Beppu Onsen: Journey to a World of Steam

Located in the south of Japan, Oita Prefecture is home to Beppu Onsen, a must-visit destination for all onsen lovers.
Beppu is a popular hot spring destination both in Japan and abroad, and it outstrips other hot spring destinations in terms of size and diversity.
Here, vast amounts of hot spring steam rise from the earth every day, creating an atmosphere as if the entire city were a hot spring itself.
On the northern side of Japan, we have Noboribetsu Onsen, and if you are interested, have a look at our article Visit Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido for a Japanese Hot Spring Experience

Content

1. Hell tour: the mysterious side to hot springs
2. Sand bath: experience yourself being engulfed with sand
3. Relaxing in a mud bath: mysterious skin care
4. The eight hot springs of Beppu: enjoy a variety of hot spring resorts
5. Local specialties: the astonishing steamed dishes
6. The whole town as a hot spring theme park
7. Souvenirs of Beppu Onsen
8. Access method
9. Summary

1. Hell Tour: the mysterious side to hot springs

No visit to Beppu Onsen would be complete without first experiencing the “Jigoku Meguri” tour.
This hell tour is an attraction that takes visitors to eight unique hot springs, each of which is so powerful that it seems as if the very energy of the earth is erupting from them.
Take, for example, the “Blood Pond Hell".
This reddish-brown hot spring is rich in iron and oxides and, as its name suggests, is the color of blood.
The steamy atmosphere is somewhat eerie, but it also evokes the power of the earth.
Umi Jigoku, on the other hand, has clear water as blue as the ocean, and it is so hot that you cannot get close to it.
These contrasting landscapes remind us of the diversity of nature.
Beppu Half Day "HELL" Sightseeing Tour

2. Sand bath: experience yourself being engulfed with sand

Next, visit Beppu's famous sand baths.
Located along the coast, the sand bath facility offers an unusual relaxation experience in which visitors bury their entire bodies in sand heated by hot spring heat.
As staff members pour sand over you with shovels, a comfortable weight and warmth envelops your body, warming your whole body gradually.
It is as if you have become one with the earth.
Hyotan Onsen Hot Springs Website

3. Relaxing in a mud bath: mysterious skin care

Beppu also has a rare type of hot spring called “mud baths".
At mud baths, you can relax by applying mud all over your body.
The mud bath I visited was located in a quiet place in the mountains.
The atmosphere there was like being completely blended into nature, and you could enjoy the luxurious experience of soaking your body in the mud while birds chirped in the background.
After applying the mud to your face and letting it dry, you will feel as if you were at a luxury spa.

4. The eight hot springs of Beppu: enjoy a variety of hot spring resorts

Beppu Onsen consists of eight areas called “Beppu Hachiyu".
Each area has different characteristics.
For example, in Kannawa, steam cooking and sand baths are popular.
On the other hand, in Myoban, visitors can enjoy the rich sulfur spring water.

5. Local specialties: the astonishing steamed dishes

In Beppu, visitors can experience food using the steam from the hot springs.
There is a place called "Jigoku-mushi Kobo” (Hell Steaming Factory).
Here, you can steam vegetables and seafood using hot spring steam.
You choose your own ingredients, place them in a basket with fresh local produce, and set the basket in a hole where the steam comes out.
After 10 minutes of waiting, the steamed food is ready.
Steam-cooked food brings out the flavor of the ingredients themselves, especially the plumpness of seafood.
The taste is further enhanced by adding local ponzu (Japanese citrus juice) or salt to the food.

6. The whole town as a hot spring theme park

Beppu's appeal goes beyond mere hot spring facilities.
The entire city is like a theme park of hot springs.
As you walk around, you can feel the steam rising from everywhere and smell the sulfurous aroma that is characteristic of a hot spring resort.
While private spas are the norm outside of Japan, here the culture of relaxing with others in a public place has taken root.
There are also many free foot bath spots available.
When stopping by a foot bath in town, it is nice to see tourists spontaneously starting conversations and exchanging stories about their hot spring experiences with each other.

