Local Guide
7 must-see tourist spots in Beppu, from the classics to hidden gems

Beppu, known as one of Japan's leading hot spring areas, has many popular tourist spots that have been around for a long time. From places where you can enjoy the beauty of nature to nostalgic places that make you feel nostalgic. We will introduce seven spots, from classic spots to hidden gems, where you can experience unique scenery and time.

What is the Beppu Hell Tour, a staple of Beppu tourism?

Beppu is dotted with seven hells, including the Blood Pond Hell.
Beppu is dotted with seven hells, including the Blood Pond Hell.

"Beppu Hell Tour" is synonymous with tourism in Beppu. The impressive sight of hot spring gushing forth vigorously is something you can only see here. Hell is a place where steam, hot mud, and boiling water erupt, and in the past it was called "Hell" as it was considered an abominable place.
In an attempt to make the most of this land for tourism, the current "Umi Jigoku" Property were constructed in 1910, and an admission fee was set up to attract visitors, which was how the hell tour began. Today, special buses have been built to take visitors to the hell, and it has become a major tourist attraction in Beppu.

The mysterious cobalt blue of nature's "Umi Jigoku"

Umi Jigoku is surrounded by a huge amount of steam. It appears cobalt blue due to hot spring 's iron sulfate content.
Umi Jigoku is surrounded by a huge amount of steam. It appears cobalt blue due to hot spring 's iron sulfate content.

There are seven various 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 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 in hell. There is also a souvenir store and a coffee shop.

Comments Local Guide
If you want to fully appreciate the beauty of Umi Jigoku, we recommend looking at it from the observation deck. The endless steam rising from the water is a sight you'll want to stare at forever.
Beppu Hell Tour
  • URLhttps://www.beppu-jigoku.com/
  • 住所559-1 Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 15 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Beppu Station and get off at "Umi Jigoku"
  • 営業時間8:00～17:00
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料Joint admission ticket: Adults (high school students and above) 2,400 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 1,200 yen
  • TEL0977-66-1577（別府地獄組合）
  • 駐車場free

It takes about 10 minutes to reach 1,300m above ground, and you'll be amazed by the ever-changing colors of the seasons.

Hoarfrost can only be seen when certain conditions, such as humidity, temperature, and weather, are just right. It creates a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
Hoarfrost can only be seen when certain conditions, such as humidity, temperature, and weather, are just right. It creates a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

This is a tourist spot where you can experience the rich nature of each season. It takes about 10 minutes to reach Tsurumi Sanjo Station, which is 1,300 meters above sea level. The gondola can carry up to 101 people and is the largest in Kyushu.
In spring, Somei-yoshino cherry blossoms bloom from the foot of the mountain, followed by wild cherry blossoms on the mountainside and mame-zakura near the peak, and so on as you move towards the summit. In May, the famous Miyamakirishi blooms. The peak changes colour from the end of September, and the autumn leaves spread further down the mountain. You can also enjoy winter cherry blossoms along with the autumn leaves. In winter, if the conditions are right, the entire area will be covered in frost, creating a mystical sight.

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

View of the ropeway's mountaintop station and Mount Takasaki from near the summit of Mount Tsurumi
View of the ropeway's mountaintop station and Mount Takasaki from near the summit of Mount Tsurumi

The temperature around the top of Mt. Tsurumi is about 10 degrees lower than on the ground, making it a perfect summer resort. There are also many seasonal events. During Golden Week in May and the summer vacation period, the resort is open at night, allowing you to enjoy a different view from the daytime, such as the night view of Beppu Bay and the sunset over Mt. Yufu.
From the rooftop of Tsurumi Sanjo Station, you can get a panoramic view of Beppu city and Beppu Bay. There are also other spectacular views, such as a place where you can see the majestic Mt. Yufu up close, and an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of Oita, the Kuju mountain range, and even Shikoku. You can reach the top of Mt. Tsurumi via a promenade, so we recommend taking a leisurely stroll.

Comments Local Guide
This is a spot where you can surely encounter breathtaking views that you won't normally see. If you come at the right time, you might even be able to meet the cat stationmaster, Nyata.
©Beppu Ropeway
©Beppu Ropeway
Beppu Ropeway
  • URLhttps://www.beppu-ropeway.co.jp/
  • 住所10-7 Kanbara, Minamitateishi, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 5 minutes by car from Beppu IC
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Beppu Station and get off at "Beppu Ropeway"
  • 営業時間Summer (March 15th - November 14th) First departure 9:00, last departure 17:00, last departure 17:30
    Winter (November 15th to March 14th) First departure 9:00, last upbound flight 16:30, last downbound flight 17:00
  • 定休日Open everyday * May be suspended due to bad weather, facility maintenance, inspection, etc.
  • 入場料Adults (junior high school students and above) round trip 1,800 yen, one way 1,200 yen
    Children (ages 4 to elementary school): 900 yen round trip, 600 yen one way
    Seniors (70 and over): Round trip 1,700 yen, one way 1,200 yen
  • TEL0977-22-2278
  • 駐車場free

An exhilarating drive on a scenic road that attracts people from all over the country

From autumn to winter, you can enjoy the golden mountain surface and snow-capped mountains.
From autumn to winter, you can enjoy the golden mountain surface and snow-capped mountains.

