Beppu – Japan’s Steamy Wonderland of Hot Springs

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #stunningview Post: Few places in Japan feel as alive and elemental as Beppu. Located on the island of Kyushu, this coastal city is famed for its onsen (hot springs), steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and healing mineral baths. With more hot spring sources than anywhere else in Japan, Beppu doesn’t just offer relaxation—it’s a full sensory experience. I started at the iconic Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri), a surreal collection of hot spring “hells” too beautiful (and too hot) for bathing. From the vivid cobalt blue of Umi Jigoku to the crimson Chinoike Jigoku, each one had its own atmosphere, colors, and sounds—like walking through a gallery curated by nature itself. After exploring the "hells," I took a dip in a traditional sand bath in Beppu Beach. Buried up to my neck in naturally heated sand, with the ocean breeze on my face—it was oddly calming, and surprisingly detoxifying. The Kannawa district was my favorite to explore. Wooden inns and plumes of steam rising from every corner gave the streets a ghostly charm. I tried onsen-steamed cuisine, where vegetables, eggs, and even dumplings are cooked using hot spring steam. Simple, flavorful, and very local. In the evening, I relaxed in an open-air rotenburo, surrounded by rocks and greenery, with clouds of steam drifting into the starry sky. It was pure bliss. Best Time to Visit: Autumn (October–November) for cooler air and comfortable soaks, or winter for the ultimate contrast between cold nights and steaming baths. Helpful Tips: Try a variety of baths—mud, sand, steam, and mineral water all offer unique experiences. Bring a towel and coin purse—many baths are unmanned with small entry fees. Visit Hyotan Onsen, a family-friendly spot with multiple bath types and onsen-cooked food. Location: Beppu, Ōita, Japan Hashtags: #beppuonsen #jigokumeguri #hiddenkyushu #hotspringsjapan #steamcity #sandbathexperience #japanesewellness #bepputravel #healingjapan #rotenburorelaxation