Beppu, one of Japan’s most renowned hot spring destinations, offers a variety of tourist experiences, beautiful natural surroundings, and a rich hot spring culture that attracts visitors from around the world.
However, for Muslim travelers, finding facilities that meet religious requirements, such as halal food options, prayer spaces, and private hot spring experiences, is crucial. This article introduces a Muslim-friendly travel model route that allows you to enjoy Beppu’s attractions while accommodating your needs. Use this guide to plan a memorable trip to Beppu.
1. The Charm of Beppu and Muslim-Friendly Efforts
Let’s first explore Beppu’s unique charm, along with the efforts the city has made to cater to the needs of Muslim travelers.
– The Charm of Beppu
Beppu is known for its many hot springs (hot spring sources), including the “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour) and “Beppu Hatto” (eight notable hot springs), which delight visitors. Beppu Onsen is one of Japan’s most prominent hot spring areas, with abundant hot water and a diverse range of mineral types. With over 2,000 hot spring sources, Beppu is recognized as one of the world’s leading hot spring paradises.
Beppu also offers a refreshing experience for both the mind and body, where visitors can immerse themselves in its beautiful natural surroundings and enjoy the local traditional culture.
– Muslim-Friendly Initiatives
In recent years, Beppu has made significant strides in accommodating Muslim travelers. The city now offers more facilities with prayer spaces and halal food options, ensuring that Muslim visitors can enjoy their stay with peace of mind. Additionally, private hot spring facilities are available, allowing Muslim travelers to enjoy Japan’s hot spring culture in a way that respects their religious and cultural needs.
2. Start Your Day: Morning Prayer Near Beppu Station
Now, let’s introduce a Muslim-friendly sightseeing model route in Beppu. A great day of sightseeing begins with morning prayer. Several places near Beppu Station offer space for prayer, ensuring that Muslim travelers can visit with peace of mind.
The “Beppu Masjid” and “APU (Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University)” are good options for prayer. It’s advisable to contact these facilities in advance to arrange your visit. (APU is about 40 minutes by bus from Beppu Station.)
Additionally, it’s recommended to stop by the tourist information center, ‘WANDER COMPASS BEPPU,’ which is directly connected to Beppu Station, where you can pick up city maps and sightseeing information. The center also offers city bus ticket sales, luggage storage, electric bicycle rentals, and currency exchange services
For transportation, a one-day bus pass is available for 1,100 yen, allowing you to visit multiple locations within Beppu City, making it a convenient and economical option for getting around.
3. Morning: Enjoy Beppu’s Natural Beauty with the Hell Tour
After morning prayer, start your sightseeing by exploring Beppu’s most famous attraction—the Hell Tour (Jigoku Meguri), where you can experience Beppu’s natural geothermal wonders.
– Cooking Pot Hell (Kamado Jigoku)
One of Beppu’s most famous sightseeing spots is the Hell Tour, which consists of seven geothermal spots in Beppu’s Kannawa district, each with its own unique characteristics. Start your tour at “Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell),” named after Japan’s traditional cooking pot. Kamado Jigoku features six different hot spring sources, divided into sections (called “chome”) from the 1st to the 6th, each with its own distinct properties.
At Kamado Jigoku, you can enjoy hot spring steam cooking and performances that utilize the steam, making it a must-see spot for visitors.
– Blood Pond Hell (Chinoike Jigoku)
Next, visit Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), another iconic destination on the Hell Tour. This hot spring is famous for its striking red water, creating a mysterious and impressive landscape. You’ll feel the power of nature and the richness of the hot springs in this unique location, making it a place you must visit when in Beppu. The water from Chinoike Jigoku has long been used for medicinal purposes and is still sold today as a therapeutic ointment.
4. Lunch: Halal Lunch at Hyotan Onsen
For lunch, head to one of Beppu’s most famous hot spring facilities, Hyotan Onsen, where you can enjoy a halal meal.
Hyotan Onsen offers halal-friendly options, including butter chicken curry, along with vegan and vegetarian dishes, ensuring a well-rounded menu that caters to Muslim travelers. This allows them to enjoy their meal with peace of mind, as the onsen provides reliable halal cuisine.
5. Afternoon: Relaxing Experience at Hyotan Onsen
After lunch, take some time to relax and enjoy the hot spring and culinary experiences that Hyotan Onsen has to offer.
– Private Hot Springs for Muslim Visitors
Source：https://www.hyotan-onsen.com/onsen/family.html
Hyotan Onsen offers private family baths, allowing Muslim travelers to enjoy the hot springs in complete privacy. If you are not comfortable bathing naked for religious reasons, you can wear a bathing suit while soaking in the onsen, providing a relaxing experience that respects your needs.
– Onsen Steam Cooking Experience
At Hyotan Onsen, you can also try “Jigoku Mushi,” a unique steam-cooking experience using the natural geothermal heat of the hot springs. Fresh local vegetables and seafood are steamed to perfection, preserving their natural flavors and creating a healthy meal. There is a wide variety of options available, ensuring that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy the experience safely by bringing their own ingredients to steam.
6. Evening: Halal Dinner and Souvenir Shopping
After relaxing in the onsen, enjoy a halal-friendly dinner in Beppu City and explore some local souvenir shops.
– Halal-Friendly Dinner
For dinner, visit one of the many halal-friendly restaurants in Beppu, where you can enjoy dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Many restaurants now offer halal options, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisine without worry. Seafood and vegetable dishes are especially popular for their freshness and health benefits.
– Shopping for Unique Beppu Souvenirs
End your day by shopping for souvenirs unique to Beppu. Popular items include soap and skincare products made from Beppu’s hot spring minerals, as well as bath salts—perfect gifts for friends and family. Additionally, Beppu is known for its traditional bamboo crafts, which make for charming and practical souvenirs that reflect the essence of Japanese craftsmanship.
7. Conclusion
Beppu is an ideal destination for Muslim travelers, offering a wealth of attractions that cater to their specific needs. From rich hot spring experiences and the beauty of nature to halal food options and private onsen baths, Beppu ensures that Muslim visitors can fully enjoy their trip with comfort and peace of mind.
By following this recommended model route, you can make the most of your time in Beppu, enjoying the healing power of its hot springs and the richness of its traditional Japanese culture. Immersing yourself in Beppu’s hot springs and culture will make your trip even more special.
