Beppu

In Beppu, more than 3,000 natural springs bubble up through the earth. You can soak in mineral-rich mud baths, watch crimson pools at the Seven Hells geothermal site, or see wild monkeys at Takasakiyama Monkey Park. Take the ropeway up Mount Tsurumi for a panoramic view of Beppu Bay, or taste local dishes cooked in natural steam vents - a cooking method locals have used since the 1600s.

Natural Hot Spring Bathing

Each of Beppu's eight hot spring areas has its own distinct mineral makeup. The sodium bicarbonate waters of Kamegawa Onsen help smooth your skin, while Myoban Onsen's sulfuric waters have treated skin conditions since the 1600s. Choose from hot water pools, mud baths with mineral-rich volcanic mud, or sand baths where staff cover you with naturally heated volcanic sand. Entry fees range from ¥400-1,500 per bath house.

The Seven Hells of Beppu

The Jigoku or "hells" are geothermal pools that reach 98 degrees Celsius. At Umi Jigoku, cobalt blue waters fill a pond encircled by a Japanese garden. The iron-rich waters of Chinoike Jigoku glow crimson, while at Tatsumaki Jigoku, a geyser erupts every 30-40 minutes, sending boiling water 20 meters skyward. Buy a combined ticket (¥2,000) to see all seven sites. Buses run between locations every 30 minutes.

Steam Cooking and Local Specialties

At Jigokumushi Kobo Steam Cooking Center, rent a steamer (¥500/30 minutes) to cook your own meals using natural hot spring steam. Try making the city's signature jigokumushi pudding - a custard cooked in volcanic vapors. Many local restaurants serve Bungo-gyu beef, a regional variety of Japanese Black Cattle known for its rich marbling and tender meat.

Mount Tsurumi and City Views

Ride the Beppu Ropeway (¥1,600 round trip) to Mount Tsurumi's 800-meter summit. During the 10-minute journey, you'll pass steaming vents and forested slopes. From the observation deck, look out over Beppu Bay and the Kuju mountain range. On clear days, you can spot Shikoku island. Several hiking trails at the summit wind through alpine plants and seasonal wildflowers.

Bamboo Crafts

The Bamboo Crafts Center showcases a 2,000-year-old craft tradition. Watch artisans split and weave bamboo into tea ceremony tools and contemporary furniture. Join daily workshops (¥1,000-3,000) to make your own chopsticks or coasters using local bamboo. The center opens from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.