Hot spring steam coming out of local houses. Photography courtesy of Beppu City
Located in Kyushu, Beppu is a historic resort destination known for its abundance and diversity of onsen hot springs. Beppu not only boasts the highest amount of hot spring water discharge in Japan but also features seven different types of hot springs with different mineral components. This diversity is influenced by the geographical features of the area, surrounded by both mountains and sea. This has the added benefit of providing customers with stunning views of the mountains and ocean from outdoor onsen.
Beppu’s onsen offerings extend beyond just bathing. You can also experience tours of the unique jigoku hells, which showcase Japan’s fascinating culture of coexistence with hot springs. Additionally, you can savor local vegetables, seafood, and meats cooked using hot spring steam. This onsen cuisine retains the original flavors of the food, making it a delightful culinary experience.
Takegawara Onsen: An onsen with a history of over a hundred years. Photography courtesy of Beppu city
You’ll find a wide range of onsen facilities to suit your needs in Beppu. If you’re visiting with family, you can choose kazokuyu family onsen that provide privacy, while you all enjoy the fresh hot spring water gushing up from underground. There are also unique onsen experiences available besides the typical hot spring baths, such as herb steam baths, sand baths, and mud baths .
Left: Family bath; Middle: Herb steam bath; Right: Sand bath. Photography courtesy of Beppu city (Left and Right)
The different types of onsen in Beppu also offer various health benefits. For instance, simple springs are said to improve sleep quality, while carbonated springs warm the body and moisturize the skin. Chloride, sulfate, and sulfur springs are known for alleviating skin conditions. Additionally, iron springs can help replenish iron levels when consumed. This variety makes Beppu an excellent destination for health tourism.
Photography courtesy of Beppu city
As for the physical characteristics of Beppu’s onsen, those closer to the mountains tend to have a milky color and a strong aroma, while those near the sea are thinner, with a transparent hue and a subtler scent. This diversity adds to the charm of Beppu’s onsen experience.
In ancient times, local farmers were puzzled and distressed by the high-temperature hot springs that occasionally erupted from the ground and destroy their crops. They came refer to these areas as “hells.” Over time, people learned how to control these hot springs and transformed them into beautiful Japanese-style gardens. In Beppu, you can participate in the Jigoku-Meguri Hell Tour to see these unique landscapes.
Among the most distinctive hells are the Umi Jigoku or Sea Hell , the Chinoike Jigoku or Blood Pond Hell , and the Oniishibozu Jigoku or Bald Monk Head Hell . The Sea Hell features a striking blue color, resembling the ocean, but its waters reach temperatures of 98 degrees Celsius. Here, the staff use the hot spring water to boil eggs, which are available for purchase at the Sea Hell’s shop. On the other hand, the Blood Pond Hell has a vivid red color, looking as if blood is bubbling up from the ground. The mud from the Blood Pond Hell can be used to treat skin conditions, and you can find ointments made from this therapeutic mud at the gift shop. The Bald Monk Head Hell is characterized by gray mud that erupts from the ground, resembling the bald head of a monk. Last but not least, you can also see geysers and various flora and fauna cultivated using the hot spring water.
Photography courtesy of the Sea Hell (top-left and top-right), the Blood Pond Hell (bottom-left), and the Oniishibozu Hell (bottom-right)
At Beppu’s Hells, you can savor the unique experience of jigoku mushi hell steam, which uses the hot spring steam to cook the food. Why not have some jigoku mushi for lunch, while exploring the hells? The cooking process is both simple and delicious. You can choose from a variety of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including vegetables, seafood, meat, rice balls, and bread.
Photography courtesy of Beppu city
With the guidance of the staff, you can place your selected raw food into the jigoku kamado steam pot yourself (See picture below). Cooking typically takes between 5 to 30 minutes, as the high-temperature steam from underground cooks your food to perfection. Remarkably, no seasoning is added during the cooking process, allowing the natural sweetness of the ingredients to shine through. When it’s time to eat, you can enhance the flavors by dipping your food into traditional Japanese seasonings like ponzu,a citrus-based sauce,or sprinkling on some salt. If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, you can also try onsen-steamed eggs or pudding, which are delightful treats to enjoy!
Photography courtesy of Beppu city
As a popular hot spring destination in Japan, Beppu offers a variety of experiences with its onsen and hells. It boasts convenient access, being just a one-hour direct bus ride from Oita Airport or a 2 and a half hour bus ride from Fukuoka City. Additionally, Beppu provides multilingual support, making it easier for international visitors to navigate and enjoy their stay. Whether you’re looking to relax in traditional baths or explore unique landscapes, Beppu has something for everyone.
Photography courtesy of Beppu city
Do you want to know more about Beppu? Check the official Beppu tourism site for more information!
<Author>
Jolene Qui
Travel Consultant at WaWo Japan Travel