If you’re looking for a unique and relaxing getaway, you might want to consider Beppu, Japan’s hot spring capital. Beppu is a city in Oita Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu, where you can find over 2,000 hot springs of various types and temperatures. Whether you want to soak in a traditional onsen, enjoy a sand bath, or marvel at the colorful and steaming “hells” of Beppu, you’ll find something to suit your mood and preference.

Visiting Beppu for a day trip from Fukuoka, and I was amazed by how much this city has to offer. Here are some of the highlights of my Beppu experience, and some tips on how to make the most of your time there.

The Hells of Beppu
One of the most popular attractions in Beppu is the Jigoku Meguri, or the tour of the hells. These are eight hot springs that are too hot and dangerous for bathing, but are stunning to look at. Each hell has its own distinctive color, shape, and smell, and some even have animals or plants that thrive in the extreme conditions.

The hells are scattered around the city, but you can easily visit them by bus or taxi. You can also buy a combination ticket that gives you access to all eight hells for a discounted price. I recommend starting with the Kannawa area, where you can find four hells: Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), Oniishibozu Jigoku (Shaven Monk’s Head Hell), Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell), and Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell). These are some of the most beautiful and impressive hells, with vivid colors and bubbling mud pools.

Umi Jigoku is my favorite, with its turquoise water that resembles the ocean. There is also a lovely garden with lotus flowers and a pond with red water lilies. Oniishibozu Jigoku is named after the gray mud bubbles that look like bald heads of monks. Kamado Jigoku has several smaller hells with different themes, such as a crocodile hell, a demon hell, and a mountain hell. Shiraike Jigoku is a milky-white pool that contrasts with the green surroundings.

The other four hells are in the Shibaseki area, which is a short bus ride away from Kannawa. They are Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), Tatsumaki Jigoku (Geyser Hell), Kinryu Jigoku (Golden Dragon Hell), and Oniyama Jigoku (Monster Mountain Hell). Chinoike Jigoku is the oldest and most famous hell, with its blood-red water that is caused by iron oxide. Tatsumaki Jigoku is a geyser that erupts every 30 to 40 minutes, reaching up to 50 meters high. Kinryu Jigoku is a steamy hell with a dragon-shaped fountain. Oniyama Jigoku is a hell where you can see crocodiles that are bred by the hot spring water.

The hells of Beppu are not only a sight to behold, but also a testament to the power and diversity of nature. They are also a great way to learn about the history and culture of Beppu, as each hell has a story behind it. You can spend a few hours exploring the hells, or even a whole day if you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Beppu Tower
After visiting the hells, I decided to head to the city center and check out Beppu Tower, one of the landmarks of Beppu. Beppu Tower is a 55-meter-high observation tower that was built in 1957. It has a retro and nostalgic charm, and offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea. You can also see the steam rising from the hot springs all over Beppu, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Beppu Tower is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and the admission fee is 300 yen. You can also get a souvenir coin for 100 yen, or a postcard for 50 yen. There is a small cafe on the ground floor, where you can have a drink or a snack. Beppu Tower is a great place to take some photos and appreciate the beauty of Beppu from above.

Sand Bath
One of the most unique and fun things to do in Beppu is to try a sand bath. This is a traditional therapy that involves being buried in hot sand that is heated by the hot spring water. The sand bath is said to have many health benefits, such as improving blood circulation, relieving stress, and detoxifying the body.

The sand bath process is simple and relaxing. You just have to change into a yukata (a light cotton kimono), and then lie down on the sand. The staff will cover you with more sand, leaving only your head exposed. You can then close your eyes and enjoy the warmth and the sound of the waves. The sand bath lasts for about 15 minutes, after which you can rinse off the sand and take a shower. You can also soak in a regular hot spring bath if you want to.

Beppu is a city that has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture. It is a place where you can experience the wonders of nature, the charm of history, and the warmth of hospitality. Beppu is a destination that you’ll fall in love with, and that you’ll want to visit again and again.