This tourist road crosses Kyushu, connecting Beppu, Yufuin, Kuju, and Aso in Oita Prefecture. It is a popular driving route that allows you to enjoy Kyushu's spectacular scenery, and has been selected as one of the "100 Famous Roads of Japan." Many people enjoy the scenery not only by car, but also by motorcycle, bicycle, and on foot.
Along the road, you can enjoy mountain climbing and hiking along the majestic mountains such as Mount Yufu and the Kuju Mountain Range. There are also many hot spring, including Beppu and Yufuin, which are perfect for soothing your daily fatigue. There are also many other famous places such as lakes, amusement parks, plateaus, marshes, and waterfalls.

Enjoy the special scenery that changes with each season

On a clear day, the scenery looks like a diorama. Depending on the season, you can also see cows and sheep grazing. ©️Tourism Oita
On a clear day, the scenery looks like a diorama. Depending on the season, you can also see cows and sheep grazing. ©️Tourism Oita

Chojabaru, one of the highlights of the Yamanami Highway, is a photogenic spot where you can see the straight road and the Kuju mountain range. From there, you can go up further to Makinoto Pass, which is 1,130 meters above sea level. This is one of the best view spots, where you can see the Kuju mountain range up close, as well as Mount Yufu and the Aso mountains.
Once you pass Kuju Flower Park, where 5 million flowers of 500 different varieties spread across the plateau throughout the year, you'll arrive at Shiroyama Observatory, just before the end of the route. If it's a clear day, you'll be treated to a spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Aso.

Comments Local Guide
Just driving along this scenic road will greet you with unbelievably beautiful scenery. There are plenty of sightseeing and gourmet spots along the way, so thinking about rest spots along the way is also part of the fun.
Yamanami Highway
  • URLhttps://www.visit-oita.jp/spots/detail/8579
  • 住所Shiomi-cho, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture to Miyaji, Ichinomiya-cho, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture
  • アクセスApproximately 65 minutes by car from Beppu Station (Yamanami Highway Chojabaru Signpost)
  • TEL0974-76-1610（久住高原観光案内所）

Observe wild monkeys up close

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 any fences. Currently, about 1,000 monkeys appear at the feeding area. It takes about 7-8 minutes on foot from the entrance, and about 3 minutes to ride the "Sarukko Rail" to reach the monkey gathering area. Feeding times are held every 30 minutes, and when the time comes, many monkeys gather.
You can watch the adorable baby monkeys playing on the jungle gym and slide, or observe the monkeys fighting and making noises. The adult monkeys have their own faces and personalities, and their expressions are so varied that you'll never get bored.

What are the "legends" that bring good luck?

Everyone spreads their legs wide and waits to pass through the monkey's legs. The more times you pass through the legs, the better your luck.
Everyone spreads their legs wide and waits to pass through the monkey's legs. The more times you pass through the legs, the better your luck.

There are several legends in the park, one of which is "passing under the monkey's legs." It is said that if you stand with your legs wide apart and a monkey passes under your legs, good luck will come your way. Other legends include that if you find a large monkey rock, good fortune will come your way, and if you stroke the head of a bronze statue, your relationship will be happy. Be sure to try and find them!
Be sure to also visit the "Monkey House." There are exhibits about the history of the zoo and the past bosses, and there is also a wide selection of souvenirs. We also recommend the limited edition "Umijio Soft Serve" and the original sweet "Monchan Yaki."

Comments Local Guide
There are plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy, such as "monkey dumplings" where the monkeys huddle together to keep warm in winter, and playing in the pool in summer.
Takasakiyama Natural Zoo
  • URLhttps://www.takasakiyama.jp/
  • 住所3098-1 Kanzaki, Oita City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Beppu Station and get off at "Takasakiyama Natural Zoo"
  • 営業時間9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
  • 定休日Open everyday (may be closed temporarily for a few days each year)
  • 入場料Adults (high school students and above): 520 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 260 yen, children under elementary school age: free
  • TEL097-532-5010
  • 駐車場Large vehicles: 1,050 yen, regular cars and light four-wheeled vehicles: 420 yen

Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view stretching all the way to Shikoku

You can see the cityscape of Beppu and Beppu Bay, all the way to the sea.
You can see the cityscape of Beppu and Beppu Bay, all the way to the sea.

Among the hot spring areas in Beppu, the Myoban hot spring area has the highest elevation. About 3km from there is the Jumonjibaru Observatory. In addition to a panoramic view of the city of Beppu and Beppu Bay, you can also see the round, jutting Kunisaki Peninsula, Oita Airport, Takasakiyama, Saganoseki Peninsula, and on a clear day, all the way to Cape Sada in Shikoku.
From spring to summer, the beautiful contrast between the green grasslands, mountains, and sky creates a magnificent sight. In autumn, we enjoy the sight of silver grass swaying in the breeze.

