Tours & Things to Do in Beppu, Japan

Beppu is Japan's hot-spring capital — 2,300+ sources, eight main onsen districts, and the "Hell Tour" of seven coloured thermal pools you visit but don't bathe in. Guided tours make sense because the hells are spread across town and public bathhouse etiquette (tattoo policies, dress code, washing protocol) trips up most first-time onsen visitors. Sand baths at Takegawara and the cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku are the iconic shots. Late autumn to early spring is steam-photograph prime; summer is humid and less rewarding. Pair with a Yufuin trip — the neighbouring hot-spring town with a very different boutique-village vibe.