Looking for an Onsen in Fukuoka? Here’s Why Beppu is Your Best Bet
If you’re searching for an authentic onsen near Fukuoka, you might have noticed that while Fukuoka City has some great bathhouses (sento), it’s not exactly a natural hot spring destination. But don’t worry—one of the world’s most famous onsen paradises, Beppu, is just a short and easy trip away!
Beppu is the ultimate answer to your Fukuoka city onsen search. With over 2,000 hot spring vents, mud baths, sand baths, and stunning views of rising steam, it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else. A day trip or overnight stay from Fukuoka is not only possible but incredibly simple to plan.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get there, how much it costs, and how to make the most of your onsen adventure.
Getting from Fukuoka to Beppu: Your Options at a Glance
Deciding how to travel is your first step. Each option offers a different balance of speed, cost, and flexibility.
| Mode | Travel Time (One Way) | Approx. Round-Trip Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Limited Express Train | ~2 hours | ¥8,000 – ¥12,000 | Fastest, most comfortable, scenic views, JR Pass eligible | Most expensive option |
| Highway Bus | ~2.5 hours | ¥5,500 – ¥6,500 | