Local Guide
7 recommended sightseeing spots in Beppu, from classic to hidden gems.

Known as one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts, Beppu has long been home to many popular tourist spots. From places where you can enjoy the beauty of nature to nostalgic places where you can feel nostalgia. Here we introduce seven spots, ranging from classic spots to hidden gems, where you can experience a unique scenery and time.

What is the "Beppu Hell Tour," a staple of Beppu sightseeing?

Beppu is dotted with seven hells, including
Beppu is dotted with seven hells, including "Boku no Ike Jigoku" (Pond of Blood Hell).

The Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) is synonymous with sightseeing in Beppu. The powerful scenery of hot springs gushing forth with great force is a sight that can only be seen here. Jigoku is a land where fumaroles, hot mud, and boiling water gushed out, and in the past it was called "hell" as an abhorrent land.
In 1910, in an effort to make use of this land for tourism, the current "Umi-Jigoku" Property was built and an admission fee was set to attract visitors, which marked the beginning of the "Jigoku Meguri" (Hell Tour). Nowadays, a special bus service is available, and the tour has become a major tourist attraction in Beppu.

The mysterious cobalt blue "Umi-Jigoku" spun by nature

Umi Jigoku is surrounded by a large amount of steam. The hot spring's iron sulfate component gives it a cobalt blue appearance.
Umi Jigoku is surrounded by a large amount of steam. The hot spring's iron sulfate component gives it a cobalt blue appearance.

There are seven different types of hells in Beppu, including "Umi Jigoku," "Blood Pond Hell," "Shiraike Jigoku," "Oniyama Jigoku," "Ryumaki Jigoku," "Onishihoboju Jigoku," and "Kamado Jigoku.
Among them, Umi Jigoku is a must-visit hell with a beautiful bright cobalt blue color. The sound of the tremendous fumaroles roars out, and the color of the steam and the blue color changes depending on the season and the weather, delighting visitors. Visitors can experience hell by taking a footbath, admire the beautiful lotuses in the greenhouse, and enjoy eating "hot spring eggs" made by directly soaking them in hell. Souvenir stores and coffee shops are also available.

Local Guide Comment
To fully appreciate the beauty of Umi-Jigoku, we recommend viewing it from the observation deck. The sight of the endless steam gushing out is a view that makes you want to watch forever.
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

The ever-changing colors of the four seasons will take your breath away.

Muhyo (rime) can be seen only when conditions are right, such as humidity, temperature, and weather. It is a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
Muhyo (rime) can be seen only when conditions are right, such as humidity, temperature, and weather. It is a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

This is a sightseeing spot where visitors can experience the richness of nature in each season. It takes about 10 minutes to reach "Tsurumiyama-jojo Station" at an elevation of 1,300 meters. The gondola is the largest in Kyushu, with a maximum capacity of 101 passengers.
In spring, someiyoshino cherry trees bloom from the foot of the mountain, yamazakura cherry trees bloom on the mountainside, and mamezakura cherry trees bloom near the summit, in that order, and in May, the famous Miyama-kirishima cherry trees bloom. Winter cherry blossoms can be viewed along with the autumn foliage. In winter, if the conditions are right, the entire area is covered with fog and ice, creating a mysterious sight.

What awaits you is a beautiful view that can only be seen from the highest point in Beppu

The view of the ropeway station and Mount Takasaki from the summit of Mt.
The view of the ropeway station and Mount Takasaki from the summit of Mt.

The temperature near the top of Mt. Tsurumidake is about 10°C lower than on the ground, making it a perfect summer retreat. During the GW in May and the summer vacation period, the station is open at night to provide visitors with a different view of Beppu Bay and the sunset over Mt.
From the rooftop of Tsurumiyama-jojo Station, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Beppu's city center and Beppu Bay. There are also other superb views such as a place where you can see the grandeur of Mt. Yufudake up close and an observatory from which you can see the Oita area, the Kujyu mountain range, and the Shikoku area. Tsurumidake can be reached via a walking trail, so a leisurely walk is recommended.

Local Guide Comment
This is a spot where you are sure to encounter a captivating view that you would not normally be able to see. If your timing is right, you may even get to meet the cat stationmaster, Meowta.
©Beppu Ropeway
©Beppu Ropeway
Beppu Ropeway
  • Address 10-7 Aza Kambara, Oaza Minami Tateishi, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from Beppu IC
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Station and get off at Beppu Ropeway.
  • Business hours Summer (Mar. 15-Nov. 14) first bus 9:00, last bus up 17:00, last bus down 17:30
    Winter (Nov. 15 - Mar. 14) First departure 9:00, last up 16:30, last down 17:00
  • Closed No holidays *Service may be suspended due to inclement weather, equipment maintenance, inspections, etc.
  • Admission Fee Adults (junior high school students and older): round trip 1,800 yen, one way 1,200 yen
    Children (4 years old to elementary school students) 900 yen round trip, 600 yen one way
    Senior (70 years old and over): 1,700 yen round trip, 1,200 yen one way
  • TEL 0977-22-2278
  • Parking Free of charge

An exhilarating drive on a road with spectacular views that attracts people from all over Japan

From fall to winter, you can enjoy the golden surface of the mountain and the snowy mountains.
From fall to winter, you can enjoy the golden surface of the mountain and the snowy mountains.

This is a sightseeing road that crosses Kyushu, connecting Beppu, Yufuin, Kujyu, and Aso in Oita Prefecture. It is popular as a driving route to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery of Kyushu and has been selected as one of the "100 best roads in Japan. Many people enjoy the scenery not only by car, but also by motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot.
Along the road are magnificent mountains such as Mt. Yufudake and the Kujyu mountain range, where mountain climbing and hiking can be enjoyed. There are also many hot springs, including Beppu and Yufuin, which are perfect for relaxing after a hard day's work. There are also lakes, amusement parks, highlands, wetlands, waterfalls, and many other places of interest.

Taste the best scenery that changes with the seasons.

On a clear day, the scene looks like a diorama. Depending on the time of year, cattle and sheep can be seen grazing. ©️ tourism-oita
On a clear day, the scene looks like a diorama. Depending on the time of year, cattle and sheep can be seen grazing. ©️ tourism-oita

The highlight of the Yamanami Highway is Chojabaru, where the straight road and the Kujyu mountain range create a photogenic scene. Further up the road is the 1,130-meter-high Maki no Toe Pass. This is one of the best view spots from which you can see the Kujyu mountain range up close, as well as Mt.
If you pass Kujyu Flower Park, where 5 million flowers of 500 kinds spread across the plateau throughout the year, you will arrive at the Joyama Observatory, located just before the end of the trail. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Aso.

Local Guide Comment
Just by driving along the road, you will be plunged into a spectacular scenic road with beautiful sights that will make you feel as if you are lying in the middle of the road. The road is full of sightseeing and gourmet spots along the way, so thinking about where to take a break along the way is part of the fun.
Yamanami Highway
  • Address Shiomi-cho, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture - Miyachi, Ichinomiya-cho, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture
  • Direction Approx. 65 min. from Beppu Station by car (Yamanami Highway Chojabaru Signpost)
  • TEL 0974-76-1610（Kusumi Kogen Tourist Information Center)

Watching wild monkeys at close range

Many monkeys gather at the feeding time, which comes every 30 minutes.
Many monkeys gather at the feeding time, which comes every 30 minutes.

This is a spot where you can see wild Japanese macaques up close without fences. Currently, about 1,000 monkeys appear at the feeding ground. It is a 7-8 minute walk from the entrance to the park, or a 3 minute ride on the "Sarukko Rail" to the monkey feeding area, where there is a feeding time every 30 minutes and many monkeys gather at the right time.
You can watch the smiling baby monkeys playing on the jungle gym and slides, or observe the fighting and squealing monkeys. The adult monkeys have their own faces and personalities, and they are so expressive that you will never get tired of watching them.

What is the "legend" that brings good luck?

Everyone opens their legs wide and waits for the monkeys to pass through their legs. The more times the monkeys pass through the crotch, the luckier they will be.
Everyone opens their legs wide and waits for the monkeys to pass through their legs. The more times the monkeys pass through the crotch, the luckier they will be.

There are several legends at the park, one of which is the "monkey crotch crawl. One of them is the "Monkey Crotch Pass," in which visitors are supposed to stand with their legs wide open, and if a monkey passes under their crotch, they will be blessed with good luck. Other legends include that finding a large monkey rock will bring good luck and that patting the head of a bronze statue will make a couple happy. Let's look for them!
You can also visit the Osaru-kan (Monkey Museum). There are exhibits on the history of the park and successive bosses, as well as a wide variety of souvenirs. We also recommend the limited-edition "Umijio Soft" and the original sweets "Mon-chan-yaki".

Local Guide Comment
There are also many seasonal delights, such as "monkey dumplings" that huddle together to ward off the cold in winter and swimming pools in summer.
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

Have the panoramic view of Shikoku in the distance all to yourself

You can see the city of Beppu and Beppu Bay in the center of the city, and even across the sea.
You can see the city of Beppu and Beppu Bay in the center of the city, and even across the sea.

The Myoban Onsen area is the highest of Beppu's hot spring areas. About 3 km from there is the Jumonjibaru Observatory. In addition to a panoramic view of Beppu city and Beppu Bay, you can also see the rounded Kunisaki Peninsula, Oita Airport, Takasaki Mountain, Saganoseki Peninsula, and on clear days, as far as Cape Sada on Shikoku Island.
In spring and summer, the beautiful contrast between the green grasslands, mountains, and sky is stunning. In autumn, the view of silver grass rustling in the wind is a delight to the eye.

Romantic spot to enjoy the sparkling night view

After the sun goes down, you can enjoy the sparkling night view in the darkness.
After the sun goes down, you can enjoy the sparkling night view in the darkness.

