A Detailed Guide to the History and Overview of Beppu Onsen

 

　Contents

1. Overview of Beppu Onsen
2. History of Beppu Onsen
3. Recommended Hot Springs in Beppu
4. Highlights of Beppu Onsen
   

Introduction

Beppu Onsen, located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most highly regarded hot spring destinations, both domestically and internationally. Known for its abundant hot spring sources, diverse water qualities, beautiful natural surroundings, and unique sightseeing spots, Beppu Onsen has captivated countless visitors over the years. The appeal of Beppu Onsen extends beyond simply soaking in its mineral-rich waters; it also lies in the onsen town’s long history, rich culture, and scenic landscapes.

In this article, we will explore an overview of Beppu Onsen, its historical background, and the must-see highlights it has to offer.

1. Overview of Beppu Onsen 

Beppu Onsen, located in Oita Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most popular hot spring destinations, renowned both domestically and internationally. This area, with approximately 2,000 hot spring sources scattered throughout Beppu City, is a treasure trove of onsen and produces about 130,000 kiloliters of hot water per minute, making it one of the world’s most prolific hot spring resorts.

Beppu Onsen offers a wide variety of hot spring types, with the “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour) being a major highlight for visitors. The Jigoku Meguri takes you to seven unique hot spring sites, each with a distinctive landscape and name, including Sea Hell, Oniishi Bozu Hell, Kamado Hell, Oniyama Hell, Shiraike Hell, Chinoike Hell, and Tatsumaki Hell. Each “hell” showcases hot springs of different colors and forms, creating an ethereal atmosphere with steam and hot spring mist rising around them. For example, Sea Hell is known for its stunning cobalt-blue water, resembling the color of the ocean.

Besides relaxation, Beppu Onsen is also known for its therapeutic properties and has long been used as a place for healing. The waters here come in diverse types, including acidic, sulfuric, and chloride springs, which are thought to offer various health benefits and revitalization for the body.

For tourists, Beppu’s onsen town offers not only hot spring baths but also local cuisine and unique souvenirs. One popular experience is “Jigoku Mushi” (Hell Steaming), a traditional cooking method that uses hot spring steam to prepare delicious dishes. Additionally, visitors can ride the nostalgic sightseeing train, “Botchan Train,” which provides a charming way to explore Beppu City’s attractions with a retro atmosphere.

2. History of Beppu Onsen 

Beppu Onsen is renowned as one of Japan’s leading hot spring destinations, attracting many visitors from around the world due to its long history and abundant hot spring resources.

　1. Prehistoric Times – The Origins of Beppu Onsen 

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The use of Beppu’s hot springs dates back to ancient times, when local residents are believed to have utilized the naturally flowing springs for health and healing. These hot springs were considered “sacred waters” and were revered as a holy place since ancient times.

　2. 12th Century – Records from the Heian Period 

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Documents from the Heian period (794–1185) contain references to Beppu Onsen, indicating that by this time, the springs were already well-known and had become a destination for visitors from both Japan and abroad. The practice of onsen therapy gained popularity, and Beppu Onsen became established as a prominent healing retreat.

　3. Edo Period (1603–1868) – Development as a Healing Center 

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During the Edo period, Beppu Onsen flourished as a “healing center.” Many people gathered here for therapeutic purposes, significantly impacting the local economy and culture. Additionally, famous attractions like the “Jigoku Onsen” (Hell Hot Springs) were developed during this era, which still exist as popular tourist spots.

　4. 1870s – Modernization in the Meiji Era 

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In the Meiji period, with the advancement of railway networks, access to Beppu Onsen became easier, accelerating its growth as a tourist destination. Numerous onsen facilities were built, establishing Beppu’s reputation as a major hot spring resort that attracted tourists from both Japan and abroad. This period marked Beppu’s transformation into a premier tourist destination.

　5. 1924 – The Formal Establishment of the Beppu Jigoku Meguri 

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In 1924, the famous “Beppu Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour) was officially organized as a sightseeing course. The Jigoku Meguri allows visitors to tour hot springs with hell-like scenery, each unique in color and mineral composition, making it a captivating attraction that continues to draw many visitors today. This contributed to Beppu’s rise as an even more popular tourism destination.

3. Recommended Hot Springs in Beppu Onsen 

Here are some must-visit spots in Beppu Onsen that should be on your list when visiting this renowned hot spring area.

　■ Kannawa Onsen 

Kannawa Onsen, one of Beppu’s famous hot spring areas known as “Beppu Hatto,” is celebrated for its steaming hot spring mist, which has even been designated as a cultural asset. This nostalgic hot spring district offers popular day-use onsen facilities like “Hyotan Onsen,” where visitors can relax in private baths and open-air baths.

There are also facilities where you can try “Jigoku Mushi” cuisine, a unique style of cooking that uses the hot spring steam to prepare delicious dishes.

　■ Myoban Onsen 

Myoban Onsen is situated on a high hill in the Beppu area, offering stunning scenic views. Known for the “Yunohana Huts,” visitors can observe traditional techniques used to extract yunohana (sulfur) from the hot springs. Myoban Onsen’s sulfur-rich waters are renowned for their skin-smoothing effects, making it a popular choice for those seeking beauty benefits.

　■ Hyotan Onsen 

Established in 1922, Hyotan Onsen is a traditional day-use hot spring facility that offers 100% natural, free-flowing hot spring water. A unique feature of this onsen is its bamboo cooling system, called “Yumetake,” which regulates the water temperature naturally without adding cold water. This system is even used for their cold baths, ensuring they retain the purity of the natural spring.

