Beppu Onsen: The Yellowstone hot spring of Japan

July 7, 9:26 PMJapan Travel ExaminerJoshua Williams

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One of many hot springs at Beppu Onsen
(photo: wikipedia.org/ Mkill)

On the southern Japanese island of Kyushu resides a town built around hot springs. This town named Beppu is said to have the second largest output volume of hot spring waters in the world, next to only Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. For any lover of hot springs and spas, called onsen in Japanese, Beppu is a Mecca for indulging in the relaxing benefits that they bring to the body and soul.

Beppu’s hot spring waters

According to a 2009 survey, Beppu has more than 2,800 hot spring vent which unleash more than 27,000 gallons of hot water per minute. These figures are top in Japan. Beyond the sheer volume of hot water, the town also boasts 10 of the 11 classified types of hot springs in Japan. Each type of hot spring is said to help cure different varieties of illnesses and aliments.

The town itself is divided into 8 sections which each contain a variety of bathing facilities, as well as resorts facilities and ryokans. Each section claims to have its own unique charm, and the locals say that one must visit all eight to truly appreciate the city.

Beppu’s history

The hot springs around the Beppu area are recorded to have been used for over a millennium. The town as we know it today, however, was first truly developed during the Meiji Era of Japanese history in the late 19th century. During that time people in Beppu started using digging technology to bore holes for creating new hot spring vents, and is said to have been among the earliest places in Japan to do so.

With the development of a local port and train station, Beppu rapidly became a large traveler’s destination in the 20th century for both pleasure and medical treatment. The area has also been a hot destination for international travels since that time.

Attractions in Beppu

Beppu is most famous for its considerable amount of hot springs divided among the 8 sections of the city. Visitors can enjoy onsen baths at ryokans, resort facilities, as well as at numerous local public baths. Visitors to local public baths are warned by locals that they like the bath water hot, around 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another major tourist attraction in Beppu is the “Jigoku Meguri”, or “Tour of Hell”, which includes seeing eight interesting hot spring pools of different colors and consistencies.

Accessing Beppu

Beppu is located in southwest Japan on the island of Kyushu. Reaching Beppu can easily be done by train, although it takes about 7 hours from Tokyo. Alternatively, one can shorted the trip slightly by flying to the local regional airport.