A Car-Free Journey! Fully Enjoy the Onsen in Beppu and Yufuin!
Indulge in Japan's onsen culture while taking in the stunning natural beauty of Oita Prefecture during this luxurious onsen trip. In Beppu, you will relax your body with steam baths and open-air onsen, while in Yufuin you can spend time soothing your with the picturesque scenery of Lake Kinrin. Hop on a ropeway, sightseeing carriage, or rickshaw, and you can enjoy breathtaking views from the windows, turning your journey itself into a memorable experience. This model course lets you savor both the warmth of onsen culture and lush natural landscapes.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- 2 days / 1 night
- Transport Options
- Public transportation
Contents
Beppu Station
Convenient Services for Hands-Free Sightseeing in Beppu
You will start your journey at Beppu Station, where you'll find coin lockers and a luggage storage service. Additionally, same-day delivery service is available to send your luggage directly from the station to accommodations within Beppu City, an incredible convenience that saves you the trouble of stopping at your hotel and lets you immediately jump into exploring onsen and sightseeing spots hands-free, saving valuable time and enhancing your experience.
Note: Some accommodations may not support this service. Please confirm with your accommodations before using it.
Beppu Jigoku Tour
Experience the raw power of onsen energy through seven unique jigoku ("hells")!
The onsen hot springs at Beppu have been gushing and flowing for more than 1,000 years. In the past, the steam and boiling water from these onsen were considered to be dangerous, which led to them being called jigoku, or "hells". Today, these seven distinct "hells" are popular tourist attractions, and visiting them is known as the "Beppu Jigoku Tour.
Enjoy the Visual Delights of the Jigoku Onsen Museum
With the theme "Discovering a deeper love for onsen," this interactive facility lets you explore the wonders of Beppu Kannawa Onsen in an engaging way. Visitors take on the role of a "raindrop" and journey through four experiential zones, retracing the approximately 50-year process that raindrops go through as they become water in an onsen. Through projection mapping, a stamp rally, and theater presentations, you can immerse yourself in the mysteries of nature.
Beppu Onsen (overnight stay)
Choose a Hot Spring Accommodation that Matches Your Mood and Purpose
The coastal area stretching from Beppu Station to National Route 10 is close to bustling city life and offers numerous ocean-view accommodations. In the Kannawa area, you can immerse yourself in the traditional hot spring atmosphere and enjoy the signature jigoku-mushi (""hell-steaming"") cuisine.
Why not pick a lodging that suits your travel style?
Take a Tour of the Beppu Hatto, Beppu's Eight Famous Onsen
Embark on a tour of Beppu's eight famous onsen, collectively known as Beppu Hatto, where you can explore these eight distinctive onsen areas and experience their various types of water. Indulge in and savor the unique relaxation and luxurious hot spring hopping that only the onsen town of Beppu can offer.
- Hamawaki Onsen
- The name 'Hamawaki Onsen' originates from the Japanese words for the way the water bubbles up (waki) along the beach (hama). Together with Kannawa Onsen, it is considered one of the birthplaces of Beppu Onsen.
- /en/onsenArea/detail_1120.html
- Beppu Onsen
- Located near Beppu Station, this onsen district boasts excellent accessibility, making it convenient for tourists and sightseeing.The area offers a mix of retro buildings, shops, and even Japan’s oldest wooden arcade.
- /en/onsenArea/detail_1121.html
- Kankaiji Onsen
- Kankaiji Onsen is renowned among Beppu's eight famous onsen for offering breathtaking panoramic views. Perched at an altitude of 150 meters, it provides a sweeping vista of Beppu Bay and the cityscape below.
- /en/onsenArea/detail_1122.html
- Horita Onsen
- Nestled amidst Beppu’s lush mountains, Horita Onsen offers easy access from Beppu IC. Historically, it served as a key rest point for travelers journeying between Yufuin and Dazaifu, providing much-needed soothing and respite along the way.
