight with each other. They also make cat-like gestures such as scratching their heads with their hind legs, moaning loudly, and slouching their entire body, which are usually rare to see.

Local Guide Comment
The "Oniisan Jigoku" exhibit includes a skeletal specimen of a crocodile and a large stuffed crocodile. It is said that each baby crocodile has a different pattern that can be clearly seen!
Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Tour of Beppu Hell)
  • Address 559-1 Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. from JR Beppu Station by car
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Station and get off at "Umi-Jigoku" stop.
  • Business hours 8:00-17:00
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Common admission ticket: Adults (high school students and older) 2,400 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 1,200 yen
  • TEL 0977-66-1577（Beppu Hell Association)
  • Parking Free of charge

Enjoy a leisurely stroll at Kyushu's oldest amusement park, established in 1929.

Not too big and not too small, just the right size for a full day of fun. Staff/staff members are friendly and the at-home atmosphere is a big attraction.
Not too big and not too small, just the right size for a full day of fun. Staff/staff members are friendly and the at-home atmosphere is a big attraction.

There are also six attractions for children 0-2 years old, and many locals come to this amusement park with three generations of parents and children. You can also bring your own food. This is the only place in Japan where visitors can ride the Flower Ferris Wheel, a rare double Ferris wheel.
Visitors can also enjoy the rich nature of the four seasons. In spring, the park is decorated with approximately 3,000 cherry trees, which can be viewed at night. In summer, there is a "hot spring water pool" that combines cold, clean spring water and hot spring water, and other free events for children are held seasonally. From the Suspension Bridge, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Beppu's ocean and cityscape.

Direct contact with cute animals

A cute capybara munching on grass. Their humorous movements are sure to catch your attention!
A cute capybara munching on grass. Their humorous movements are sure to catch your attention!

At the famous "Duck Race," visitors can try to guess which duck will come in first place before the race. If you guess right, you will receive a souvenir. Other animals include penguins, chimpanzees, Japan's only two northern white-fronted macaques, meerkats, ring-tailed lemurs, and many others. Capybaras are the most popular of all. You can touch the capybaras except for their faces, and pet their rough fur.
At the Bird Park, visitors can enter an area where birds live and interact with flamingos, peacocks, cockatoos, and ducks without fences.

Local Guide Comment
The hot spring "Zekkei no Yu" in the park is also recommended. Please enjoy the view from the Public hot spring. If you don't have time, you can enjoy just a footbath.
Beppu Lakutenchi
  • Address 18 Nagaregawa-dori, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Beppu Station (Main Gate)
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Station and get off at "Lakutenchi" (Main Gate)
  • Business hours 9:30-17:00 (10:00-16:00 in December *seasonal change)
  • Closed Tuesdays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June and December through February; closed in winter from mid-January through mid-February. For details, please check the website)
  • Admission Fee Main gate (with round-trip cable car ticket): Adults (junior high school students and older): 1,300 yen, children (3 years old to elementary school students): 600 yen, children under 2 years old: free
  • TEL 0977-85-8888
  • Parking Charged

An exhilarating Activity to become the wind in the forest!

Sliding down the slope through cedar, cypress, and metasequoia trees.
Sliding down the slope through cedar, cypress, and metasequoia trees.

Property opened in 2019. Wearing a harness, visitors can experience walking across between the trees and shooing down a zip-slide. Refresh your mind and body in nature.
For families, the "Canopy Course" is recommended. Walk 1 to 8 meters in the air above the trees. You can enjoy it for about an hour. Those who are afraid of heights and are not sure if they will be able to proceed properly are also welcome. Before going out on the course, there is a safety lesson and practice by friendly Staff/staff members. Many children may be scared at first, but before long they get used to it and are hooked.

Above-ground courses and woodworking experiences for ages 3 and up are also available.

The Property is covered with wood chips and is soft and fluffy. The smell of the wood is pleasant as you walk around.
The Property is covered with wood chips and is soft and fluffy. The smell of the wood is pleasant as you walk around.

There is also a "Monkey Rally Course" for children under 110 cm tall, where for 1,000 yen per hour they can play to their heart's content on spider web ropes, bouldering, zip lines without harnesses, swings, and running up slopes. There is also a trampoline for a fee, and woodworking experiences such as decorating and coloring a wooden stand. There are plenty of Experiences to satisfy children of all ages.
Except for storms and other bad weather, the park is open even on rainy days. Why don't you experience the excitement and thrill of being in nature, which is something you normally cannot do?

