Beppu
Beppu, located in Ōita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, is one of Japan's most famous hot spring destinations. With more than 2,000 hot springs, it is the city with the largest number of hot springs in the country and one of the most important in the world. Its urban landscape combines tradition, steam, and mountains, offering a unique experience for relaxation and well-being. The city is divided into several onsen districts, the best known being Beppu Onsen, Kannawa, Myoban, and Kamegawa. Each area has its own personality, from mud and steam baths to sulfurous waters and hot springs overlooking the sea. One of Beppu's biggest attractions is the famous "Jigoku Meguri" or "Beppu Hell": a circuit of geothermal hot springs, with boiling waters, intense colors, and unique formations. Although they are not suitable for bathing, they do offer a fascinating natural spectacle. In addition to its baths, Beppu offers a wide variety of experiences: hot sand baths, local cuisine based on geothermal steam (jigoku-mushi), traditional accommodations, and spectacular views of the sea and mountains.
What to see in Beppu?
yukemuri lookout
The Yukemuri Lookout is one of Beppu's most iconic viewpoints. Located in the upper part of Kannawa District, this lookout offers a breathtaking view of the cityscape shrouded in plumes of steam rising from the city's numerous onsen and hot springs. “Yukemuri” literally means “hot spring steam,” and that is precisely what you see from this vantage point: a sea of traditional rooftops intertwined with clouds of white steam rising into the sky, creating a unique image that symbolizes Beppu's thermal identity. The lookout features a raised platform, benches, and a small seating area, making it an ideal spot for taking photos, relaxing, and soaking up the atmosphere. At sunset, the view becomes even more special, and at night, the area's lighting transforms the steam into an almost magical spectacle.
Beppu Hells
Within Beppu's famous Jigoku Meguri hot spring circuit, known as the "Hells of Beppu," are some of Japan's most striking natural geysers. These active geysers are part of the city's unique geothermal landscape, where volcanic activity is on display in all its power and beauty. One of the most notable is Tatsumaki Geyser, located in the "Hell of Tatsumaki" (Tatsumaki Jigoku). This geyser erupts regularly every 30 to 40 minutes, sending a powerful column of water and steam several meters into the air. Although partially controlled by a stone placed for visitor safety, the eruption is still an impressive natural spectacle. Unlike other geysers around the world, which can be unpredictable, Beppu's geysers erupt frequently and are accessible, allowing visitors to observe this geothermal phenomenon without long waits. The surroundings are also perfectly landscaped with viewing areas, signage, and safe trails. The geysers, along with intensely colored hot springs like the cobalt blue Umi Jigoku or blood red Chinoike Jigoku, make this route one of Japan's most unique natural experiences.
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