Beppu Onsen Hopping Guide & the Best Onsen Hotels in Beppu Japan

When I first heard about Beppu onsen, I imagined a sleepy town filled with rising steam and peaceful hot springs. And that’s exactly what it is — but even better.

Beppu is a small, quiet town in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Japan’s southernmost main island. It’s famous for its incredible number of natural hot springs — more than anywhere else in Japan! Yet, what surprised me most was how few Western tourists there were. It still feels authentic, local, and wonderfully calm.

We decided to spend two nights in Beppu to unwind, enjoy the hot springs, and explore some of the beautiful nearby nature.

Staying at Sekiya Resort Galleria Midobaru

For our stay, we chose Sekiya Resort Galleria Midobaru, a stylish art hotel perched on the hills overlooking Beppu. It’s definitely one of the best onsen hotels in Beppu Japan — and though it’s a bit pricey, every moment was worth it.

Our room had a private onsen bath on the balcony, so we could soak while watching the city lights and steam drifting up from the valley below. The minimalist design, art-filled halls, and peaceful atmosphere made it feel like a sanctuary.

The hotel restaurant, The Peak, offers a five-course dinner with an Italian-Japanese fusion menu. It was one of the best meals we had in Kyushu — beautifully plated, flavorful, and creative.

While the hotel is a little far from the city center, it’s perfect if you have a rental car. Which brings me to one of my top recommendations for Beppu: rent a car. It gives you freedom to explore not only the town but also the surrounding Oita countryside.

Beppu Onsen Hopping Guide

Beppu is divided into eight hot spring areas known as the “Beppu Hatto.” Each has its own character, color, and mineral composition. But one of the most fun and unique experiences in Beppu is onsen hopping — visiting multiple hot springs using a single pass.

You can buy an Onsen Hopping Pass that gives you access to seven different onsen around Beppu. It’s a great way to explore different bathing styles and atmospheres. At each spot, you can collect a unique stamp in a small booklet — a fun and memorable way to track your visits, just like a little onsen passport. Completing all seven stamps makes a great keepsake (and a small bragging right for onsen lovers!). Here’s my detailed Beppu onsen hopping guide, based on my own visits and research:

1. Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell, 海地獄)

A stunning cobalt-blue hot spring that looks like the ocean — but it’s actually 98°C! The color comes from natural cobalt salts in the water. You can see steam everywhere and even buy “onsen eggs” boiled right in the hot spring.

Tip: There’s also a beautiful tropical garden and a smaller red pond on-site.

2. Oniishibozu Jigoku (Demon’s Head Hell, 鬼石坊主地獄)

Named after the bubbling grey mud pools that resemble a monk’s shaved head. It’s mesmerizing to watch, and next door there’s a modern hot spring spa (Oniishi-no-Yu) where you can actually bathe — perfect after visiting the “hells.”

3. Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell, 白池地獄)

This one has milky-white water caused by natural calcium. The area feels like a peaceful Japanese garden, and there’s even a small tropical fish exhibit inside with exotic species.

4. Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell, かまど地獄)

Kamado means “cooking pot,” and this Jigoku is themed around the idea of cooking with onsen steam. There are multiple pools in different colors and temperatures, plus demonstrations where staff show how to steam food using the natural vents.

💡 Try the onsen-steamed pudding or boiled eggs here — they’re delicious!

5. Oniyama Jigoku (Monster Mountain Hell, 鬼山地獄)

This Jigoku is known for its crocodiles! The hot spring water here is used to warm the reptile enclosures, making it one of the most unusual onsen attractions in Japan. During my visit, I was surprised to see how many crocodiles were kept in each pen. The space looked cramped, and some animals appeared injured. It was difficult to watch, and I left feeling uneasy about how the reptiles are cared for. If you’re sensitive to animal welfare, you might want to skip this stop or view it only briefly.

6. Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell, 血の池地獄)

This is one of the most photographed hells — a striking red pond created by iron oxide in the water. The red color is 100% natural and looks surreal in photos. It’s also the oldest recorded hot spring in Beppu.

7. Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell, 龍巻地獄)

A powerful geyser that erupts every 30–40 minutes, shooting boiling water and steam up to 20 meters into the air. The eruptions are predictable, so you can time your visit easily.

