Bettei Haruki

The best time to visit Beppu is in November, with mild highs around 18°C, low humidity, and only 6 rain days. October and April are also pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and moderate rain. The hottest, rainiest stretch runs from June through September, when humidity stays above 80% and rain days peak at 16 to 19 per month. Winter months are dry and cool, with January and December offering the fewest rain days, though temperatures drop to around 10°C. For the most comfortable sightseeing, aim for late autumn or early spring.

Stay near Beppu Station for easy access to trains, buses, and the port, with hotels like Amanek Beppu YULA-RE nearby. The Kannawa area, home to the Hells of Beppu and ryokan like Kannawaen, suits those focused on hot springs. Kitahama, along the coast, offers a relaxed seaside vibe with Hoshino Resorts Kai Beppu. For a hillside retreat with views, Kankaiji has Suginoi Hotel and Ryotei Matsubaya.

The Hells of Beppu are the top draw, with Umi Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, and Chinoike Jigoku each offering distinct, vividly colored hot spring pools. Oniyama Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku add to the spectacle with their geysers and giant crocodiles. For a broader view, take the Beppu Ropeway up Mount Tsurumi for sweeping coastal and mountain scenery. Beppu Park is a pleasant spot for a stroll, and the Yukemuri Observation Deck gives a classic view of the town's steam rising across the skyline.

From Beppu, you can take a full-day tour to Yufuin, a scenic hot spring town with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful countryside. Another option is Himeshima, a small island known for its natural beauty and coastal walks. These tours cover the destinations directly, so you can enjoy a change of scenery from Beppu's urban onsen area.

Plan 2 to 3 days in Beppu. In two days, you can visit the main Hells of Beppu sights like Umi Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, and Chinoike Jigoku, plus the Beppu Ropeway and Beppu Park. A third day lets you add the Yukemuri Observation Deck and Beppu Tower at a relaxed pace. If you take a full-day tour to Yufuin or Himeshima, add one extra day.