Beppu Travel Essentials

• Beppu's climate sees hot and humid summers with heavy cloud cover. Winters are cold, windy and clear.
• The most rainfall can be seen in June, averaging around 35 cm
• The warmest months of the year are June to September
• The best time to visit for weather is the middle months of April and May. The most popular months are June to August

• The Plug type is a Type A or B, the same as in the United States.
• Electricity and current are 100 volts at 50/60 Hz.
• The currency is the Japanese yen
• The International Dial Code is +81
• For emergency telephone calls, 110 reaches the police or for accidents. 118 calls the Japanese Coast Guard. 119 is for reporting a fire or seeking an ambulance or rescue station.

Though a small town, Beppu is easy to reach by most mass transit methods. Several nearby airports make it easy to fly in, and the city fields a train station with regularly scheduled stops. It is on the shore, so ports with ferries are available. The majority of flights and trains originate in Tokyo.

Airports

The main airport in Beppu is Oita Airport; it is, however, a regional airport, and most flights to Beppu come in from Tokyo, a 90-minute flight from either Haneda Airport or Narita Airport, depending on which airline you choose. Discount tickets can sometimes be acquired, saving money on your flight.

Major train stations

The Sonic limited express train comes to Beppu from Kokura Station, which is reached from the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen hailing from Tokyo. The entire trip from Tokyo to Beppu takes around 6 hours to accomplish. Japan Rail Pass holders can save some money, but the trip using this pass takes 7 hours, because they are limited as to which trains they can take, and will need an additional transfer at Shin-Osaka Station.

Ports

The Beppu Port on the inner Beppu Bay is the spot to catch cruise lines to explore the region from the water. The harbour is scenic and an important strategic transport hub connecting the city to the Seto Inland Sea.

Travel tips

Beppu is a small town, but its attractions are spread all across the region, including many outside the town limits. This means it’s a good idea to research the best ways to get around, whether you choose to hire a car or you decide to take public transportation. Fortunately, the bus system in Beppu is quite reliable and easy to navigate. The city doesn’t have a general travel pass, but you can secure day and multi-day bus passes for a nominal fee.

Subway system

Beppu does have a small subway system, but it is not nearly as robust as the bus system. It’s used mainly by commuters and is not recommended as a way for visitors to travel around to see the sights. While some stations may be near downtown attractions, most of the more prominent points of interest are farther afield, and by the time you learn to navigate the subway system, you might lose time that would have been better spent simply taking a bus.

Taxi and rideshare apps

Taxi service operates throughout Japan and is reliable and easy enough to use. If you wish, you can take taxi cabs to get where you need to go. They work similarly to the way they work in the West; you simply call for a cab and schedule a pickup time. Unfortunately, rideshares like Uber and Lyft are not common in Beppu, so this may not be a reliable way to go and may be a disappointment to those who have come to count on these services.

Bus network

Beppu has an extensive bus network which may be the best way to get around town and even to some of the more outlying points of interest. The largest bus company in Beppu is the Kamenoi Bus Company, which services most of the city. If you plan to do a lot of riding around to various points of interest, the My Beppu Free day pass may be the best way to go. It gives you unlimited rides and can be obtained at the Tourist Information Office in Beppu Station for a nominal fee.

Car Hire

Car hire is almost always a good way to get around, especially if you want the freedom to go where you want, when you want. As with most cities, a range of big car hire companies can be found at the airport and near the train station and port to allow you a good variety of choices. For a small fee, you can get a good vehicle that will enable you to drive yourself around the city. Driving in Beppu is generally considered a safe way to see the sights.

Bicycle Hire

A range of cycle hire spots can be found in Beppu, but since the various attractions are spread so far apart, cycle hire is not the best way to get around and see the sights. The town does, however, host several urban and rural parks with cycle trails. If you’re into fitness and wilderness exploration on two wheels, spots like Giant Store Beppu can provide equipment to get out on the trails and see the sights in a whole different way.

Beppu Hot Spring Festival

• Early April every year
• A historic festival dedicated to the famed hot springs of Beppu. This festival gives thanks to the springs for the benefits they provide the town and hosts free visits to municipal hot springs, tons of food stalls and the Mount Ogi Fire Festival.
• Held in locations all across the town

Beppu Fireworks Festival

• Late July or early August annually
• This massive fireworks display is celebrated with a food festival including grilled meat, octopus balls, fried noodles, crepes, shaved ice, apple candy, cotton candy and other treats. The festival features traditional dance and fireworks on the beach.
• Held at Spa Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Beppu Christmas Fantasia

• December 23-24 annually
• This fireworks display and winter festival celebrating the Christmas season is wildly popular. It features synchronised music to complement the fireworks display, Christmas carolling by children dressed in festive costumes, food, and fun.
• Held in the Kitamatogahamacho festival area, about a 10-minute walk from Beppu Station.

Hells of Beppu

The Hells of Beppu are 7 incredible hot springs that you can tour, showcasing the wonders of Earth’s hydrothermal activity. You can’t bathe in these springs for the most part, but some allow for viewing wildlife. Others permit sampling food that has been steamed in the mineral-rich smoke from the Hells.

Beppu Tower

Beppu Tower is an iconic lattice tower right in the heart of the city and one of Beppu’s identifying landmarks. You can climb this tower and check out an observation deck about halfway up with 360-degree views of the entire town and the Pacific Ocean. After, enjoy a wealth of shopping and dining opportunities.

Suginoi Palace

Suginoi Palace, also called Suginoi Hotel, is a lodging and entertainment venue built around a hot spring. You can bathe in the hot spring and enjoy an onsite pool. A full family-friendly entertainment venue is also onsite, offering bowling, a waterpark, games, food and fun for all. It’s also a historic site.

Oita Fragrance Museum

The concept of perfume has been part of Japanese culture for thousands of years. At the Oita Fragrance Museum, you’ll explore the traditional art of fragrances, including the history and culture of wearing scents. You can take classes and workshops on aromas, compounding fragrances, and creating your own perfumed scents.