A private tour of Beppu, the world's best hot spring town. Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Witness the striking cobalt blue waters and steaming vents of Umi Jigoku with your included entry ticket.

• Indulge in a private, traditional onsen bathing experience curated specifically for you and your travel companions.

• Taste local Oita specialties like onsen tamago and hell-steamed puddings cooked using natural geothermal heat.

• Stroll through the historic hot spring streets with your local guide to discover hidden foot baths and traditional ryokan architecture.

Hidden Gems

• Seek out the lesser-known Hyotan Onsen sand baths, where you can be buried in naturally heated, mineral-rich volcanic sand.

• Visit the local Jigoku Mushi Kobo Kannawa to steam your own fresh seafood and vegetables using the natural hot spring vapor.

• Discover the tranquil Takegawara Onsen, a beautiful Meiji-era wooden bathhouse that offers a deeply nostalgic and authentic bathing atmosphere away from the main tourist crowds.

What Makes it Special

• A fully private itinerary guided by a local expert, allowing for a personalized pace and exclusive access to secluded onsen facilities.

• Seamless inclusion of Umi Jigoku entry, bypassing the hassle of ticketing while exploring Beppu's most iconic geothermal wonder.

• Deep cultural immersion into the centuries-old onsen etiquette and therapeutic benefits of Oita's mineral-rich waters.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Early morning is the best time to visit Beppu to see the dramatic steam rising against the cool air and to avoid the midday crowds at the Jigoku hells. Autumn and winter are particularly magical seasons, as the crisp weather makes the outdoor hot spring experiences incredibly cozy and atmospheric.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the vivid cobalt blue of Umi Jigoku in the early morning light when the steam contrasts beautifully against the clear sky.

• Photography is strictly prohibited inside the actual bathing areas of the onsens to respect the privacy of other bathers, so keep your camera in your locker.

• Use a polarizing filter if you have one to cut through the glare on the hot spring water and enhance the rich colors of the geothermal pools.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When entering an onsen, it is mandatory to wash your body thoroughly at the shower stations before stepping into the shared or private baths. Keep your small modesty towel out of the bathwater, and never submerge it, as it is considered unclean. Speak in hushed tones while bathing to maintain the peaceful, meditative atmosphere expected in Japanese hot spring culture.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Beppu Hatto Onsen Festival in early April celebrates the town's hot spring heritage with parades, traditional dances, and special discounted bath entries.

• The Beppu Argeiji Rakutenchi Illumination in winter transforms the nearby botanical garden into a spectacular light show, perfect for an evening add-on to your day tour.

• During the summer, the Kannawa district hosts traditional Mushi-ya night markets where you can enjoy local street food cooked in the geothermal steam.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Limit your soaking time to 10 or 15 minutes at a time to avoid overheating, and take cool-down breaks between sessions.

• Watch your step on the wet, slippery tiles around the bathing areas and use the provided handrails when entering or exiting the hot spring pools.

• Avoid drinking alcohol before your hot spring experience, as the combination of heat and alcohol can lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure and fainting.