Best Hot Springs in Beppu

#1

Beppu Ropeway

This aerial cable car ascends Mount Tsurumi, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Beppu city, the bay, and surrounding mountains. Operating since 1964, it provides a thrilling 10-minute journey to the summit where visitors can enjoy observation decks, hiking trails, and seasonal natural beauty. The ropeway is essential for experiencing Beppu's stunning landscape and accessing mountain attractions.

#2

Umi Jigoku

This striking hot spring hell features vibrant azure waters heated by geothermal activity, creating a otherworldly landscape unique to Beppu's volcanic terrain. The intense blue coloration results from mineral-rich waters and iron oxide deposits, offering visitors an unforgettable visual experience. It's an essential stop for experiencing Japan's geological wonders and traditional onsen culture.

#3

Beppu Jigoku (Hells of Beppu)

This unique collection of eight geothermal hot springs showcases Japan's volcanic landscape through vibrant mineral-rich waters in striking blues, reds, and earth tones. Each "hell" offers distinct characteristics, from the iconic blue Umi Jigoku to the blood-red Chinoike Jigoku, creating an otherworldly experience. Visitors explore these natural wonders while learning about geothermal geology and enjoying traditional onsen culture.

#4

Beppu Station Public Hand Bath

This unique public hand bath, fed by geothermal hot spring water, offers visitors a quick, rejuvenating experience without requiring full immersion. Located at the station, it perfectly combines Beppu's famous onsen culture with convenient accessibility for travelers. The steaming waters provide an authentic taste of local bathing traditions while exploring the city.

#5

Beppu Cable Rakutenchi

This historic ropeway ascends Mount Ludo, offering panoramic views of Beppu's bay and hot spring valleys below. Dating back to 1964, it provides a nostalgic experience with vintage charm while revealing the region's geothermal landscape. Visitors enjoy spectacular vistas and access to mountain attractions in this unique perspective of Beppu's natural beauty.

#6

Kamado Jigoku

This striking hellish landscape features a massive volcanic crater with vibrant mineral-rich waters ranging from deep blue to rusty red. Named after the legendary Buddhist hell, it's one of Beppu's most dramatic "hells" where visitors can observe geothermal activity, colorful hot springs, and volcanic steam rising dramatically. The otherworldly scenery and unique geological phenomena make it essential for understanding Beppu's geothermal significance.

#7

Beppu Bay SA - Lovers Sanctuary

This scenic service area overlooks the stunning Beppu Bay, offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding mountains. The "Lovers Sanctuary" designation celebrates its romantic atmosphere, making it perfect for couples seeking memorable moments. Visitors enjoy quality local cuisine, shopping, and peaceful observation decks while experiencing quintessential Japanese coastal beauty.

#8

Chinoike Jigoku

This stunning "blood pond hell" features a vibrant red hot spring colored by iron oxide and acidic water. One of Beppu's most photographed hells, it offers spectacular views of steaming crimson waters set against lush surroundings. Visitors can experience traditional foot baths and purchase local products while witnessing nature's raw geothermal power up close.

#9

Oniishi Bozu Jigoku

This striking hot spring hell features a dramatic dark red pond surrounded by volcanic rock formations and traditional Japanese architecture. The intense mineral-rich waters create an otherworldly atmosphere unique among Beppu's eight hells. Visitors are drawn to its moody aesthetic and photogenic landscape, offering an authentic glimpse into the region's geothermal wonders and cultural heritage.

#10

Yukemuri Observation Deck

This scenic platform overlooks Beppu's famous hot spring valleys, offering breathtaking views of colorful steaming geysers and sulfurous vents. Built to showcase the region's unique geothermal landscape, it provides an ideal vantage point for photography and understanding Beppu's volcanic geology. Visitors experience the raw power of Japan's most active hot spring area while breathing in therapeutic mineral-rich steam.

#11

Beppu Tower

This iconic 125-meter steel tower dominates Beppu's skyline and offers panoramic views of the city, surrounding mountains, and Beppu Bay from its observation deck. Built in 1957, it features a rotating restaurant and captures the essence of Japan's golden age of tower attractions. Visitors enjoy breathtaking vistas and glimpses into the region's hot spring culture and coastal beauty.

