Exit Search

Spotlight: Ōita

April 21, 2023

On the island of Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island (after Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku), is onsen country, with hot springs and ryokans dotted across the mountainous region. It is also home to Japan’s most active volcano, Mount Aso.

In the capital city of Ōita, particularly in and around Beppu, is where you’ll find the most spectacular hot springs. From Misaki, onsen-seekers board a ferry and head to Beppu, where the smell of sulphur greets all visitors.

Gate to Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)
Gate to Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)

Home to over 2,000 hot springs, the Hells of Beppu as it’s known, is a spooky sight – each hot spring bubbles and steams violently, hence its moniker. They range in colour from cobalt blue to blood red, and are for viewing from a distance only, not for bathing. These jigoku (hells) can reach temperatures of about 98 degrees.

Each ‘hell’ is distinctly different. The largest of the seven pools, Umi (Sea) Jigoku, earned its name for its vivid turquoise colour; the oldest hell, Chinoike (Blood Lake) Jigoku is – you guessed it – blood red, a magnificent sight with steam rising from it.

Mount Yufudake
Mount Yufudake

Undoubtedly the most impressive spring is Oniyama Jigoku (Devil Mountain Hell) known for nature and wildlife, and, impressively, where crocodiles are bred.

For a relaxing onsen without the wildlife, head for Kamegawa Onsen or Kankaiji Onsen, which are both surrounded by lush scenery. After your bath, don a yukata (bathrobe) and explore the historic streets of Hamawaki Onsen.

Kinrinko Lake in Yufuin
Kinrinko Lake in Yufuin

Away from the onsens a short train ride away, Yufuin is a scenic onsen town with plenty of cultural hotspots (including museums, cafes, and boutiques) to keep you busy. Mount Yufu hovers over the town and provides the perfect backdrop to photos, as does pretty Lake Kinrinko. A short walk away from the main shopping street you’ll be reminded that this area is quite rural, as rice paddies and traditional farmhouses replace the hot springs and spa lodgings.

Subscribe Now!

To receive our free printable eBook "Inspiring Japan"

book
RELATED TOURS
Flights Included
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Japan
Included
Fully Escorted

Included

Typically $4,365
Now
$1,999 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Japan
Included
Fully Escorted
Lively Pace
Typically $4,365
From
$1,999 AUD
pp twin share
$1099 Flight Offer
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Nov 2024
Japan
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
Typically $13,361
Now
$5,999 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Nov 2024
Japan
$99pp deposit
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
7 Days
Typically $13,361
From
$5,999 AUD
pp twin share
$1099 Flight Offer
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Japan
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Typically $6,382
Now
$3,199 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Dec 2025
Japan
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Group Tour - Classic
Typically $6,382
From
$3,199 AUD
pp twin share
$1399 Flight Offer
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Apr 2025
Japan
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
Typically $7,381
Now
$3,999 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Apr 2025
Japan
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
Typically $7,381
From
$3,999 AUD
pp twin share
$1099 Flight Offer
Travel from:Feb 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Japan
$99pp deposit
Local Guides
Moderate Pace
Typically $9,202
Now
$5,599 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Feb 2024
Travel until:Dec 2024
Japan
$99pp deposit
Local Guides
Moderate Pace
Small Group
Typically $9,202
From
$5,599 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Oct 2024
Japan
Included
Fully Escorted

Included

Typically $5,755
Now
$3,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Oct 2024
Japan
Included
Fully Escorted
Lively Pace
Typically $5,755
From
$3,499 AUD
pp twin share
$1099 Flight Offer
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Japan
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
Typically $9,085
Now
$3,999 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Japan
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
Typically $9,085
From
$3,999 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included
Travel from:Feb 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Japan
$99pp deposit
Flight Inclusive
Fully Escorted

Flight Inclusive

Typically $9,579
Now
$6,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Feb 2024
Travel until:Nov 2025
Japan
$99pp deposit
Flight Inclusive
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Typically $9,579
From
$6,499 AUD
pp twin share
Autumn Dates
Travel from:Apr 2024
Travel until:Nov 2024
Japan
$99pp deposit
Leisurely Pace
Fully Escorted
From
$7,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Apr 2024
Travel until:Nov 2024
Japan
$99pp deposit
Leisurely Pace
Fully Escorted
7 Days
From
$7,499 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Nov 2024
Japan
Flight Inclusive
Fully Escorted
Typically $9,256
Now
$4,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Nov 2024
Japan
Flight Inclusive
Fully Escorted
Lively Pace
Typically $9,256
From
$4,499 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Nov 2024
Japan
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
From
$7,899 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Nov 2024
Japan
Partially Escorted
Moderate Pace
Group Tour - Classic
From
$7,899 AUD
pp twin share
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Nov 2024
Japan
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
Typically $13,560
Now
$4,499 pp twin share
AUD
Travel from:Mar 2024
Travel until:Nov 2024
Japan
$99pp deposit
Fully Escorted
Moderate Pace
7 Days
Typically $13,560
From
$4,499 AUD
pp twin share
Processing...