Why Beppu Is Japan's Ultimate Hot Spring Destination

Beppu is a city that lives and breathes hot springs. Located on the coast of Oita Prefecture in northeastern Kyushu, this extraordinary city produces more hot spring water than any other place in Japan — and ranks second in the entire world, after only Yellowstone National Park in the United States. With over 2,000 hot spring vents producing steaming water across the cityscape, Beppu offers Malaysian travellers a truly unforgettable onsen experience unlike anywhere else.

The city is compact and easily walkable, with most attractions and hotels clustered around the train station and the hillside hot spring districts. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hotels starting at around RM 200 per night to mid-range onsen ryokans with meals at RM 350–RM 700 per night, and premium luxury properties commanding RM 800–RM 1,800 per night.

Best Hotels and Ryokans in Beppu

For a traditional ryokan experience, Beppu no Oyado Kagaya is a well-loved property offering classic Japanese hospitality with onsen facilities and kaiseki cuisine. Beppu Kankaiji Onsen Ryotei Matsubaya in the Kankaiji hot spring district provides an elevated ryotei-style dining and bathing experience.

Travellers seeking convenience near the train station should look at Beppu Station Hotel and APA Hotel Beppu Ekimae, both offering modern rooms with easy access to buses and the city centre. For a more resort-like setting, Spa & Resort Hotel Solage Oita Hiji Beppuwan combines spa facilities with stunning bay views.

Budget-conscious travellers can enjoy Cabosu House Beppu Hamayu for a guesthouse-style stay with local character, or the stylish Beppu Yuya for a comfortable and affordable onsen stay.

The Hells of Beppu — A Must-See Experience

Beppu's most iconic attraction is the Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour), a circuit of seven spectacular hot spring vents that are too hot for bathing but mesmerising to view. Each "hell" has its own unique character: Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) features a stunning cobalt-blue pool, Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) glows deep red from iron oxide, and Tatsumaki Jigoku is a geyser that erupts every 30 to 40 minutes.

A combined ticket to all seven hells costs approximately RM 35 per person. The tour takes about 2 to 3 hours and is one of the most popular things to do in all of Kyushu. Food stalls at some of the hells sell onsen tamago (eggs boiled in hot spring water) and jigoku-steamed pudding, which are unique treats to try.

Hot Spring Bathing in Beppu

Beppu has eight distinct hot spring districts, known as the Beppu Hatto. Each district has a different water composition and atmosphere. Kannawa is the most atmospheric, with steam rising from the streets and traditional bathhouses at every turn. Myoban is known for its milky-white sulphur springs, while Hamawaki near the waterfront offers salt-rich waters.

Public bathhouses (sento) are incredibly affordable, with many charging just RM 3–RM 8 per entry. More elaborate facilities with outdoor baths, saunas, and rest areas cost RM 15–RM 50. Sand baths, where you are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand, are a unique Beppu speciality costing around RM 20–RM 35.

Jigoku Mushi — Hell-Steamed Cooking

One of Beppu's most unique culinary experiences is jigoku mushi (hell steaming), where you cook your own food using natural hot spring steam. At the Jigoku Mushi Kobo cooking station in Kannawa, you can buy fresh vegetables, seafood, and other ingredients and steam them in bamboo baskets placed over natural steam vents. The experience costs around RM 10–RM 30 plus the cost of ingredients.

Beppu also offers excellent local cuisine including toriten (Oita-style chicken tempura), reimen (cold noodles), and fresh seafood from Beppu Bay. A sit-down lunch at a local restaurant costs RM 20–RM 45 per person, while dinner at a quality izakaya averages RM 40–RM 80.

Getting to Beppu from Malaysia

Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Fukuoka Airport (some airlines offer direct or one-stop flights, return from RM 1,200–RM 2,500), then take a JR Sonic limited express train from Hakata Station (Fukuoka) to Beppu, which takes approximately 2 hours and costs around RM 70 one way. This journey is covered by the JR Kyushu Rail Pass or Japan Rail Pass.

Alternatively, fly to Oita Airport (the closest airport to Beppu) via a connecting flight through Tokyo or Osaka. From Oita Airport, buses to Beppu take about 45 minutes and cost approximately RM 25.

Best Time to Visit Beppu

Beppu is a wonderful year-round destination since hot spring bathing is enjoyable in any season. However, autumn (October to November) is particularly scenic with colourful foliage around the hot spring areas, and winter (December to February) offers the most atmospheric onsen experience as steam billows dramatically through the cold air.

Spring (March to April) brings cherry blossoms to the hillsides, while summer (July to August) features local festivals. Hotel rates peak during Golden Week, Obon (mid-August), and New Year. For the best deals, visit on weekdays or during shoulder seasons when rates are 15–25% lower.

Explore More of Japan on Traveloka

Kyushu and the rest of Japan are full of incredible destinations. Discover hotels near Tokyo Disney Resort for family entertainment, explore the heritage of Joyo in the Kyoto region, or plan a visit to the peaceful countryside of Kakegawa — all at great prices on Traveloka.