#12

Bouzu Jigoku

This striking hot spring features a dramatic deep blue crater lake surrounded by volcanic rock formations, creating an otherworldly landscape. Named after Buddhist monks who once bathed here, it showcases Beppu's geothermal wonders while offering spectacular photo opportunities. Visitors should experience this unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that exemplifies Japan's famous hot spring regions.

#13

Yayoi Tengu

This historic temple complex perched on a mountainside offers stunning panoramic views of Beppu and the surrounding valleys. Visitors can explore traditional wooden structures and serene gardens while experiencing authentic spiritual atmosphere. The site's dramatic clifftop location and peaceful mountain setting make it an essential destination for those seeking natural beauty and cultural immersion.

#14

Shiraike Jigoku

This striking hot spring features brilliant white and milky blue waters created by mineral deposits, earning its name meaning "White Pond Hell." One of Beppu's most photogenic hells, it showcases dramatic color contrasts and scalding temperatures exceeding 70°C. Visitors can observe the otherworldly landscape and experience traditional onsen culture in this geologically unique attraction.

#15

Yunohana-goya

This historic hot spring facility showcases traditional bathing culture with its distinctive wooden architecture and natural onsen waters rich in minerals. Built in the Meiji era, it remains one of Beppu's most atmospheric bathhouses, offering visitors an authentic experience of Japan's bathing heritage. The retro charm and therapeutic waters make it an essential destination for those seeking genuine local culture.

#16

Oniyama Jigoku

This striking hot spring hellscape features dramatic red and blue mineral-rich waters alongside volcanic steam vents. Named for its demon-like appearance, the landscape showcases vibrant natural colors created by iron oxide and sulfur deposits. Visitors can experience traditional footbaths while observing the raw geothermal power that defines Beppu's famous "hells."

#17

Beppu Jigoku (Hells of Beppu)

This collection of eight spectacular hot spring areas showcases stunning natural phenomena, including the iconic "Blood Hell" with its crimson waters and "Sea Hell" featuring brilliant blue mineral pools. Each unique jigoku offers distinct geological features shaped by volcanic activity, providing visitors an immersive experience of Japan's geothermal wonders through scenic walking paths and traditional onsen culture.

#18

Beppu Onsen

Japan's premier hot spring destination boasts the world's highest volume of geothermal water, featuring eight distinct spring types with unique mineral compositions and therapeutic properties. Visitors experience traditional bathing culture across numerous public bathhouses, from rustic wooden structures to modern facilities, while colorful hot water channels crisscross the charming hillside town. The atmospheric sulfurous steam rising from every corner creates an otherworldly ambiance unmatched elsewhere.

Entry: Free (Baths ¥100 - ¥500)

#19

Beppu Onsen

Japan's most famous hot spring destination, this geothermal wonderland features eight distinct thermal valleys producing colorful mineral-rich waters. The iconic "Hells" showcase vibrant blue, red, and grey springs with unique bathing experiences. Visitors enjoy traditional onsen culture, scenic landscapes, and therapeutic mineral waters that have attracted pilgrims for over 1,300 years.

#20

Chinoike Jigoku

This striking red hot spring in Beppu features iron oxide-rich waters that create its distinctive crimson color, reaching temperatures of 78°C. As one of Japan's most photographed hell pools, it offers a dramatic contrast against the surrounding landscape and provides insight into Beppu's geothermal activity. Visitors can enjoy the unique scenery and learn about the region's volcanic geology.

#21

Oniishi Bozu Jigoku

This dramatic hot spring valley features striking red and ochre mineral deposits that create an otherworldly landscape. The vibrant colors result from iron oxide and acidic geothermal activity, making it one of Beppu's most visually stunning natural attractions. Visitors can observe the bubbling thermal pools up close while experiencing the region's geothermal power firsthand.

#22

Umi Jigoku

This striking hot spring hell features a vibrant cobalt-blue pond created by mineral-rich waters reaching 98°C. Located in Beppu's famous "hell" district, it offers a dramatic landscape of steaming vents and colorful thermal features. Visitors experience Japan's volcanic geothermal wonders while walking scenic viewing paths above the otherworldly terrain.