Local Guide Comment
Many children are excited to be fitted with harnesses on the canopy course. and many children get excited when they see the harnesses on the canopy course. There is a limit to the number of people who can participate, so it is best to make reservations in advance.
Forest Adventure Beppu
  • Address 4380-1 Shidaka, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 22 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Station, get off at "Shidaka Kohan" bus stop, and walk about 3 minutes.
  • Business hours 9:00-15:00 *Vary according to season.
  • Closed Open irregularly, closed in case of bad weather
  • Admission Fee Adventure course: 3,800 yen (per person), Canopy course: 2,800 yen (per person)
  • TEL 070-4024-1010
  • Parking Free of charge

Fun, cute, interesting, and must-see performances

The dolphin show wows the audience with its amazing jumps. Seats fill up quickly, so it is recommended to reserve your seat at least 10 minutes before the show starts.
The dolphin show wows the audience with its amazing jumps. Seats fill up quickly, so it is recommended to reserve your seat at least 10 minutes before the show starts.

The theme of this aquarium is "getting along with animals. You can encounter a wide variety of creatures, from fish that are familiar to our dinner table to rare animals that are not usually seen. A must-see is the dolphin performance, where you can watch the dolphins splash in the water by the pool on the first floor, or watch them perform a spectacular jump from the second floor seats.
The "Umitama Performance" is also not to be missed. The show, performed by the talented walruses, is both funny and adorable, and the audience applauds. At the end of the show, there is a petting time where you can pet the huge body of the walrus.

Asobiuchi, where you can come into contact with animals in their natural habitat

Enjoy the rare experience of seeing marine life up close. There is also a space to wash the sand from your feet.
Enjoy the rare experience of seeing marine life up close. There is also a space to wash the sand from your feet.

The "Asobiuchi" is a man-made sandy beach. If you are lucky, you can see dolphins, fur seals, and penguins up close. The beach is covered with coral sand, which makes it fun to go barefoot and feel the crunching sensation, and there is a greenhouse where sloths live nearby.
For children who are itching to get moving, we recommend the kids' corner. Play to your heart's content on the playground equipment featuring marine friends. There are also many other unique aquariums to see, such as a large migratory tank that recreates the tidal currents of the Bungo Channel, and an art corner with fantastic Tachioji fish and jellyfish.

Local Guide Comment
One of the unexpected ways to enjoy the dolphin show is to watch the dolphins underwater. The dolphins' movements just before and after their high jumps, for example, can be seen through the glass from inside the museum, a rare sight that is not usually seen.
Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago
  • Address 3078-22 Uto, Kanzaki, Oita City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 10 minutes from JR Beppu Station by car
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Stn. and get off at "Takasaki Shizen Zoo".
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00 *Extended hours during Obon and GW
  • Closed Maintenance vacations are available for 2 to 3 days a year *Please check the website for details.
  • Admission Fee Adults (high school students and older): 2,600 yen, children (elementary and junior high school students): 1,300 yen, infants (4 years old and older): 850 yen
  • TEL 097-534-1010
  • Parking Charged

Up-close observation of approximately 1,000 wild monkeys

If you look closely, you will see that each of the monkeys has a different expression and movement. Staff/staff members give interesting explanations of the
If you look closely, you will see that each of the monkeys has a different expression and movement. Staff/staff members give interesting explanations of the "surprising ecology of monkeys.

This is where about 1,000 wild Japanese monkeys gather. You can catch a glimpse of their individual personalities: baby monkeys playing on jungle gyms and slides, adult monkeys fighting, and the first-ranked monkey of each troop showing his dignity.
They gather at the feeding station every 30 minutes in time for feeding time. Even though they are wild, the monkeys do not seem to be afraid of people at all. They can be found right next to you, right in front of you, on your roof, or anywhere else. The following five rules should be observed: do not touch them, do not tease them (do not startle them), do not stare into their eyes, do not sit down to look at them, and do not put out food or plastic bags.

The monkeys change with the seasons

When it gets cold, monkeys keep each other warm by snuggling up to each other. (Not necessarily family members, but monkeys who are close to each other.
When it gets cold, monkeys keep each other warm by snuggling up to each other. (Not necessarily family members, but monkeys who are close to each other.

There is a record that monkeys existed in Mt. In spring, many baby monkeys can be seen. In summer, watch the little monkeys frolicking in the park's pools, and in autumn, observe the monkeys amidst the vivid autumn leaves. In winter, "monkey dumplings," in which monkeys huddle together to keep out the cold, can be seen here and there.
The Osaru-kan (Monkey Museum), located on the ocean side across the road, is also full of fun. The museum offers a variety of gourmet foods and souvenirs, including "Umijio Soft," which is delicious with just the right amount of salt, and "Mon-chan-yaki," which is very popular with children.