The observatory is also a very popular night view spot. It is registered as one of the "Japan Night View Heritage" and "100 Best Night Views," and is a popular spot for couples to visit.
The lights of the city of Beppu, the factories of Oita, the lights of the airport, and the lights of cars on the road twinkle and twinkle, trailing their tails, creating a romantic scene. If you time it right, you can even see the full moon and sun rise from the sea.
The view is good, but there is a strong wind blowing all day long. Be sure to take warm clothing, especially if you visit in the winter.

Local Guide Comment
Not only the exhilarating scenery created by the sea, mountains, and sky, but also the path leading to the observation deck is spectacular. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of the meadow in each season.
Jumonjibaru Observatory
  • Address1200 Aza-Ikenotsuru, Oaza-Noda, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Station and get off at "Jumonjibaru-bounden-mae" bus stop.
  • TEL 0977-21-1128（Beppu City Tourism Division)
  • Parking Free of charge

Beppu Citizens' Kitchen with a Retro Atmosphere

Located about a 2-minute walk from Beppu Station. It is also a place for locals to shop and socialize.
Located about a 2-minute walk from Beppu Station. It is also a place for locals to shop and socialize.

An old-fashioned shopping street under the elevated railway tracks. Specialty stores such as fruit and vegetable stores, butcher stores, fresh fish stores, and delicatessen stores line the street. It is especially lively in the mornings and is where locals do their daily shopping. You can chat with the famous old man at the flower shop, sample original tea, look for super cheap bargain clothing, or read a tasteful signboard at the dried fish shop. Unexpected encounters with people and things await you.
It is also a fun time to admire the illustrations on the shutters of empty stores and look for signs with interesting words or mysterious signs.

Take a break at the rest area. A blissful time to enjoy the spoils of war.

Delicious foods such as the market's famous
Delicious foods such as the market's famous "futomaki" rolls, sushi from the fresh fish store, bread made with in-house natural yeast, fish kamaboko, and more!

If you enjoy barbequing and steaming in hell, we recommend that you buy your produce, butchery, and fresh fish at the fruit and vegetable store, butcher store, or fresh fish store. You will receive the warm service that only private stores can offer, such as selling a set of products for tourists or choosing the best one according to your budget. Both the shopkeepers and customers are always willing to chat with you, so you can ask questions about anything you are curious about. You may be able to get some unique local information.
If you are hungry, take a break at the rest area with a side dish, bread, or futomaki roll in hand. Enjoy the delicious food with retro music echoing through the shopping street as background music.

Local Guide Comment
It is a spot that evokes a sense of nostalgia, as if time has stopped. The locals and shopkeepers are friendly and will teach you many things, and the interaction will be a pleasant memory.
Beppu Station Market
  • Address 6-22 Chuo-machi, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 2 minutes walk from JR Beppu Station
  • Business hours Depends on the store
  • Closed Depends on the store
  • TEL 0977-22-1686
  • Parking Free (9:00-18:00, 40 min. free)

Take time to enjoy the superb craftsmanship of the artisans.

In the open, high-ceilinged lobby, visitors are greeted by a bamboo sculpture that is taller than they are.
In the open, high-ceilinged lobby, visitors are greeted by a bamboo sculpture that is taller than they are.

Property where visitors can learn about the development and details of bamboo and bamboo crafts. Beppu bamboo crafts are designated as a national traditional craft, and many craftsmen are still active today.
As you enter the museum and pass through the bamboo archway, you will be amazed at the mysterious wavy mesh you can see as you walk through the archway. Once you pass through the archway, you will find an exhibition booth about bamboo. Bamboo is a familiar part of our daily lives, but there is a wide variety of bamboo species and their properties, which are explained here. Next to the booth is a detailed description of the process of making bamboo crafts, and you will be amazed at the endless process that goes into the creation of a single bamboo craft.

Step into the deep world of bamboo crafts, all made by hand.

A wide range of bamboo crafts, from daily necessities to highly artistic works, are on display in the museum.
A wide range of bamboo crafts, from daily necessities to highly artistic works, are on display in the museum.

After learning about bamboo and bamboo crafts, visitors are invited to view the works of master craftsmen. There are approximately 180 bamboo crafts on display, ranging from bold use of bamboo roots and round bamboos to delicate weaving with string as thin as thread. By appointment, visitors can experience simple bamboo crafts such as making bamboo bells and flower baskets.
Be sure to stop by the space for shopping and coffee. One of the characteristics of bamboo is that it changes color and texture as it ages. You can enjoy the pleasure of growing your own bamboo products at hand.

Local Guide Comment
Bamboo is used in unexpected places in the museum, such as benches, floors, and lighting. It is fun to look for "hidden bamboo.
Beppu City Bamboo Craft Traditional Industry Hall
  • Address 8-3 Higashishoen, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 10 minutes from JR Beppu Station by car
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Beppu Station, get off at Hikari no En-mae bus stop, and walk about 6 minutes.
  • Business hours 8:30-17:00 (SHOP & CAFE open until 16:30)
  • Closed Mondays (closed the next day if Monday is a national vacation), year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29-Jan. 3)
  • Admission fee High school students and older: 390 yen, elementary/junior high school students: 130 yen
  • TEL 0977-23-1072
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Experience requires advance reservation.

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.