Skip to main content

Top Beppu activities

Beppu trip ideas

Top Beppu Cultural Tours

17 results

Best Seller

Fancy avoiding crowded touristic hotspots and exploring more 'local' areas you likely wouldn't find in a travel brochure? In this exclusive, small-group walking tour, you'll immerse yourself in history & culture whilst strolling through the streets of downtown* Beppu. Experience the work and daily lives of the local artists who live here, visit a bamboo craft factory** and enjoy a rare chance to meet skilled artisans face to face. The tour culminates in a visit to a century-old Japanese house comprising a contemporary art gallery and gift shop. The house also features a history room showcasing historic photographs of Beppu’s past. *Please be aware that: a) this tour does NOT cover popular touristic spots (such as the 'Hells'), but showcases the city's lesser-known cultural streets & alleys, and b) you will not be shown inside an onsen building **Please also note that due to the possibility of businesses varying opening times, the route & places visited may be subject to change.

Become a Local! A Walking Tour of Arts, Crafts & Onsen Culture

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

beppu ropeway going top of the Mt.tsurumi

Start your day with a guided visit to Beppu’s famous Umi Jigoku and Oniishi Jigoku, followed by a scenic ride on the Beppu Ropeway to Mt. Tsurumi’s summit. Enjoy cool mountain air and panoramic views with your English-speaking guide by private car. After descending, you’ll board a local bus (without the guide) and head to the charming hot spring town of Yufuin. From this point, the tour becomes self-guided. You’ll receive a custom English map with recommendations for walking through Yufuin’s highlights—Yunotsubo Street, Lake Kinrinko, cafés, shops, and hot springs. This format gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you would prefer a private driver or guide in Yufuin, optional arrangements are available upon request. However, the self-guided format is the most budget-friendly and flexible option. Please note: This tour does not include travel insurance. This activity is very safe but We recommend that participants have valid overseas travel insurance!

Discover Beppu and Yufuin Nature and Onsen Trip

6 hoursFree Cancellation

The iconic statue at Beppu Station!

Looking for a tour that covers all the highlights of Beppu? From must-visit spots such as the famous 'Hells', to local, hidden gems, including traditional onsen districts and a unique bamboo craft center - we've got you covered! With a private chartered vehicle, you’ll enjoy a stress-free, comfortable journey as a friendly & knowledgeable local guide takes you around the area. You'll get insider knowledge and hear fascinating stories about Beppu’s rich history & culture. Enjoy authentic encounters with locals, engage in immersive cultural activities, and create lasting memories. This tour is perfect for adventure-seekers, families with children, and anyone eager to explore the heart of Beppu in a fun and meaningful way.

Beppu’s Hidden Gems & Highlights: Exclusive Private Minivan Tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

hello american people

Explore Beppu, one of the world’s top hot spring towns, with a friendly local guide by Car. This private tour starts at Umi Jigoku, a beautiful cobalt-blue hot spring surrounded by a peaceful garden. Walk through Kannawa Onsen, a charming town full of steam and history. The tour is flexible and tailored to your interests — food, photos, or relaxation. Possible experiences: • Try Jigoku Mushi (steam cooking) • Visit shrines, scenic spots, or hidden cafes • Private onsen bath (optional) • Sound meditation (on request) • Vegan or vegetarian options available Transportation: Up to 3 guests can ride in a Volkswagen up! for a comfortable private trip. Groups of 4+ use a taxi (extra cost). Details: • Flexible start — tell us your preferred time • Recommended: 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM • Meeting: Umi Jigoku (next to Cafeteria Umi) • Admission and transport not included • Private tour (may be shared if others join) • 2-person rate applies if booked solo Autumn and winter are is best season!

Hot Spring Beppu Onsen with Blue Hell cozy Tour by Car and walk

3 hoursFree Cancellation

◆An English-speaking guide takes you on a half-day Hell tour of Beppu. ◆At Umi Jigoku, you can enjoy a deep blue hell and a Japanese garden where you can enjoy beautiful seasonal flowers and scenery. ◆There are unique objects and signboards in the garden of Kamado Jigoku, so there is no doubt that you can take interesting pictures♪ ◆In Jigokumushi, you can put your favorite ingredients in the boiling steam, and eat them. Taste the power of nature! (Food charges are not included.) ◆At Ideyu-zaka, you can experience the retro charm of the stone-paved slope where white steam rises between traditional wooden inns. This heart of Kannawa invites you to discover hidden foot baths and the timeless warmth of a village frozen in time.

