Top Oita Prefecture Culture

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.

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

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.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Beppu! Beppu is famous as a hot spring resort, the point clearly seen in the hot steam rising from vents in the earth. Onsens being the main point of attraction to the area, there are several ways to enjoy them. Along with the traditional way of bathing, some hot springs are just for viewing, as their beauty can be very charming. In addition, boiled eggs and pudding cooked using the high temperature steam are also popular. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

This ikebana workshop offers more than flower arranging. Led by an experienced instructor, it combines storytelling, mindfulness, and sustainability through the use of loss flowers. With its 'kamishibai' (paper story-telling) style introduction, interactive quiz, and hands on creation, participants experience Japanese culture in a calm, personal, and meaningful way. Each guest creates a unique arrangement and leaves feeling relaxed, inspired, and more connected to nature and Japan.

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!

◆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.

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.

Experience Japan's hidden gem where steam railway heritage, samurai history, and mountain beauty converge in one unforgettable day. From exploring Kyushu's last roundhouse to sipping tea above the clouds at 360° panoramic views—this is authentic Japan beyond the guidebooks.

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).

Go far beyond the standard, crowded '7 Hells' bus routes and discover Beppu's secret geothermal underworld. Riding your premium, high-powered e-bikes, you’ll effortlessly glide up the steep mountain slopes to Myoban sweat-free. Led by an expert English-speaking guide, you will gain exclusive access to forgotten 'ghost hells' hidden inside abandoned temple grounds, and learn the dark, gripping history of Beppu's ancient volcanic explosions. Complete with a famous local hot spring pudding (price not included), entry tickets to the stunning Umi Jigoku, and sweeping panoramic steam views, this experience seamlessly blends local flavours, hidden history, and active adventure away from the tourist crowds.

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Japan's countryside with a unique shiitake mushroom tour. Over the course of three hours, visit a local family farm nestled in Oita Prefecture, Japan's leading shiitake producer. Guided by a local expert, you'll partake in the traditional method of harvesting these flavorful mushrooms directly from the log, followed by a delightful outdoor BBQ where you grill your freshly picked shiitake along with other local ingredients. This small-group tour offers a personal touch, ensuring an authentic rural experience that highlights the region's rich nature and culinary delights. - Hands-on mushroom harvesting directly from the farm - Enjoy a farm-to-table BBQ featuring your freshly picked shiitake - Experience authentic rural culture by visiting a local family farm - Small-group tour limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience

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.

The Oita River flowing through the Yufuin Basin, Lake Kinrin and the abundant hot springs are also Yufuin's unique natural blessings. The tour guide will walk with you through the back roads that few tourists visit, the countryside and waterside scenery, and show you the history and culture of Yufuin's development, supported by the bounty of nature. After the walking tour, enjoy lunch or tea time at one of Yufuin's popular ryokan.

This half-day English guided tour offers a rare chance to experience the authentic charm of rural Japan — something you won't find in big cities. You'll wear a traditional yukata and explore a 120-year-old Japanese house and garden, taking memorable photos along the way. At Nakatsu Castle, famous for its flowers, you'll enjoy another photo opportunity. The tour includes a visit to a traditional wagasa (Japanese umbrella) workshop, a tasting of matcha and wagashi at a long-established sweets shop, and a hands-on wagashi-making session with a skilled artisan. You'll also enjoy a Michelin-recognized soba lunch and visit to a century-old tea shop to taste premium gyokuro and a beautiful matcha parfait. This unique experience invites you to discover the beauty, flavor, and craftmanship of Japan's cultural heritage in just six and a half hours.

