The Kyushu Island landscape is something quite different from the main Honshu Island of Japan. Coming from a more densely populated Tokyo or Osaka, the surrounding mountains and ocean seem so much closer. Arrive into Beppu City in the Oita Prefecture, which can be done by Train or Ferry depending, and make that sigh of relief that if was a good choice to come. Stay in some accommodation that is on the shore of the Beppu Bay and wake up naturally the following morning when the sun starts to rise with reflections on the water.
Located approx.. 2 hours from Fukuoka City in the Kyushu Island, or just under 3 hours from Hiroshima City, Beppu is a famous Geothermal area with many Hot Springs (Onsen) style accommodation to enjoy, bringing Japanese and Overseas Visitors alike. Beppu is the kind of place you want to come back to every so often just to relax and walk the local streets waiting to stumble upon something new and memorable.
Beppu is ground zero if you want to stay in a Hot Springs town. Located between steep mountains and the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, this small town with a population of just 120,000 claims 10 per cent of Japan’s total onsens. It is part of the locals’ daily routine to hop into a Hot Springs bath, and very enticing for people who have not experienced these natural wonders. In Beppu, without a doubt the Geothermal area called Jigoku Meguri or The route of “hell”, will be one of the highlights. A series of 7 geothermal pools all located in walking distance and has boiling water, gushing water, bubbling mud and a whole lot of sulphur.
There are 8 Hot Springs areas in Beppu and each area has different characteristics in the minerals and benefits of the Hot Springs. With many different areas in the Beppu area you can make a Hot Springs tour of your own accord. Beppu is a Geothermal Wonderland! A chance to immerse yourself into one of the many Hot Springs and reenergize.
When you walk the local streets, and while the faint smell of the sulphur tickles your nose, you often can cross paths with local people who have their bath goods and are walking to the local Hot Springs bath. This kind of sight is actually becoming rate in Japan.
In the Beppu and Hamawaki Hot Springs area, you can stumble on retro style architecture. Of course, Beppu is evolving also, and you can see trendy Western style modern architecture, knick knack stores and eateries in 80 year old buildings, Japanese style cafes from 40 years ago. Many young artists gather in Beppu to work and exhibit their arts and crafts.
Highlights: • “Sunayu” or sand baths • Jigoku Meguri (Tour of Hell) • Beppu Ropeway (Mt Tsurumi) • Takasaki Monkey Park • Umitamago Aquarium
Recommended length of stay: 1-2nights