What Makes Beppu Onsen So Unique

Unlike other Japanese hot spring towns, Beppu’s geothermal energy is extremely strong. Some springs even reach 99.1°C, making them too hot for bathing. These “Hells of Beppu” are for viewing only, but they are a fascinating part of the experience.

You’ll see bright blue, white, and even red-colored springs caused by minerals. My favorite was the Umi Jigoku, the “Sea Hell,” which has a deep cobalt blue pool surrounded by tropical plants.

If this is your first time visiting Japanese hot springs, or if you want to understand the differences between public baths, private onsens, and onsen hopping passes like the one in Beppu, I’ve put together a detailed onsen guide based on my travels across Japan. It covers etiquette, regional styles, and tips to help you feel comfortable at any onsen.

Things to Do in Oita and Beppu

Beyond soaking in the onsen, there are so many things to do in Oita and Beppu. The natural scenery is breathtaking — mountains, lakes, forests, and old train stations full of character.

Since we had a car, we took a day to explore some of the highlights around Beppu. Here’s what I recommend:

Drive to the Suzume Door Bungo Mori Roundhouse

If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, this stop is a must! The Suzume door Bungo Mori Roundhouse in Oita is a real-life location featured in the popular movie Suzume. It’s about an hour’s drive from Beppu, and the road there winds through some of the most beautiful countryside in Kyushu.

The roundhouse is an old train depot surrounded by mountains. The “door” from the movie stands in front of it, making it a perfect photo spot. Even if you haven’t seen the film, the area’s peaceful atmosphere and scenic drive make it worth visiting.

Stop at Lake Kinrin

On the way to Bungo Mori, we made a stop at Lake Kinrin in Yufuin. This lake is famous for its mystical morning mist and a red torii gate standing in the water, similar to the one in Hiroshima.

It’s a romantic and picturesque place for a walk. There are cute cafés and small shops nearby, perfect for a break.

Visit Mount Yufu

Mount Yufu is a dormant volcano that offers stunning views. Even if you’re not hiking, you can stop at viewpoints along the road for great photo opportunities. The mountain looks especially magical during sunset or when the peaks are covered in clouds.

Lunch at Yunotakean

For lunch, we stopped at Yunotakean, a lovely Japanese restaurant near Lake Kinrin. It serves traditional dishes in a calm atmosphere, surrounded by greenery. It’s one of my favorite food experiences in the Oita area — fresh, local, and beautifully presented.

You can find it on my Japan Guide Google Maps list if you’re planning your own trip.

Where to Eat in Beppu City

Back in Beppu, we explored a few great local spots:

• Nishida Hotpot – A cozy restaurant serving comforting Japanese hotpot. Perfect after a long day of onsen hopping.
• 食堂トンボ (Shokudo Tonbo) – A small bar right next to Nishida Hotpot with great drinks and friendly locals.

These two are side by side, so you can have dinner at Nishida and then hop over to Tonbo for a nightcap.

Getting Around Beppu

While Beppu has buses and taxis, the best way to explore both the town and Oita Prefecture is by renting a car. Public transport is fine for short trips, but having a car lets you discover hidden onsens, scenic valleys, and mountain roads that most tourists miss.

If you drive, try to avoid the highways and take the local roads — the countryside views are incredible, and you’ll pass through charming small towns along the way.

How Many Days to Spend in Beppu

I’d recommend staying at least two nights in Beppu — enough time to relax, visit a few different onsens, and do a day trip to Oita’s natural spots.

If you’re more into nature and photography, you could easily spend three or four days exploring the full region. But for a short escape, two nights is just right.

I personally wish we’d had one extra day to see more of the valleys, bridges, and countryside around Oita.

Final Thoughts: The Magic of Beppu Onsen

Our trip to Beppu was one of the most relaxing parts of our Japan journey. Between the steaming streets, the soothing baths, and the peaceful mountains, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a side of Japan that feels authentic and local.

Whether you come for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Beppu onsen will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. From luxurious stays like Sekiya Resort Galleria Midobaru to public bathhouses full of history, every soak tells a story.

If you’re planning a Kyushu road trip, make sure Beppu is on your list — it’s a destination that combines comfort, culture, and natural beauty in one unforgettable experience.

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