A romantic spot to view the sparkling night view

After the sun goes down, you can enjoy the glittering night view that stands out in the darkness.
After the sun goes down, you can enjoy the glittering night view that stands out in the darkness.

This observation deck is also extremely popular as a spot to view the night views. It is registered as one of the "Japan Night View Heritage" and "Top 100 Night Views," and is a popular spot for couples to visit.
The lights of Beppu city, Oita's factories, the airport, and the lights of cars on the road all sparkle and create a romantic scene. If you time it right, you can also see the full moon and the sun rising from the sea.
Because of the great view, strong winds blow throughout the day, so be sure to take precautions against the cold, especially if you visit in winter.

Comments Local Guide
Not only is the view of the ocean, mountains, and sky refreshing, but the path to the observation deck is also spectacular. You can enjoy the seasonal grassland scenery.
Jumonjibaru Observatory

A fun, retro-styled kitchen for Beppu residents

Located just a 2-minute walk from Beppu Station, it is also a place for locals to shop and socialize.
Located just 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 lined with specialty shops such as greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers and prepared food stores. It is especially lively in the mornings, and is where locals do their daily shopping. Chat with the famous man at the flower shop, try some original tea, find bargains on clothing, read the interesting notices at the dried fish shop. Unexpected encounters with people and things await.
It's also fun to look at the illustrations painted on the shutters of vacant storefronts and look for signs with interesting words and mysterious posters.

Take a break at the rest area. Enjoy the bliss of your loot.

There are plenty of delicious things to choose from, including the market's specialty "futomaki" (thick rolls), sushi from the fishmonger, bread made with natural yeast, and fish cakes.
There are plenty of delicious things to choose from, including the market's specialty "futomaki" (thick rolls), sushi from the fishmonger, bread made with natural yeast, and fish cakes.

If you want to enjoy barbecue or hell steaming, we recommend shopping at greengrocers, butchers, and fishmongers. They sell sets for tourists, and will help you choose according to your budget, so you can receive the warm service that only a privately owned store can offer. Both store clerks and customers will talk to you casually, so feel free to ask any questions you have. You may be able to get some local information.
If you're feeling a bit hungry, stop by the rest area and grab some side dishes, bread, or thick rolls to relax. Enjoy your meal with the retro music echoing through the shopping street.

Comments Local Guide
It's a nostalgic spot that makes you feel as if time has stopped. The locals and shopkeepers are friendly and will teach you all sorts of things, so those interactions are sure to become fond memories.
Beppu Station Market
  • URLhttp://www.beppu-sc.jp/ichiba/
  • 住所6-22 Chuocho, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 2 minutes walk from JR Beppu Station
  • 営業時間Varies by store
  • 定休日Varies by store
  • TEL0977-22-1686
  • 駐車場Free (9:00-18:00 40 minutes free)

Enjoy the superb craftsmanship of the artisans

In the open lobby with its high ceilings, you are greeted by a bamboo sculpture taller than you.
In the open lobby with its high ceilings, you are greeted by a bamboo sculpture taller than you.

Property you can learn about the development and details of bamboo and bamboo crafts. Beppu bamboo crafts are designated as a national traditional craft, and many artisans are still active today.
When you enter the museum and go through the bamboo arch, you will be fascinated by the mysterious, undulating structure, with the meshes glimpsed as you walk. After passing through, you will come to an exhibition booth about bamboo. Bamboo is something that is familiar to us, but there are many different types and properties, and you can see explanations about them. Next to it, the process of how bamboo crafts are made is written in detail, and you will be amazed at the endless steps that go into creating a single bamboo craft.

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

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

After learning about bamboo and bamboo crafts, you can enjoy viewing the works of master craftsmen. Approximately 180 bamboo crafts are on display, ranging from bold pieces using bamboo roots and round bamboo to delicate pieces woven with thin strips of bamboo as thin as thread. If you make a reservation, you can also Experience simple bamboo crafts, such as making bamboo bells and flower baskets.
Be sure to stop by the shopping and cafe area. One of the characteristics of bamboo is that it changes color and develops a unique texture over the years. You can enjoy the fun of growing your own bamboo products right in your hands.

Comments Local Guide
Bamboo is used in unexpected places inside the building, such as the benches, floors, and lighting. It's fun to try to find the "hidden bamboo."
Beppu City Bamboo Crafts Traditional Industry Center
  • URLhttps://takezaikudensankaikan.jp/
  • 住所8-3 Higashisoen, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station
  • バスアクセスTake the bus from JR Beppu Station, get off at "Hikari no Sono Mae" and walk for about 6 minutes
  • 営業時間8:30-17:00 (SHOP & CAFE open until 16:30)
  • 定休日Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, the following day will be closed), New Year's holiday (December 29th to January 3rd)
  • 入場料High school students and above: 390 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 130 yen
  • TEL0977-23-1072
  • 駐車場free
  • メモAdvance reservations are required for Experience

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Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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