Beppu: Half Day HELL Sightseeing Private Guide Tour

Price varies by group size

Embark on the “Discover Beppu” private, exclusive walking tour, a journey through the heart of Beppu that highlights its unique blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty. Start your adventure at the lively Beppu Station Market, where you can immerse yourself in local flavors and vibrant market life. Visit the Kiyoshima Apartment House to interact with contemporary artists and witness their creative processes. Admire the exterior of Kamiya Onsen, capturing the essence of Beppu’s renowned spa culture. Explore the Takegawara Modern Industrial Heritage Site, which showcases the city’s rich industrial history. Conclude your tour with breathtaking panoramic views from Beppu Tower’s observation deck. This tour offers a comprehensive look at Beppu’s best, perfect for visitors seeking to experience the city’s diverse attractions. Please note: The availability and accessibility of attractions may vary based on time of day and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Discover Beppu Private Tour: Markets, Art, and Scenic Views

Price varies by group size

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. - Private tour designed for cruise passengers Discover Beppu’s geothermal wonders and mountain scenery on this 6-hour private shore excursion for cruise passengers. Begin your journey with a scenic drive to the Kokonoe “Yume” Suspension Bridge, Japan’s tallest pedestrian bridge, and walk across its 390 meters while enjoying spectacular valley and waterfall views. Then, return to Beppu to explore its famous “Hells” , including the vivid blue Umi Jigoku, bubbling Oniishibozu Jigoku, red Chinoike Jigoku, and the Tatsumaki Jigoku geyser. Travel comfortably in a private car with a flexible schedule, ensuring a smooth return to your ship.

Private Beppu Oita Shore Excursion Hells of Beppu Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

A gate of Usa shrine

We leave Beppu city to Usa shrine by a comfortable private car. Private transportation is included. Our first spot Usa shrine is an important Shinto shrine as a top shrine of Hachiman shrine. It is also visited by Japanese imperial family directly with imperial offerings. You can enjoy walking in calm and Devine atmosphere in the huge precinct. At nearby restaurant, you can enjoy local meals as your lunch. Ooita prefecture is famous for fried chicken. I recommend some local fried chicken restaurant. Then we come back to Beppu city and visit two hot spring hells or Jigoku. You may enjoy foot bath of natural hot springs that can heal your tired legs comfortably. You can enjoy natural hot spring area which can be seen as red bloody pond and blueish sea like pond. Please take nice pictures in front of them.

Beppu Private Guided Full Day Usa Shrine and Jigoku tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

This private 4-hour tour is designed exclusively for cruise passengers arriving at Beppu Port, offering a compact yet immersive experience of the city’s iconic hot springs and geothermal wonders. Visit Myoban Yunosato, known for its thatched “yunohana” huts and milky white sulfuric waters with skin-enhancing properties. Explore two of Beppu’s most famous hot spring sites—Umi Jigoku, with its striking cobalt-blue pools, and Kamado Jigoku, known for bubbling mud and vivid red water. Travel comfortably in a private charter vehicle and gain deeper insight into Beppu’s culture and history with the help of an English-speaking guide.

Yunosato Onsen and Umi Jigoku Tour from Beppu Port

Price varies by group size

This walking tour takes you along part of the Kyushu Saigoku Pilgrimage, a route with a 1,280-year history. The five-kilometer route, with an elevation difference of 200 meters, takes about 3 hours to complete on foot. During the tour, you'll gain deeper insights into Buddhism and Japanese life. In terms of Buddhism, you can pray to the stone Buddhas and learn about the religion's characteristics as it traveled from China to Korea and eventually to Japan. You'll also gain insight into the origins of the route, and the significance of the 270 stone Buddhas. When it comes to life in Japan, you'll discover the blessings of the sea and mountains that surround the pilgrimage route. The sea on the opposite shore is not only a spectacular sight but also nurtures abundant resources and offers numerous opportunities to learn about the plants and monkeys that inhabit the surrounding mountains. You’ll experience a more authentic side of Japan that you won’t find in urban sightseeing.

