Visit Oita

Beppu City, known for its eight iconic onsen areas, hosts the Beppu Hatto Onsen Festival every year around April 1, designated as Onsen Appreciation Day, to honor the blessings of its abundant hot springs. Centered around JR Beppu Station, the festival features traditional Japanese dances, kagura performances dedicated to the gods, and performances by musical bands, drawing crowds of visitors from near and far.

The main venue on Ekimae Street comes alive with a vibrant parade and marching bands, culminating in a procession of a portable shrine carrying the deity of onsen. The festival’s highlight, the Yubukkake Matsuri, sees torrents of onsen water sprayed from hoses along the parade route, soaking participants and spectators alike. With water guns and balloons added to the mix, it’s a thrilling event where both kids and adults gleefully splash around, creating memories unique to this onsen town.

Another must-see is the Ogiyama Fire Festival, held on Mt. Ogiyama, which rises 810 meters above sea level. To mark the arrival of spring, the mountain slopes are set alight in a spectacular blaze, symbolically offering thanks to the onsen deity. The glowing orange flames against the night sky create a breathtaking and magical sight."