- /en/onsenArea/detail_1123.html
- Myoban Onsen
- Nestled in Beppu’s scenic mountain foothills, Myoban Onsen is the highest-elevation onsen among Beppu's renowned eight hot spring districts. Its most iconic feature is the Yunohana Huts, traditional thatched-roof structures where natural bath salts, known as yunohana, have been produced for centuries by using the steam from the hot springs.
- /en/onsenArea/detail_1124.html
- Kannawa Onsen
- Kannawa Onsen serves as the vibrant heart of Beppu tourism, attracting visitors with iconic attractions like the Beppu Jigoku Tour (Hell Tour).The area is characterized by its unique landscape of billowing steam rising from countless onsen sources and its nostalgic charm that reflects Beppu’s historic ambiance.
- /en/onsenArea/detail_1125.html
- Shibaseki Onsen
- Located on the outskirts of Beppu City, Shibaseki Onsen is one of the smaller yet highly esteemed onsen areas within the Beppu Hatto. This historic hot spring is said to have been visited by an ancient emperor seeking therapeutic treatment for an illness.
- /en/onsenArea/detail_1126.html
- Kamegawa Onsen
- Kamegawa Onsen is a historic onsen district located in a seaside area with the stunning Beppu Bay stretching out before it. The waters here feature chloride springs and simple hot springs, and offer a soft and soothing touch for a relaxing soak.
- /en/onsenArea/detail_1127.html
Yukemuri Observation Deck (night view)
The Yukemuri Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of the steam rising from Beppu Onsen. The night view from here is a magical sight unique to the onsen town of Beppu. In the stillness of the night, the illuminated steam seems to blend into the night sky, creating an enchanting atmosphere. (The rising steam is only lit up and illuminated on the weekends)
Beppu Ropeway
A 10-minute aerial journey to enjoy the natural beauty and stunning views of Mt. Tsurumi
At the summit of Mt. Tsurumi, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Beppu Bay and Oita City from the observation deck. Visitors can also partake in a walking tour of the Seven Lucky Gods or explore a pilgrimage route with 12 sacred sites. The Seven Lucky Gods tour invites you to visit shrines dedicated to Japan’s legendary deities, believed to grant blessings such as happiness, prosperity, health, and longevity. Combined with the pilgrimage route to the 12 sacred sites, this leisurely walk takes about 1 to 1.5 hours – an enriching experience not to be missed.
Lake Kinrin (Yufuin Stroll and Lunch)
Lake Kinrin, a Mystical Landscape, is an Iconic Yufuin Sightseeing Spot
Lake Kinrin, with its impressive torii gate standing in the water, creates a striking impression, and the lake offers different views depending on the time of day. A stroll along its shores reveals the seasonal beauty of nature, while nearby cafés and restaurants serve lunches featuring locally sourced ingredients. This serene retreat, with Yufuin’s tranquil rural scenery and delicious food, is the perfect spot to relax and rejuvenate.
Carriage rides, rickshaws, and bicycle rentals
Experience Yufuin's Scenic Townscape via Unique Transportation Methods
Enjoy the variety of sightseeing experiences in Yufuin by using a horse-drawn carriage, a rickshaw, or a rental bicycle! The carriage ride allows you to leisurely take in the rural landscapes of Yufuin at the gentle pace of the horse's hoofbeats. With the rickshaw, you can admire Mt. Yufu while the rickshaw driver provides detailed insights into the town. Meanwhile, a rental bicycle offers the freedom to explore Yufuin's lush natural scenery at your own pace, feeling the breeze as you go. Whichever method you choose, each provides a unique perspective, helping you uncover the charm of this area.
Yufuin Station
Soak Your Feet in a Footbath While Waiting for Your Train
The station building, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Arata Isozaki, features a stunning wooden structure with an open atrium inspired by the design of a chapel. On Platform 1, there is a footbath where you can relax while waiting for your train. A small towel, provided with the purchase of a footbath ticket, makes for a charming souvenir.