7. Souvenirs of Beppu Onsen

In addition to the hot springs themselves, Beppu Onsen offers many attractive souvenirs.
Yunohana (hot spring flowers), hot spring steamed pudding, and local specialties and crafts are perfect for sharing the memories of your trip, as you can take the healing power of the hot spring back home with you.
Be sure to look for your favorite souvenirs while you are there!

Onsen-related

Yunohana

Yunohana are crystals made by drying hot spring ingredients and can be used as bath salts at home.
You can enjoy the sulfur and mineral content unique to Beppu hot springs, making it a popular souvenir that allows you to enjoy the feeling of a hot spring at home.

Onsen Steamed Pudding

Pudding steamed by Beppu hot spring steam, with a smooth texture and bittersweet caramel sauce.
Individually packaged, it makes an ideal souvenir for friends and family.

Onsen Eggs

Onsen eggs are boiled using hot spring steam.
They are characterized by their moderate semi-cooked condition and the aroma of hot spring water.
They can be eaten on the spot with salt or special sauce.

Gourmet

Jigoku Shio

Mineral-rich salt made from hot spring steam in Beppu.
When used in cooking, it offers a deep flavor.
An ideal souvenir for health-conscious people.

Kabosu

Ponzu (Japanese citrus fruit), juice, and jam made from Kabosu, a specialty of Oita Prefecture, are popular.
Its refreshing sourness is perfect for cooking and drinking.

Zabieru

A Japanese-Western confectionery representative of Oita Prefecture.
Raisins soaked in rum are wrapped in buttery white bean paste and baked in a Western style.

Onsen Manju

Onsen Manju steamed in the steam of Beppu's hot springs.
The fluffy texture and mildly sweet red bean paste are exquisite.
There are many varieties, including those with green tea and chestnuts.

Sekiaji and Sekisaba

Dried and canned products made from “Sekiaji and Sekisaba,” high-grade fish caught in the waters around Beppu, are sold here.
You can enjoy the fresh taste at home.

Shiitake mushrooms

A wide variety of tsukudani (food boiled in soy sauce) and snacks made from shiitake mushrooms, a specialty of Oita.
Aromatic dried shiitake mushrooms make a great souvenir for those who love to cook.

Beauty/Health

Onsen cosmetics

Soaps, bath salts, face packs, and other products using ingredients from Beppu hot springs are popular.
These items are gentle on the skin and are sure to be appreciated by women for their beauty benefits.

Mud packs

Mud packs that take advantage of the ingredients of Beppu's mud baths are items that make you feel like you are at a spa at home.
It is especially recommended for those who are looking for a skin beautifying effect.

Crafts and miscellaneous goods

Bamboo Crafts

Beppu is famous for its bamboo crafts.
Handmade bamboo products such as baskets, luncheon mats, and chopsticks are practical and stylish souvenirs.

Sundries with hot spring flower motifs

Sundries and accessories with images of hot spring flowers and hot springs are sold in the hot spring resort area.
Hand towels and mugs with designs of hot spring water are also recommended.

Local Sake

Yufuin Beer and Beppu Ji Beer

Craft beer made in the Beppu area is characterized by the use of mineral-rich water from the hot spring area.
A glass of beer is especially special after a day at the hot springs.

Kabosu liqueur

A liqueur made from kabosu, a specialty of Oita.
You can enjoy its refreshing sourness and sweetness.

8. Access method

It's best to choose the most suitable mode of travel for your trip.
For a quick trip: Airplane + Bus
The fastest way to Beppu is via Oita Airport, and you will arrive at Beppu smoothly.
If you want to enjoy your trip by train, take the Shinkansen and the limited express trains.
If you want to save money, take the highway bus.

9. Summary

Lessons Learned in Beppu Onsen:
The Wisdom of Coexisting with Nature
Visitors to Beppu Onsen will be able to experience the wisdom of the Japanese people coexisting with nature.
The idea is to not fear the heat of the earth, but to utilize it.
The onsen is not just a place for relaxation, but also a place for local food culture, tourism, and interaction among people.
If you are visiting Japan, Beppu Onsen is definitely a place you should visit at least once.
This city will allow you to experience the endless possibilities that onsen have to offer.
And by the time you return, you will definitely appreciate the magical power of onsen.
For those of you who would like to know more about other onsens, try our article on Onsen! Japan's Paradise!

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