A day trip from Fukuoka to Beppu for a hot spring experience is a popular route for many tourists. Beppu City in Oita Prefecture is renowned for its hot springs, boasting numerous facilities and attractions.
Traveling from Fukuoka to Beppu is very convenient, with options to take the train or bus for a day trip. In this article, we will explain the specific ways to get from Fukuoka to Beppu, share tips for enjoying a day trip to Beppu’s hot springs, and recommend some popular hot spring areas.
What Kind of Place is Beppu?
Beppu is one of Japan’s premier hot spring destinations, characterized by its abundant hot spring sources and diverse mineral compositions. With over 2,000 hot springs, it is known as one of the world’s top hot spring paradises.
Beppu City is divided into eight hot spring areas known as “Beppu Hatto.” Each of these areas has its own unique features. These areas are Beppu Onsen, Kannawa Onsen, Kamegawa Onsen, Shibaseki Onsen, Myoban Onsen, Kankaiji Onsen, Horita Onsen, and Hamawaki Onsen. Many travelers visit multiple hot springs in a single day.
How to Get from Fukuoka to Beppu【By Bus】
First, let’s explain how to get from Fukuoka to Beppu by bus. When using the bus, you can take a highway bus departing from various stops in Fukuoka City.
From Fukuoka City, including Hakata Station, you can take a Nishitetsu highway bus to arrive at the Kitahama Bus Center in Beppu City.
- Travel Time: About 2.5 hours
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
- Fare: 3,250 yen (one way), 5,760 yen (round trip)
- *Fares may vary depending on the boarding location and season.
- Operators: Nishitetsu, Oita Kotsu, Oita Bus, Kamenoi Bus
From Kitahama Bus Center, you can reach hot springs and tourist spots by walking or using city buses.
How to Get from Fukuoka to Beppu【By Train】
Next, let’s explain how to get from Fukuoka to Beppu by train. The most common way to travel by train from Fukuoka City to Beppu is by using the JR Kyushu limited express train “Sonic.”
From Hakata Station to Beppu by Limited Express “Sonic”
- Travel Time: About 2 hours
- Fare: 5,940 yen (one-way unreserved seat), 6,470 yen (one-way reserved seat)
- *You can get a discount by booking early on the JR Kyushu website.
- Operator: JR Kyushu
The seats on the limited express “Sonic” are spacious and comfortable, allowing you to travel without feeling fatigued.
Stop by the Tourist Information Center Upon Arrival in Beppu
Once you arrive in Beppu by bus or train, first visit the Beppu Tourist Information Center “WANDER COMPASS BEPPU” to get maps and tourist information about the city.
The tourist information center provides information not only in Japanese but also in English and other languages, making it a reliable resource for international travelers. Here, you can find information about day-trip hot springs and details on tourist spots.
Source: 別府市公式観光情報Webサイト編集部
WANDER COMPASS BEPPU also offers services such as the sale of city bus tickets, luggage storage, rental of electric bicycles, and foreign currency exchange. For bus tickets, they sell a one-day pass for 1,100 yen, which is convenient and economical if you plan to visit multiple locations within Beppu City by bus.
Recommended Day-Trip Hot Springs in Beppu【Bus Center/Station Area】
There are many hot spring facilities around Beppu Station and Kitahama Bus Center. If you want to enjoy a hot spring as soon as you arrive, here are some recommended spots:
1. Takegawara Onsen
Takegawara Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Beppu, known for its iconic building that resembles a temple. It is popular among tourists and also offers sand baths.
2. Ekimae Koto Onsen
Ekimae Koto Onsen is located right in front of JR Beppu Station and is known for its retro building. You can choose between a warm bath and a hot bath, both of which are quite hot.
3. Yamada Besso
Yamada Besso is an inn near Beppu Station that features a spacious open-air bath and a retro indoor bath. The open-air bath can be reserved as a private bath for 50 minutes.
Recommended Day-Trip Hot Springs in Beppu【Using City Buses】
If you want to enjoy more hot springs in Beppu, taking a city bus from Beppu Station to the following two areas is recommended:
1. Kannawa Area
The Kannawa area is one of the most famous hot spring destinations in Beppu and is the home to the popular “Hell Tour” (Jigoku Meguri). You can also enjoy the scenic views of hot spring steam here. It takes about 25 minutes by city bus from Beppu Station, and the fare is 390 yen.
- Boarding Location: Beppu Station West Exit
- Drop-off Location: Kannawa
- Travel Time: About 25 minutes
- Fare: 390 yen
Hyotan Onsen
Hyotan Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring facilities in the Kannawa area, offering a variety of hot springs. With a courtyard and a restaurant, it’s a great place to spend the whole day.
Kannawa Steam Bath
Kannawa Mushiyu is another must-visit hot spring in Beppu. Here, you can lie on a floor covered with medicinal herbs and enjoy a “steam bath” that detoxifies your body with steam. After the steam bath, you can relax in the adjacent hot spring, making it a perfect place to rejuvenate both body and mind.
2. Myoban Area
The Myoban area, located at the highest elevation among the “Beppu Hatto,” is known for its distinctive sulfurous aroma. The area is popular for its traditional thatched-roof “Yunohana-goya” (hot spring flower huts) and its charming hot spring atmosphere. It takes about 25 minutes to get to the area from Beppu Station by city bus, and the fare is 470 yen.
- Boarding Location: Beppu Station West Exit
- Drop-off Location: Myoban
- Travel Time: About 25 minutes
- Fare: 470 yen
Beppu Onsen Hoyoland
Beppu Onsen Hoyoland is a mixed-bathing facility where both men and women can enjoy mud baths. The hot spring is divided by bamboo sticks, allowing each group to enjoy the bath together. It is a popular spot within the Myoban area.
Yuno Sato
At Yuno Sato, you can see the previously mentioned “Yunohana-goya” up close. The silky, milky-white hot spring water is gentle on the skin and offers various benefits. This hot spring is a must-visit hot spring when you come to the Myoban area.
Yuyama no Sato
Yuyama no Sato is located deep within the Myoban area and features a mixed-bathing (swimsuit required) open-air bath surrounded by nature. The open-air bath, surrounded by bamboo groves, offers a sense of liberation and deep connection with nature. It is especially recommended for those who enjoy secluded hot springs and open-air baths.
Conclusion
A day trip to Beppu’s hot springs from Fukuoka is highly recommended for those looking to refresh and for hot spring enthusiasts. With easy access by train or bus, you can plan your trip with ease.
Beppu offers a variety of attractions, including hot spring facilities, the Hell Tour, and local cuisine. Plan a day trip from Fukuoka to Beppu and enjoy a relaxing time in one of Japan’s premier hot spring destinations.
If you have any questions or need more information about your trip to Beppu, feel free to visit the WANDER COMPASS BEPPU tourist information center mentioned in the article.
