Enjoy family friendly onsen, crafts & more on Kyushu
From bayside shores to the hillside thermal pools of the Hells of Beppu, relax with onsen, a serene park, local foods, traditional crafts, and a few serendipities, all in one hot spring town in Kyushu’s Oita Prefecture. Things to do in Beppu abound for travelers visiting for at least one night.
Depending on your schedule, Beppu can be a one-night stopover. To enjoy the area, max your onsen relaxation time, and day trip to the nearby Hells though, we’d suggest at least two nights.
Watch this video for our family’s experience
About Beppu, our trip & getting there
Located in Kyushu’s Oita Prefecture, Beppu is on the JR Kyushu limited express “Sonic” train. From Fukuoka’s Hakata Station, you can be get here within about two hours. If coming from nearby Oita, the same Sonic train is minutes from Oita Station. Or, when driving Kyushu’s serene hillside roads, this area is accessible from throughout Japan’s southern main island.
Our family of four visited for a two-night winter getaway while staying in Oita City. We sought out things to do in Beppu that were slow-paced, low-key, fun, and affordable on our family budget, from daytripping the Hells thermal pools by local bus, to relaxing in our ryokan’s manga library.
7 things our family did in Beppu
- Made souvenir bamboo bell balls, and toured the amazing bamboo art exhibits, at the Beppu City Traditional Craft Center. We now hang the bells in our accommodation wherever we travel.
- Soaked in relaxing natural hot spring onsen
- Lounged in the manga library and dined on Japanese-style breakfast at a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn
- Wandered the fall colors and Bamboo Grove at Beppu Park
- Took serene walks around the covered shopping arcades and side streets near our ryokan: During an afternoon walk, we happened upon a shrine with a baseball theme
- Lunched on traditional Oita dishes at Bangu Chaya at Beppu Station
- Took a day trip to the nearby Hells of Beppu
Learn more: Take a day trip to the Hells of Beppu
Visit all 7 Hells in 1 day: Itineraries for Beppu Jigoku Meguri (別府地獄めぐり) Japan
Where to stay in Beppu
We stayed at the Nogami Honkan, a Japanese ryokan
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. Around the ryokan, you can relax in a lightweight cotton yukata, or traditional robe (kid sizes available too). Expect to sleep on comfy futons on tatami floors. Breakfasts can be Western or Japanese style, and we’d suggest the Japanese.
Just a short walk from Beppu Station, the Nogami Honkan delighted us with lounging spaces, free anytime coffee and tea, and even a manga library. Instead of the public on-site onsen, we booked the separate private bath. That made it easier for Aster to try out her first onsen. It’s also a great option if, like Jodie, you have tattoos.
Use our link below to book your stay at Nogami Honkan:
More places to stay in Beppu
Learn more about traveling around Kyushu and Japan with these travel guides and videos
Find out more: In depth Japan guides on our blog
Video: Kumamoto ITINERARIES: What to do, what to skip くまもと Kyushu Japan
Video: ACTIVE VOLCANO in Japan! Mt. Aso day trip guide from Kumamoto くまもと – 阿蘇山, 熊本市, 日本
Video: ONE PIECE statue tour! Itinerary for ALL 10 Straw Hats in Kumamoto, Japan ワンピース 熊本市
Video: $7 Dinner? ¥1000 Japanese Convenience store challenge コンビニばんごはん
Check out our FULL Japan Family Travel Video Playlist on YouTube
Whether an excursion from Fukuoka or as part of a broader trip around Kyushu, Beppu and its onsen make for a wonderful opportunity to relax and recharge. There are plenty of things to do in Beppu for families and other travelers, plus you can take things at a slower pace in this bayside city. Have a great time in Beppu!