Local Guide Comment
Small children will feel safer if their parents hold their hands. Be sure to try to catch a glimpse of the "monkey's legs," which are said to bring good luck.
Takasaki Mountain Nature Zoo
  • Address 3098-1 Kanzaki, Oita City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 10 minutes from JR Beppu Station by car
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Station and get off at "Takasaki Shizen Zoo-mae".
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed Open daily (may be closed temporarily a few days a year)
  • Admission Fee Adults (high school students and older): 520 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 260 yen, children under elementary school age: free
  • TEL Free of charge for children under elementary school age.
  • Parking Large vehicles: 1,050 yen, standard-sized cars and light vehicles: 420 yen

Play as much as you want on the beautiful beach with a tropical atmosphere

In summer, the area is crowded with bathers. A beautiful beach with white sand and green grass ©Tourism Oita
In summer, the area is crowded with bathers. A beautiful beach with white sand and green grass ©Tourism Oita

Seaside Park faces National Route 10, which connects Beppu City and Oita City. The beautiful sandy beach and greenery are impressive, and the view of Beppu Bay is outstanding. The park is also recognized as a "holy place for lovers.
The rest house in the center of the park is a rest area open to everyone. It is an open space with glass walls and a high ceiling. Hot showers and coin lockers are also available. In addition to summer swimming, visitors can enjoy the beach in their own way, walking their dogs, jogging, reading, playing beach volleyball, and so on.

Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and man-made islands

The open view creates an open atmosphere. Spending time with children under the sun is a treasure.
The open view creates an open atmosphere. Spending time with children under the sun is a treasure.

On the west side of the beach is a large playground shaped like a real ship. Children are sure to be delighted by the slides and jungle gym on the "Kapitan," as it is commonly called.
Crossing the bridge extending from the rest house, you will arrive at Tanoura Isle, an artificial island covered entirely with grass. Palm trees swaying in the wind and chapel-like buildings create a tropical atmosphere. The island is also dotted with benches that offer views of the ocean and the city. Visitors can relax while listening to the sound of the waves, take a walk in the ocean breeze, or stargaze at night.

Local Guide Comment
During the swimming season, several lifesavers are on duty to ensure the safety of the ocean. Enjoy the calm, almost wave-free waters.
Tanoura Beach
  • Address 4253 Aza-Hama, Oaza-Kanzaki-Aza, Oita City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 10 minutes from JR Beppu Station by car
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Station and get off at "Tanoura" bus stop.
  • Business hours 9:00-23:30
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 097-537-7458（Tanoura Beach Manager's Office ※Inside Rest House)
  • Parking Free of charge

Experience feeding the animals through a wire net. A powerful jungle bus

Jungle buses with about 10 different designs, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Private vehicles can also be used to tour the
Jungle buses with about 10 different designs, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Private vehicles can also be used to tour the "Animal Zone.

This is one of the largest safari parks in Japan, where 1,400 animals of about 70 species live in a vast grassland of about 1.15 million square meters. The park places importance on recreating the habitat of the animals and exhibiting them in a way that makes the most of their individual ecology.
In the animal zone, visitors ride a jungle bus along a 6-km-long safari road. Visitors can experience feeding lions, elephants, camels, and other animals through a wire net. Both adults and children are excited to hear the animals' voices, movements, and breathing, which can be felt only at close range. It is a very powerful and thrilling 50-minute experience.

The "petting zone" is very popular with small children.

At the
At the "Kangaroo Forest," the largest marsupial, the red kangaroo, welcomes you.

The petting zone is also popular with small children, where they can interact with kangaroos, miniature horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals. If your timing is good, you may even get to see a tiger or a lion red-eyes.
There are four Restaurants in the park, and children's menus such as kids plates are available. There are also stores selling jungle bus toys and Oita-style souvenirs, so there are plenty of places for parents and children to go crazy together.

Local Guide Comment
The jungle bus is designed for all-weather use, so you can experience feeding the cats even on rainy days. Furthermore, the Cat Salon, where various types of cats live, and the Dog Salon, where small dogs live, are also indoor Properties, so you can enjoy them even when the weather is not so good.
Kyushu Wildlife Park African Safari
  • Address 2-1755-1 Minamihata, Ajimu-cho, Usa City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 25 minutes from JR Beppu Station by car
  • Direction Take a bus at JR Beppu Stn. and get off at "African Safari" stop.
  • Business hours 9:30-16:30 (reception hours: 9:00-16:00), 10:00-15:30 from November to February (reception hours: 9:30-15:00)
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Entrance fee: High school students and older: 2,600 yen, 4 years old to junior high school students: 1,500 yen
    Jungle Bus fare: 1,300 yen for high school students and older, 1,100 yen for junior high school students (4 years old to junior high school students)
  • TEL 0978-48-2331
  • Parking Free of charge

The squeaks and vibrations are the best part of the ride. Try Japan's first wooden coaster!

