Kyushu Beppu Hot Spring Tour: 1-day tour of Dazaifu + Yufuin + Umi Jigoku + Hyotan Onsen Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Wander through the picturesque Yufuin Floral Village and stroll along the serene shores of Lake Kinrin.

• Pay your respects at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a sacred site dedicated to the deity of learning and literature.

• Marvel at the striking cobalt blue waters of Umi Jigoku, the spectacular Sea Hell hot spring.

• Unwind and rejuvenate with an optional soak at the renowned Hyotan Onsen in Beppu.

Hidden Gems

• Look for the heart-shaped stone hidden among the plum trees at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, believed to bring good luck in romance.

• Visit the small, traditional footbaths scattered around Yufuin town for a quick, free warm-up during your countryside stroll.

• Try the locally famous Beppu steamed pudding or the unique hot spring-boiled eggs sold by street vendors near Kannawa.

What Makes it Special

• Combines three distinct Kyushu highlights into one seamless, stress-free day trip with round-trip bus transport from Fukuoka.

• Offers a perfect balance of spiritual history at an ancient capital, charming rural aesthetics, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

• Includes an expert local guide to navigate the regions and share fascinating stories about the geothermal Hells of Beppu.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for walking around Yufuin and Dazaifu, with cherry blossoms in April and vibrant foliage in November. Early morning departures are standard for this tour, ensuring you beat the heaviest crowds at the popular shrines and hot springs. Winter visits are especially magical as the cold air makes the steam from the Beppu Hells look even more dramatic.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the iconic torii gates and plum blossom trees at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in the soft morning light before the crowds arrive.

• Get low to the ground near the edge of Umi Jigoku to frame the vibrant cobalt blue water against the rising white steam.

• Photograph the traditional thatched-roof houses and the reflective surface of Lake Kinrin in Yufuin during the midday sun for stunning landscape shots.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu, remember to bow slightly before passing through the torii gate and cleanse your hands and mouth at the purification fountain. If you choose to bathe at Hyotan Onsen, ensure you wash your body thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the communal hot spring baths, and keep small towels out of the water. Tipping is not customary in Japan, so a simple bow and a polite thank you is the best way to show appreciation to your guide and service staff.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Dazaifu Tenmangu Plum Blossom Festival in February and March features over 6,000 blooming plum trees and traditional tea ceremonies.

• Yufuin's Lake Kinrin is beautifully illuminated during special winter light-up events, creating a magical, misty atmosphere over the water.

• Beppu's Hells are especially atmospheric during the colder months of December to February when the temperature contrast creates massive, photogenic steam clouds.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Keep a safe distance from the edges of the Jigoku hot springs in Beppu, as the water is near boiling point and the steam can cause burns.

• Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you plan to soak in the hot springs, as the heat can cause rapid dehydration.

• Watch your step on the stone paths at Dazaifu Shrine and the wooden boardwalks in Yufuin, which can become slippery after rain.