On the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, nestled between volcanic mountains and the sea, lies Beppu—a town where the earth breathes in steam.
Known as one of the world’s most prolific hot spring destinations, Beppu is defined by geothermal abundance. More than 2,000 onsen facilities operate across the city, fed by an underground world of magma-heated water.
Beppu is not merely a wellness retreat. It is a volcanic ecosystem transformed into a cultural ritual, where geology, tradition, and healing coexist.
Beppu sits atop the Beppu-Haneyama Fault Zone, part of a broader volcanic arc that gives rise to Japan’s geothermal activity. Rainwater and groundwater seep deep into the Earth’s crust, are heated by magma, and rise back up as mineral-rich steam and hot water.
This subterranean cycle produces more hot spring output than anywhere else in Japan, and ranks second globally after Yellowstone in the United States. The result is a city alive with steam vents, bubbling mud, and mineral baths—integrated into daily life and urban design.
Among the most iconic attractions are the “Beppu Jigoku” or “Eight Hells”—dramatic geothermal sites not for bathing, but for viewing. Each hell has its own character. Umi Jigoku, or “Sea Hell,” features a cobalt-blue pond heated to over 90°C. Oniishibozu Jigoku bubbles with grey, monk-head-shaped mud domes.
These hells are both scientific phenomena and cultural curiosities, drawing visitors to witness the raw, untamed force of volcanic power. Their visual diversity—from blood-red waters to steaming geysers—has made them symbolic of Beppu’s otherworldly charm.
Beyond spectacle, Beppu’s hot springs are rooted in therapeutic practice. Onsen bathing is believed to aid circulation, relieve muscle pain, improve skin health, and promote relaxation. Each spring has its own mineral composition—ranging from sulfur and iron to radium and salt—offering different health benefits.
Facilities range from luxurious ryokan to humble public bathhouses. Sand baths, steam huts, and mud pools provide unique forms of geothermal therapy. In sand baths, visitors are buried in naturally heated black sand near the beach, letting warmth radiate through the body.
Onsen bathing in Japan follows a distinct etiquette. Bathers must rinse thoroughly before entering the communal pools, and swimwear is not permitted. Silence is observed, and phones are left behind.
This ritual creates a space of shared quietude, where bodies rest and minds slow down. In Beppu, the onsen is not just a personal indulgence—it is a collective exhale.
Beppu has long embraced geothermal energy not only for bathing, but for cooking, heating, and agriculture. Steam kitchens, called jigoku mushi, use natural heat to cook vegetables, eggs, and seafood without electricity or flame.
As climate concerns grow, Beppu stands as a model for sustainable living. Local initiatives now promote the use of geothermal resources for eco-tourism, energy efficiency, and traditional industries like dyeing and bamboo crafting.
Beppu is accessible by train, bus, or ferry, with the JR Beppu Station serving as the main gateway. The city is walkable, but taxis and buses connect various onsen districts, including Kannawa, Myoban, and Kamegawa.
Autumn and winter are ideal for onsen visits, when the contrast between hot water and cold air enhances the experience. Many facilities offer private baths for those seeking solitude or modesty, and multilingual signage is increasingly common.
The hot springs of Beppu are more than a tourist attraction—they are a volcanic rhythm turned into ritual. In this mist-wrapped town, the ground heals, the steam cooks, and the water remembers its path through fire.
Beppu is in Ōita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan, known for its geothermal activity and diverse hot spring experiences.
They are eight visually striking geothermal sites, each featuring unique colors, temperatures, and geological behavior—not for bathing but for viewing.
Yes, public and private onsen facilities are regulated for safety and hygiene, and local etiquette ensures a respectful environment.
A sand bath involves being buried in naturally heated volcanic sand, which is said to promote detoxification and improve circulation.