Wooden coaster
Wooden coaster "Jupiter. When the coaster is open at night, it is illuminated, making its beautiful silhouette stand out even more.

The amusement park is located in a corner of a gently sloping highland area surrounded by Mt. A resort hotel and a full-fledged golf course are also located on the approximately 1,000,000 tsubo (approximately 1,000,000 square meters) grounds, making the entire area a major Resort Property.

The amusement park offers about 40 different types of attractions, including both thrilling and heartwarming ones. The centerpiece is "Jupiter," Japan's first wooden coaster, constructed from 60,000 rice pines and built like a work of art, with the creaks and vibrations of wood adding to the thrill and excitement. The wooden coaster is the park's No. 1 attraction, and as soon as the train departs, it races through the park at breakneck speeds.

A full-scale driving school exclusively for children, a rarity in Japan.

The
The "Kids Driving School" is for children from 3 years old to elementary school students. If they pass the practical test, they will be issued a license that looks just like the real thing.

The "Kids Driving School" designed for children who love cars is also popular. Children ride in the driver's seat of a kid's car, and their parents ride in the passenger seat as their teacher, allowing them to experience driving lessons together. Children can learn about traffic safety even though it is an attraction, and if they pass the practical test and obtain a license, they can drive here free of charge until their 13th birthday.

Baby strollers are available for rent, as well as a nursing room and a rest room that can be used free of charge. There is also a footbath of Beppu hot spring water to soothe tired feet, allowing families to spend the entire day playing to their heart's content.

Local Guide Comment
In the park, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring, a water playground in summer where visitors can play without swimsuits, and one of the largest outdoor ice skating rinks in Kyushu in winter. The amusement park is full of attractions, with something new and exciting to see each time you visit.
Jojima Kogen Park
  • Address 123 Jojima Kogen, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 20 minutes from JR Beppu Station by car.
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Stn. and get off at "Jojima Kogen Park".
  • Business hours 10:00 - 17:00 (varies according to the season)
  • Closed No regular holidays
  • Admission Fee Admission: Junior high school students and older: 1,500 yen, 4 years old to elementary school students: 600 yen
  • TEL 0977-22-1165
  • Parking Charged
  • Memo Kids Driving School requires advance reservation after admission.
    Please check the official website for the latest information on fees and hours of operation.

Popular as a campsite. An oasis 600 meters above sea level surrounded by mountains

On weekends, the park is crowded with people enjoying camping (660 yen per person for overnight stay). Reservations are required to use the fire and set up tents.
On weekends, the park is crowded with people enjoying camping (660 yen per person for overnight stay). Reservations are required to use the fire and set up tents.

The lake is located approximately 600 m above sea level on the southeastern hillside of Mount Tsurumidake in Beppu City. The lake is located in the Aso Kujyu National Park and has a circumference of about 2 km, covering an area of about 90,000 m2. The lakeside lawn has been maintained and is popular as a camping site. There is a store on the parking lot side, where firewood, charcoal, camping gear, and other items necessary for camping are available for sale, in case of emergencies.

Visitors are greeted by the beauty of nature in each of the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, vivid greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter. Surrounded by mountains and shaded by many trees, the campground is comfortable even in summer. There is also a point where you can draw spring water from the foot of Mt.

Board an adorable swan boat and take a walk on the water!

Pedal boats (for 3 persons) cost 1,100 yen per boat for 30 minutes. Swan and carp feeders are available at the boat ramp.
Pedal boats (for 3 persons) cost 1,100 yen per boat for 30 minutes. Swan and carp feeders are available at the boat ramp.

A popular activity is pedal boating. Up to four people, including two children under 100 cm tall, can ride together. Board the adorable boats, including swans and whales, and enjoy a walk on the water. The lake is also home to large swans, which will run alongside the boat if you feed them, doubling the fun.
In addition, Lake Shiko is adjacent to Forest Adventure Beppu, an outdoor park where visitors can be at one with nature through activities such as ziplining. The park offers a wide range of activities that allow visitors to become one with nature, such as ziplining, and the whole family can enjoy them to the fullest.

Local Guide Comment
You should not miss Kagurameko Lake, famous for its irises, which is located at the end of the promenade connected to Lake Shiko. Usually in mid-June, about 15,000 irises of about 80 varieties are at their best, and the lake is mystically colored.
Shidakako Lake
  • Address 4380 Aza-Shitaka, Oaza-Beppu, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Station, get off at "Shidaka Kohan" bus stop, and walk about 3 minutes.
  • Business hours Free to visit
  • Closed Free to visit
  • TEL 0977-25-3601（Shitaka Lake Management Office)
  • Parking Free of charge (8:00-17:00)

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.