Ryokan in Beppu

別府

The city with more hot-spring sources than anywhere else in Japan, on the coast of Oita, divided into eight hot-spring districts, the Beppu Hatto. The boiling 'hells' (jigoku) are at Kannawa, where steam rises from the streets. Beppu is about six hours from Tokyo by rail, or 50 minutes by bus from Oita Airport.

Choosing an area in Beppu

Map of Beppu on the coast with a dot for each ryokan and rings at Kannawa, Myoban and central Beppu — © OpenStreetMap

Kannawa 鉄輪
The steaming quarter of the hells and the old steam baths.
Myoban 明礬
High on the hillside, known for its milky sulphur water and straw huts where bath salts are made.
Central Beppu 別府中心部
Around the station and the old Takegawara bathhouse, near the sea.

Beppu through the year

Spring春
March to May
Early in April the Beppu Hatto Onsen Matsuri gives thanks for the town's hot springs.
Summer夏
June to August
At the end of July the Beppu Hi-no-Umi Matsuri ends with 8,888 fireworks over Beppu Bay.
Autumn秋
September to November
Maples turn red among the bamboo and old pines of Beppu Park. In September Kannawa holds its Yuami Matsuri, washing the statue of the monk Ippen, who is said to have opened its steam baths.
Winter冬
December to February
From December to mid-March rime ice whitens the trees on the summit of Mount Tsurumi, reached by the Beppu Ropeway. In town the cold makes the steam plumes thicker and taller.