Beppu is a small city on the island of Kyushu, Japan. The city is famous for it’s unique and numerous onsen (hot springs). It offers a vast variety of onsens including hot ordinary water baths, steam baths, mud baths or even sand baths. People mostly come here to take a bath by paying small fees. There are also many interesting places for sightseeing, hiking or have a visit to the theme parks. Here is a list of 15 things to do in Beppu.
1. Take an Onsen
Beppu is the home of onsen. It has more than 2000 onsens. If you want to have the experience of sweet warm bathing, Beppu is the definite place to go. Look for the kanji for hot water “湯” often written in hiragana as “ゆ”. Most hotels offer their onsen to the tourists.
2. Visit Takasakiyama Monkey Park
Takasakiyama Monkey Park is located at the base of Mount Takasaki. This 628 meters high mountain is the home of 1500 wild Japanese macaques which are totally free here. One can watch the monkeys playing, running around or even feed them.
Information
- Name: Takasakaiyama Monkey Park
- Address: Japan, 〒870-0802 Oita Prefecture, Oita, Kanzaki, 3098−1
- Price: Adults 500 yen, children (Junior High School, Elementary School) 250 yen
- Opening hour: 8.30am to 5pm
- Website: http://www.takasakiyama.jp/takasakiyama/
3. See Hells of Beppu
The 8 fiery hells of Beppu are nationally designated “Place of a scenic beauty”. These springs are perfect for bathing and they are very stunning. Some of them have colored water. People come here to visit the springs round the year. Some springs are treated as an”Afterlife” place.
Information
- Name: Hells of Beppu
- Address: Japan, 〒874-0000 Oita Prefecture, Beppu, 大字鉄輪５５９番地1
- Price: 400 yen or 2,100 for all eight hells
- Opening hour: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Holiday: No holiday
4. Take a Sand Bath in Beppu Beach
Sand bathing is an alternate to the onsen. You have to undress, put on a robe and then go inside the sandpit. The sand will cover your body. It is warm from the volcanic activity of the area. And this warmth will help you to relax and just think for yourself.
Information
- Name: Beppu Beach Sand Bath
- Price: 1000 yen/person
5. Visit Mount Tsurumi
Mount Tsurumi (鶴見岳, Tsurumidake) is a 1375 meter high mountain. You can see the whole Beppu from here. You can go there easily via Beppu Ropeway. You can also hike to the top. The mountain is known for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Information
- Name: Mount Tsurumi
- Adress: Beppu, Japan
6. Relax in Takegawara Spa
It is the oldest and most famous onsen in Beppu. The onsen was founded in 1879. It still has its old rusty look. The traditional bath house is a must visit place if you come to Beppu.
Information
- Name: Takegawara Spa
- Adress: Japan, 〒874-0944 Oita Prefecture, Beppu
7. Spend Time in Beppu Tower
If you want to see the Beppu from a birds eye place, this is the place you should go. You can have a 360-degrees view from here. The tower is 100 meters tall. You can have a cup of coffee and just see the town. It is better to go at night if you want to see the lightings.
Information
- Name: Beppu Tower
- Address: Japan, 〒874-0920 Oita Prefecture, Beppu, 北浜3丁目10-2
- Price: 200 yen
8. Taste Onsen Food
Beppu’s locals have used the hot springs water to cook delicious foods. The foods are cooked with natural heat, no artificial heat is used. That’s why the foods are considered very much healthy. So, don’t miss the chance of eating naturally cooked food. You will not regret it.
9. Picnic in Beppu Park
Planning for a picnic or want to have a peaceful walk? You can have both at Beppu Park. It is a large park near the center of the Beppu with pleasant flowers. The beautiful ambiance of the park will surely calm your mind and give you a wonderful experience that you’ll treasure for a long time!
Information
- Name: Beppu Park
- Address: 3018-1 Noguchihara, Beppu 874-0903, Oita Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 977-21-1111
10. Hiking
Beppu is surrounded by many mountains and hiking trails. If you are a fan of hiking, just pack your bags and follow the trails wherever it goes. You don’t need to think about getting lost in the hiking trails because there are paid guides available who will take you to the mountain trails.
11. Visit Kijima Kogen Park
Kijima Kogen Park is one of the most famous theme parks in Japa. It’s a beautiful theme park with advanced rides. The park has rides both kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for a day out with your friends and family. Let your inner child enjoy your time in Beppu by visiting the Kijima Kogen Park.
Information
- Name: Kijima Kogen Park
- Address: Japan, 〒874-8666 Oita Prefecture, Beppu
- Phone:+81 977-22-1165
12. Nightlife
Beppu offers one of the most colorful experiences in all of Japan. There are a number of discos, bars, karaoke bars, restaurants that stay open all night. There are special attractions for tourists from all over the world. You will not regret a wild night out in Beppu.
13. Visit Matogahama Park
Another famous park in Beppu is Matogahama park. It’s a beach park. If you like to spend time on the beach, this theme park is the perfect place for you. You can see the waves breaking on the shore while sitting in the calm and beautiful park. It’s a great place for spending some quality time alone.
Information
- Name: Matogahama park
- Address: Beppu, 大分県 〒874-0928, Japan
- Phone: +81 977 21 1111
14. Go to See the Statue of Kumahachi Aburaya
The statue of Kumahachi Aburaya is one of the famous iconic tourist attraction of Beppu. Kumahachi Aburaya was a famous businessman in Uwazima, Ehine Prefecture in 1863. Every day hundreds of tourists from all over Japan come to visit the statue of Kumahachi Aburaya.
Information
- Name: Statue of Kumahachi Aburaya
- Address: Ekimaecho, Beppu 874-0935, Oita Prefecture
15. Visit Shidakako Lake
Last but not the least Shidakako Lake is another great place to hang out in Beppu. The tranquil scenery of the Shidakako Lake is captivating. The clear water that reflects the blue sky above will surely manage to calm your mind and heart and bring a feeling of peace.
Information
- Name: Shidakako Lake
- Address: 4380-1 Shidaka, Oaza, Beppu 874-0000, Oita Prefecture
- Phone: +81 977-25-3601
Beppu is one of the most beautiful cities of Japan. If you truly want to experience Japan with all its beauty, you must pay a visit to Beppu. Now that you know how to make the most of your time in Beppu, what are you waiting for? Pack a bag and plan a trip to Beppu today.
Have a good trip and travel!
