Beppu Onsen Hot Springs

Nestled along the coast of Kyushu in Oita Prefecture, Beppu Onsen is one of Japan’s most iconic and diverse hot spring destinations. Famous for its immense volume and variety of geothermal baths, Beppu is home to over 2,000 hot spring sources and eight distinct onsen areas collectively known as the “Beppu Hatto.”

From steamy sand baths on the beach to mineral-rich mud pools and the surreal “Hells of Beppu”, Beppu offers an unforgettable onsen experience for every type of traveler.

Top Onsens in Beppu Onsen

Here’s a curated list of the best and most unique public baths in Beppu:

From 300 yen / 1,500 yen (sand bath)

From 500 yen / 2 000 yen for family baths

Why Visit Beppu Onsen?

Diverse Bathing Styles

Beppu isn’t just one onsen—it’s a collection of eight distinct hot spring areas, known as the “Beppu Hatto.” Each area offers unique bathing experiences, from traditional indoor baths to mud baths, sand baths, steam rooms, and even hot spring waterfalls.

Iconic Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri)

While not for bathing, the Hells of Beppu are a must-see. These vividly colored hot spring pools—boiling blue, red, or white—showcase the geothermal power beneath the town and are steeped in folklore and history.

Umi Jigoku - Sea Hell, one of the 7 famous Hells of Beppu

Therapeutic Benefits

The hot springs here are known for their variety of minerals and temperatures. From detoxifying mud baths to soothing steam saunas, Beppu offers real wellness benefits in a charming and accessible setting.

Best Time to Visit Beppu Onsen

Spring (Mar–May): Spring is one of the most pleasant times to visit Beppu. Cherry blossoms bloom in late March and early April, creating beautiful scenes around parks and riversides. The weather is warm but not humid, perfect for outdoor rotenburo (open-air baths) and strolling around town.
Summer (Jun–Aug): While summer can be hot and humid, Beppu offers refreshing escapes like shaded footbaths and beachside sand baths. The Beppu Fireworks Festival in late summer lights up the night sky over the bay, and summer evenings are ideal for onsen hopping under the stars.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Autumn brings cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage to the nearby mountains. It’s a fantastic time for scenic train rides, mountain onsen getaways, and relaxing soaks as the air turns crisp. Autumn also marks the return of seasonal foods and quiet, crowd-free mornings.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Beppu in winter is a truly atmospheric experience. As temperatures drop, steam rises dramatically from streets and rooftops, turning the town into a surreal landscape. Some nearby mountain onsens even offer views of light snow while you bathe, and it's a great time to enjoy seafood and rich winter cuisine.

How to Get to Beppu Onsen?

By Train (via Hakata Station – Fukuoka)

From Fukuoka (Hakata Station): Take the JR Limited Express Sonic bound for Oita. It stops at Beppu Station and takes approximately 2 hours. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
From Osaka or Kyoto: Take the Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata Station (approx. 2.5 hours from Osaka), then transfer to the Sonic Limited Express to Beppu.
From Tokyo: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Hakata (about 5 hours total), or fly to Oita Airport (see below) for a quicker route.

By Train (via Hakata Station – Fukuoka)

From Tokyo (Haneda or Narita):Flights to Oita Airport take about 1 hour 30 minutes. From there, take a direct airport limousine bus to Beppu Station (~45 minutes).
From Osaka (Itami or Kansai):Flights to Oita take about 1 hour, followed by the airport bus to Beppu.

By Bus

From Fukuoka (Tenjin or Hakata): Several long-distance buses connect Fukuoka to Beppu daily. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
From other Kyushu destinations (Kumamoto, Miyazaki, etc.): Express buses and local routes serve Beppu regularly via regional terminals.