Discover 270 Buddha Statues on a 1,280-year-old Pilgrimage Route

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Hidden Alleys of Beppu

Beppu Backstreet Walking Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Step back in time in Usuki, a serene castle town steeped in samurai history and culinary delights. This tour unveils the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a National Treasure of Japan, known for their tranquil expressions. Stroll through the charming Nioza Historical District, walking the ancient paths once tread by samurai, and explore the impressive ruins of Usuki Castle. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this historic Kyushu town while savoring local delicacies that reflect its rich culinary traditions. - Discover the enchanting Usuki Stone Buddhas, a National Treasure - Walk the historic paths of the Nioza district, once frequented by samurai - Explore the captivating ruins of Usuki Castle for a glimpse into the past - Enjoy a taste of local cuisine that showcases the town's culinary heritage

Usuki Stone Buddhas Private Day Tour

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover the unique charm of Beppu on this well-balanced 6-hour tour, combining dramatic natural landscapes, wildlife encounters, and traditional culture. Famous for its geothermal activity, Beppu offers a one-of-a-kind environment shaped by powerful forces beneath the earth, creating unforgettable scenery found nowhere else in Japan. This tour takes you through the iconic Hells of Beppu, where you can witness striking hot springs with vivid colors and steaming landscapes. You will also visit Takasakiyama Natural Zoo to observe wild monkeys in their natural habitat, followed by a stop at the Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center to experience local craftsmanship. With private transportation and a carefully designed route, this tour is perfect for travelers looking to explore Beppu efficiently in a short amount of time. This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.

6 Hours Discovery Hells of Beppu and Local Culture

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Begin your tour at the legendary Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour), where you can witness surreal geothermal sights like blood-red hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and steaming geysers. These natural wonders are not for bathing, but are perfect for unforgettable photos and cultural insight. Next, visit a traditional onsen footbath or public bathhouse to experience Beppu’s therapeutic waters for yourself. Even a short soak is relaxing and deeply local. Then, head to the Kannawa District, where old wooden houses and narrow lanes are shrouded in steam rising from the streets. Enjoy a unique local treat: onsen-steamed cuisine, where vegetables, eggs, and buns are cooked using natural hot spring steam—healthy, flavorful, and fun to watch being made. End your tour with a walk through the Beppu Station area, where you can shop for handcrafted souvenirs, enjoy a cafe, or grab a bite of the local specialty, toriten (tempura chicken).

Beppu: Hot Springs Onsen Private Tour with Local Guide

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Uncover the geothermal marvels of Beppu on a guided “Hell Tour” that combines cultural insight with immersive experiences at three iconic sites: Umi Jigoku, Oniishibozu Jigoku, and Shiraike Jigoku. Begin at Umi Jigoku, home to a stunning cobalt-blue hot spring pond and rich local history. Walk through bubbling mud pools at Oniishibozu Jigoku, and find tranquility in the serene beauty of Shiraike Jigoku. This tour not only highlights the unique geothermal features but also delves into the significance of onsen culture in Japanese society. - Visit three distinct geothermal sites, each with unique characteristics - Learn about the historical and cultural significance of hot springs in Japan - Choose between meeting at Umi Jigoku or Beppu Station for convenience - Enjoy a guided experience with insights into the science and heritage of Beppu's hot springs

Beppu: Express “Hells” Tour—Top 3 Jigoku Highlights

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Step beyond the surface of Beppu and dive into the steamy streets of Kannawa Onsen, one of Japan’s most historic hot spring districts. Accompanied by an English-speaking local guide, you’ll stroll through charming alleys lined with traditional bathhouses, hear stories of how the town was shaped by geothermal energy, and experience how local residents live side by side with the ever-rising steam. Along the way, you’ll learn about Beppu’s unique onsen culture and history, from ancient legends to modern-day life. You can also choose your favorite “Jigoku” (Hot Spring Hell) to visit—whether it’s the vivid blue waters of Umi Jigoku, the mystical Shiraike Jigoku, or the lively Kamado Jigoku, where locals demonstrate how to cook with natural steam.

Beppu Kannawa Onsen Area Walking Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Kusu River flowing through Kusu Town

Day in Kusu An Experience Through Rural Japan

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

en

234fc6c2-e016-4a0c-966b-53cdc639e955

things_to_do_group

Banner for Geo Experiences

Not seeing something you are looking for?

More Tours in Beppu

Attractions in Beppu, Japan

Things to do near Beppu

Popular on Viator

Beppu Best Experiences

Art & Culture Classes & Workshops Full-day Tours Shore Excursions Half-day Tours