Explore Beppu, one of the world’s top hot spring towns, with a friendly local guide by car. Visit Umi Jigoku and walk through the historic Kannawa Onsen area filled with steam, hot springs, and local culture. This flexible tour can be customized for food lovers, nature seekers, photographers, or guests wanting a relaxing local experience. During summer, we recommend starting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to enjoy Beppu more comfortably and avoid the midday heat. Cool down with Japanese sweets or refreshing kakigori at local cafes, relax around the peaceful Shidaka Lake area or scenic mountain viewpoints, and discover hidden spots loved by locals. Optional private onsen baths, sound meditation experiences, and vegan or vegetarian-friendly food options are also available. You can also enjoy local steam-cooked cuisine, quiet backstreets of Kannawa, seasonal nature, and relaxing views of Beppu’s mountains and ocean atmosphere throughout the tour.

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.

Mt. Hiko (Hikosan) is one of Fukuoka’s most sacred mountains. On this private day tour, you’ll walk sections of the historic pilgrimage route and learn how Shugendo and the yamabushi shaped the mountain’s spiritual landscape. Your guide will interpret the sites and stories in English, making the history easy to follow even if it’s your first time learning about Japanese mountain religion. This experience is designed for guests who enjoy hiking and occasional mountain walks. It is beginner-friendly for active travelers, but not recommended for people who do little to no exercise. The route and pace will be adjusted to your group and the day’s conditions.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Japan with a 7-day Kagura dance program in Usa, Kyushu. This unique tour offers an in-depth experience of traditional Japanese dance performance for kami, allowing participants to practice and eventually perform the Buzen Iwato Kagura. Engage with local experts, explore historic sites, and enjoy locally-prepared meals, making this journey a perfect blend of education and cultural immersion. Experience the essence of Japanese spirituality and artistry in a supportive environment, connecting with the local community through food and history. - 7-day hands-on training in Kagura dance with nightly practice sessions - Guided visits to significant cultural and historical sites, including Usa Jingu Shrine - Traditional meals crafted by local chefs, focusing on authentic Japanese cuisine - Exclusive performance opportunity at a shrine, concluding the immersive experience

This private tour is designed for cruise passengers arriving in Beppu, Japan's greatest hot-spring city. Your government-licensed English-speaking guide and private vehicle meet you right at Beppu Port (or a nearby hotel) and take you straight to the highlights, with no time wasted on logistics. Over 6 fully customizable hours you choose 2-3 destinations and your guide tailors the day to you. Marvel at the cobalt-blue Sea Hell and the steaming crimson Blood Pond Hell, meet the wild monkeys of Takasakiyama, explore the yunohana steam huts of Myoban Onsen, or cook your own lunch with natural geothermal steam at a jigoku-mushi workshop. Prefer something gentler? Add the stylish hot-spring town of Yufuin. With your own private vehicle the pace is entirely yours - ideal for families, seniors, and small groups wanting comfort and a friendly local expert. You'll return to your ship relaxed and on time, having seen the very best of Beppu in one seamless day.

Experience the charm of Beppu’s hot spring culture without the concerns of traditional public bathing. Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour includes a 100% private hot spring cabin where you can enjoy a relaxing 60-minute soak in complete comfort and privacy. Accompanied by a friendly English-speaking guide, explore the historic Myoban district, known for its geothermal landscapes, steaming vents, and centuries-old Yunohana huts. Travel with ease on local buses while learning about the unique history and culture of one of Beppu’s most fascinating hot spring areas. Complete your journey with a visit to the famous Okamoto-ya, where you can enjoy its signature geothermal-steamed pudding and onsen egg, specialties made using natural volcanic steam.

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

Private cultural exploration through Beppu reveals a city shaped by ancient traditions, artistic heritage, and remarkable natural landscapes. Walk through historic districts where local markets, cultural landmarks, and traditional architecture reflect centuries of Japanese civilization. Scenic viewpoints and heritage streets create an inspiring atmosphere connected to a cultural legacy far older than the United States. Discover historic neighbourhoods, artisan influences, and vibrant local markets that showcase the region’s rich heritage. Ancient customs and artistic expression blend with architectural charm and breathtaking coastal scenery. Historic sites and cultural treasures reveal the enduring story of a community shaped by tradition and transformation. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.