Hyotan Onsen offers a variety of bathing options, including sand baths, steam baths, and waterfall baths, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing and unique bathing experience. Recognized in the Michelin Guide with three stars for four consecutive years, it’s a highlight of any Beppu visit.

　■ Takegawara Onsen 

Takegawara Onsen, one of Beppu’s iconic onsen facilities, was originally built in 1879, named “Takegawara” due to its original bamboo-thatched roof. The current building, rebuilt in 1938, features a grand Karahafu-style architecture, creating a stately atmosphere.

This onsen offers a large communal bath as well as a popular “sand bath,” where visitors can experience the detoxifying effects of being covered in sand warmed by hot spring steam. The sand bath does not require reservations, but visitors may need to wait during busy periods.​

　■ Beppu Onsen Hoyoland 

Beppu Onsen Hoyoland is known for its mud baths, where volcanic ash-enriched mud mixes with the hot spring water. The mineral-rich mud is believed to offer both soothing warmth and skin-beautifying benefits.

The facility has a variety of baths, including open-air mud baths and high-temperature steam baths, allowing visitors to enjoy a range of therapeutic experiences. The smooth feel of the skin after bathing is highly rated, and many visit for relaxation or therapeutic purposes.

　■ Shibu-no-Yu 

Located in the Kannawa area of Beppu, Shibu-no-Yu is a historic public bath loved by both locals and tourists. Its chloride-rich spring waters are known for leaving the skin soft and smooth, creating a soothing bathing experience. The bathhouse’s wooden construction adds to the charm, providing a tranquil, atmospheric setting.

Located in the heart of the hot spring district on “Ideyu Slope,” Shibu-no-Yu allows visitors to experience authentic local onsen culture. It also utilizes a bamboo cooling device called “Yumetake” to adjust the water temperature to the perfect level.

　■ Tanayu at Suginoi Hotel 

※出展：杉乃井ホテル 公式HP

Tanayu at Suginoi Hotel is a standout hot spring in Beppu, featuring an open-air bath with breathtaking views, similar to an infinity pool. The bath overlooks the ocean, offering views of the blue Beppu Bay during the day and reflections of the city lights at night, creating a magical atmosphere.

A popular family-friendly onsen resort, Suginoi Hotel also has a water park, providing a range of activities beyond the hot springs for all ages to enjoy.

4. Highlights of Beppu Onsen 

Here are some must-see attractions in Beppu Onsen. These iconic spots should be on your list when visiting this famous hot spring town.

　■ 別Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) 

The “Hell Tour” is a popular sightseeing course that showcases Beppu’s unique hot spring sites. There are seven “hells,” each with its own distinct color and characteristics. “Sea Hell” (Umi Jigoku) is a beautiful blue hot spring, resembling the color of the ocean.

“Blood Pond Hell” (Chinoike Jigoku) is characterized by its striking red color, living up to its name as it evokes the image of a hellish scene.

　■ Jigoku Mushi Kobo Kannawa 

Jigoku Mushi Kobo is a facility where you can experience “Jigoku Mushi” (Hell Steaming), a famous Beppu cuisine. This traditional cooking method uses the steam from hot springs to cook various ingredients, enhancing their natural flavors. Visitors can bring local vegetables, seafood, eggs, and other ingredients to be steamed, and the mineral-rich steam offers a healthy and flavorful cooking experience. This unique culinary method is open to everyone, making it a popular way to experience Beppu’s onsen culture.​

　■ Yukemuri Observatory 

The Yukemuri Observatory is a scenic lookout where visitors can enjoy sweeping views over the Kannawa Onsen district, famous for its rising steam. In the morning and evening, the hot spring mist creates a magical landscape, attracting many photographers. The observatory is free and offers a perfect vantage point to appreciate Beppu Onsen’s iconic “yukemuri” (hot spring steam) landscape.

　■ Beppu Station Market 

Beppu Station Market is a bustling marketplace offering fresh local seafood, vegetables, and everyday goods. Open to tourists as well, it’s a great place to explore local ingredients and shop for souvenirs. Fresh seafood from nearby ports and Oita’s famous kabosu citrus fruit are available here, providing a taste of the local atmosphere. It’s an easy stop during your sightseeing, offering a chance to interact with locals.​

　■ Beppu Onsen Station and Botchan Train 

Beppu Onsen Station is a convenient spot at the heart of Beppu’s sightseeing area, where you can also board the “Botchan Train,” a nostalgic sightseeing train. This train recreates a Meiji-era steam locomotive and takes passengers on a tour around the city, providing a charming way to explore Beppu’s townscape and hot spring culture.

　■ Beppu Ropeway and Mount Tsurumi 

The Beppu Ropeway takes visitors up to Mount Tsurumi, an iconic symbol of Beppu. The summit offers panoramic views of Beppu Bay and even the whole Kyushu region on clear days. The seasonal landscapes, especially cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage, make it a beautiful spot for nature lovers. The ropeway provides stunning views and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

 In Conclusion 

Beppu Onsen offers a rich experience with its abundant hot springs, long history, and a variety of sightseeing spots. Visitors can relax in the hot springs, explore the Jigoku Meguri, and enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the onsen town, savoring the unique charm of Beppu. The diversity of attractions and the healing effects of the hot springs make Beppu a cherished destination for both tourists and those seeking rejuvenation.