The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss

Take a dip in Japan’s largest spa resort! The Beppu-onsen (onsen means hot springs) Spa consists of eight different spring areas collectively called Beppu Hatto and include Beppu, Kannawe, Myoban, Kankaiji, Kamegawa, Hamawaki, Horita and Shebaseki. If dipping in hot muddy water isn’t your thing, the Tour of Hell offers a tour of nine spectacular hot springs that are for viewing rather than bathing. Explore the Umi-jigoku, made up of bright cobalt blue hot water and the Chi-no-ike-jigoku, a pond of hot, red water.

Other Fun Things to Do

• Known as the Ōita Marine Place, the Umitamogo Aquarium’s interesting architecture and displays will make you feel like being in a modern art museum rather than an aquarium. Enjoy seals, otters, dolphins, penguins and various fish.
• Head to the Takasakiyama Monkey Park, located in the forested mountain just outside of Beppu and watch over 1500 wild Japanese monkeys being fed, groomed or just simply monkeying around!
• If you’re in the city in February, cheer on the competitors during the Beppu-Ōita Marathon. The annual men’s marathon began in 1952 and has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious competitions.

Get a Taste of Local Flavor

Japan is filled with delicious dishes waiting to be served. All over the country, people are constantly cooking up new ways to satisfy a nation’s hunger for culinary perfection. While in Beppu, try some of these local mouth-watering favorites: Buri no atsumeshi, slices of raw yellowtail marinated in soy sauce and served with hot rice; Tenobe dango-jiru, hand-made dumpling soup seasoned with miso and garnished with scallions; and Japanese parsley and Gomadashi udon, wheat noodles in a sesame broth with white-meat fish.

Local Currency

The unit of Japanese currency is the yen. Traveler's checks are accepted by leading banks, hotels, ryokan (Japanese inns) and stores in major cities. International credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard are also accepted at major establishments. 

Weather in Beppu, Japan