A Day of Art Encounters
A day trip course in Beppu and Oita, where art and hot spring culture converge, promising moving experiences. After strolling through the creative streets, experience Japanese craftsmanship through traditional bamboo crafts and unique hot spring dyeing. For lunch, savor the power of the earth with hell-steamed dishes, where ingredients' umami is concentrated by geothermal steam. In the afternoon, appreciate art at two distinct museums. In the evening, savor exceptionally fresh “Seki horse mackerel and mackerel.” Embark on a creative cultural experience that stimulates all five senses!
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- 1day
- Transport Options
- Bus/Train/Walking
Contents
- JR Beppu Station
- #401
- Exploring Beppu's Urban Art
- #404
- Handmade Experiences in Beppu
- #406
- 【Lunch】“Jigoku-mushi” (Steamed in Hell)
- #409
- OPAM Oita Prefectural Art Museum
- #411
- Oita Bank Red Brick Building
- #413
- Oita City Art Museum
- #415
- 【Dinner】A must-try! Fresh, firm-fleshed Oita Seki Aji and Seki Saba
- #417
- JR Oita Station
- #419
JR Beppu Station
Convenient Services for Hands-Free Sightseeing in Beppu
Your journey begins at Beppu Station. Coin lockers and luggage storage services are available inside the station. You can also use our same-day luggage delivery service from Beppu Station. This eliminates the need to stop at your hotel, allowing you to explore hot springs and sightseeing spots immediately with nothing to carry. Save valuable time and enjoy a fulfilling experience.
Note: Some accommodations may not offer this service. Please confirm with your lodging before use.
Exploring Beppu's Urban Art
Discover another side of Beppu through art
Beppu, a world-renowned hot spring destination, transforms its entire city into a gallery. This unique town offers encounters with contemporary art seamlessly integrated into daily life, alongside the rising steam of its hot springs. Thanks to projects organized by the Mixed Bathing Hot Spring World Executive Committee, works by world-renowned artists are scattered throughout the city. These include vibrant murals by Taiwanese artist Michael Lin and beautiful art pieces modeled after water towers by New York-based contemporary sculptor Tom Frueyn. Why not experience a special journey immersed in art while casually strolling through the city?
Recommended Urban Artworks
- Hot Spring Bouquet
- This vibrant artwork, resembling a bouquet of flowers blooming across the entire wall of the Bluebird Hall on Station Front Street, is a creation by Michael Lin. Inspired by the traditional floral patterns found on yukata seen throughout Beppu, this large-scale mural expresses the unique charm where Beppu's history and modernity intersect. It's a photogenic spot that makes exploring Beppu even more enjoyable.
Photo by Shintaro Yamanaka (Qsyum!)
©︎Mixed Bathing World Executive Committee 
- https://alternative-state.com/ex1/?lang=en
- Water Tower 10: Beppu City, 2023
- This is Tom Frueyn's first work in Japan. Created using recycled acrylic waste materials collected within Oita Prefecture, it takes the water tower as its motif. During the day, it glows like stained glass when illuminated by sunlight, casting vividly colored shadows. Then, from sunset until 11:00 PM, its interior is illuminated, lighting up the nighttime streets of Beppu like a vibrant lighthouse.
- https://alternative-state.com/ex6/?lang=en
- SELECT BEPPU
- A museum shop in Beppu town, housed in a renovated retro row house over 100 years old. The first-floor shop sells crafts and artworks by artists and artisans connected to Beppu, along with carefully selected stylish souvenirs. But the real highlight is upstairs! Vibrant fusuma paintings by Michael Lin are on display, allowing you to experience art daily within the space of an old folk house.
- https://www.selectbeppu.com/
Approximately 20 minutes by bus
Handmade Experiences in Beppu
Preserve your Beppu memories in a tangible form!
Why not experience Japan's traditions and hot spring culture through unique handmade crafts? Skilled artisans provide careful guidance, so beginners can participate with confidence. Create your own one-of-a-kind original piece. Perfect as a travel memento or souvenir. Double the fun by joining with friends or family. Enjoy a creative time in Beppu, immersing yourself deeply in Japanese culture.
※Please make a reservation before visiting.
Recommended Hands-On Experiences
- Bamboo Craft
- Try your hand at Beppu's traditional craft of bamboo weaving, passed down for generations! Weave supple, beautiful bamboo to create bamboo bells, baskets, coasters, and more. Feel the warmth of natural materials and marvel at Japan's delicate craftsmanship. Finished pieces are lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect souvenirs.
- Perfume Making
- At this exceptionally rare “Fragrance Museum,” you can create your own one-of-a-kind original perfume. Blend your personal preferences from approximately 16 types of fragrance essences with the guidance of a perfumer. Complete in about 40 to 50 minutes, you can take home the scent of your journey as a lasting memory.
- https://oita-tourism.com/en/attractions/detail_1011.html
- Hot Spring Dyeing
- Experience Beppu's unique “hot spring dyeing.” Using dyes made from the blessings of the hot springs, you can dye items like tenugui towels. You can freely draw pictures or write characters, creating works that express your individuality. This is a precious experience where traditional Japanese dyeing techniques fuse with Beppu's hot spring culture.
