City Guides Travel

Beppu, Japan–A Soak in the Heart of Japan’s Hot Springs Capital

On my recent trip to Japan, I found myself in a city that feels like a hidden gem—Beppu. Located on the island of Kyushu, Beppu is often called the hot springs capital of Japan, and it didn’t take long to see why. With over 2,000 onsen (hot springs) scattered across the city, the entire place seems to be enveloped in a gentle, steamy mist, adding a surreal charm to the experience.

The Arrival

Arriving in Beppu, the first thing you notice is the steam rising from every corner of the city, thanks to its volcanic activity. I stayed at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) that offered both tatami mat rooms and a private hot spring bath. This alone made my first night’s stay an absolute dream.

The Hell Tour: Jigoku Meguri

One of Beppu’s most famous attractions is the Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour), which takes you through a series of unique hot springs known as “hells” due to their otherworldly appearance. Each hot spring is different, some bubbling in shades of blue or red, while others are surrounded by lush greenery. I visited the Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), where the water is a striking cobalt blue, and the Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), which has an eerie red hue. The steaming, colorful pools are more for viewing than soaking, and they give a sense of the raw power and beauty of nature.

An Onsen Experience Like No Other

One of the highlights of my trip was bathing in the public onsens scattered throughout the city. Takegawara Onsen, one of Beppu’s oldest, was a must-visit for me. This onsen offers not just the traditional hot spring baths but also a sand bath where you’re buried in warm sand heated by the natural springs. The sensation of the warm sand pressing down on my body, followed by a dip in the hot bath, left me feeling rejuvenated and deeply relaxed.

For a more luxurious experience, I visited Hyotan Onsen, which is renowned for its variety of baths, including steam baths, outdoor baths, and waterfall baths. Hyotan also offers a unique onsen-steamed cuisine where dishes are cooked using the heat from the hot springs. I tried the steamed egg and sweet potatoes, and the subtle flavors were a perfect complement to the relaxing experience.

The Local Cuisine

While Beppu is famous for its hot springs, the local food scene deserves attention as well. After a day of onsen-hopping, I treated myself to Beppu’s signature dish, “Jigoku Mushi” (hell-steamed food). Using the geothermal heat from the hot springs, fresh seafood, vegetables, and meat are steamed to perfection. The result is incredibly flavorful, yet light, allowing the natural taste of the ingredients to shine through. Dining on Jigoku Mushi with a view of the steaming landscape was one of the most memorable meals of my trip.

My Visit to Mount Tsurumi

If you’re looking for more than just relaxation, Beppu offers stunning natural landscapes as well. I took the ropeway up Mount Tsurumi, which offers incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Beppu Bay. In autumn, the mountain transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves change, while in winter, you might even experience snow-capped peaks. Hiking trails at the top allow for some peaceful exploration before heading back down to the warmth of the onsens.

Beppu is a city where you can truly relax, surrounded by nature’s powerful geothermal forces. Whether it’s soaking in the healing waters of the onsens, enjoying the unique “hells,” or savoring steamed local delicacies, Beppu offers a travel experience that’s both restorative and deeply connected to nature. For anyone looking to slow down and soak in the essence of Japan’s traditional onsen culture, Beppu is the perfect destination.

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