Hot Spring Art
At beloved local public bathhouses like Suehiro Onsen, Higashimachi Onsen, and Kamiya Onsen, mural art by artists connected to Beppu adorns the bathing areas. Enjoy blissful moments soaking in the bath while gazing at works depicting the majestic views of Mount Yufu and Mount Tsurumi, or the scenery of Beppu Bay. Experience the special “Hot Spring Art” where the power of art heals the fatigue of travel. Bath admission is also affordable!
<Artist> Yukari Ohira
<Work Title, Year Created> Mount Yufu, 2015
<Photographer> Photo: Takashi Kubo
<Provided by> (C) NPO BEPPU PROJECT
【Lunch】“Jigoku-mushi” (Steamed in Hell)
Try “Jigoku-mushi”!
The process is simple: place your preferred ingredients on a steaming basket, put it in the hell steamer, and wait until tender.
Some facilities provide ingredients, while others allow you to bring your own purchased items, so choose the option that suits your preference. As a general guide, steaming times are: 5-15 minutes for soft vegetables and fish, 10 minutes for eggs, and about 20 minutes for root vegetables like sweet potatoes and lotus root. It's recommended to separate your baskets by time and use a timer to measure.
Take the train from JR Beppu Station to JR Oita Station for about 15 minutes.
Take the bus from JR Oita Station for about 15 minutes.
OPAM Oita Prefectural Art Museum
The building itself, designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban, is a highlight. The glass-walled atrium creates a bright, open, and inviting space filled with natural light. The adjoining café is the perfect spot to relax after enjoying the art, offering dishes made with fresh local vegetables and Bungo beef.
The museum also hosts workshops and guided tours, offering plenty of engaging experiences to enjoy!
Don't miss the surrounding art spots!
- Art Plaza
- Oita City Art Plaza, designed by world-renowned architect Arata Isozaki. The building itself is a work of art with its original design. The exposed concrete “hollow beams” and unique spaces that skillfully incorporate light are must-sees. The third floor displays models and materials of Isozaki's architectural works, making it a recommended spot for art and architecture fans.
- https://www.art-plaza.jp/
- Yuho Park
- Located near the ruins of Fuchu Castle in central Oita City, Yūho Park is truly a “sculpture gallery.” Sculptures depicting the history of Nanban culture, which flourished in Oita during the 16th century, line a path stretching approximately 350 meters. Visitors can enjoy a historical stroll while viewing statues such as Saint Francis Xavier and a boy sent to the West.
- https://www.google.com/maps/place/%E9%81%8A%E6%AD%A9%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92/@33.238749,131.611722,13z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x35469f70ad7440b5:0xdaa176af1fd764fc!8m2!3d33.2387495!4d131.6117217!16s%2Fg%2F120_rv7s?hl=ja&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTAyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3Dhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/%E9%81%8A%E6%AD%A9%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92/@33.238749,131.611722,13z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x35469f70ad7440b5:0xdaa176af1fd764fc!8m2!3d33.2387495!4d131.6117217!16s%2Fg%2F120_rv7s?hl=ja&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTAyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Oita Bank Red Brick Building
A nostalgic landmark bank designed by the architect behind Tokyo Station
In Oita’s city center, the stately Oita Bank Red Brick Building was built in 1913 and feels like a step back in time. Designed by modern-architecture master Kingo Tatsuno, who is also known for Tokyo Station, the Oita Bank Red Brick Building is a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property. The beauty of his signature "Tatsuno style" vividly contrasts red bricks with white granite, making it a true city icon. The building still functions as a bank branch, and some areas may open for public viewing or events. Enjoy a nostalgic walk as you feel the deep history of this building and take in more than a century of stories.
Oita City Art Museum
"Enjoy, Observe, and Learn" Through Art
Nestled within the lush Uenogaoka Kodomo no Mori Park, this art museum is designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy art under the theme of "Enjoy, Observe, and Learn." The museum showcases works by artists connected to Oita, such as modern Japanese painters Heihachiro Fukuda and Tatsuo Takayama, master of early modern painting Tanomura Chikuden, and bamboo craftsman and Living National Treasure Shounsai Shono, offering a rich and captivating experience. The special exhibition room hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.
The outdoor area features sculptures that are scattered around the grounds, creating a delightful blend of art and nature. Why not take a stroll through the park while enjoying these artistic pieces?
The museum shop offers a wide range of art-related goods, perfect for souvenirs, while the café serves delicious light meals and sweets made with local ingredients.
【Dinner】A must-try! Fresh, firm-fleshed Oita Seki Aji and Seki Saba
Indulge in the ultimate brand fish
When visiting Oita, you absolutely must taste the brand fish “Seki Aji and Seki Saba”! Raised in the rough waves of the Bungo Channel, they are characterized by firm flesh and high-quality fat. Caught one by one without injury using the “single-line fishing” method, and processed with a unique live-slaughtering technique to maintain peak freshness, you can savor their firm, springy texture and rich umami flavor. Enjoying them as sashimi is guaranteed to impress. Truly, they are the finest seafood treasures the Oita Sea has to offer.
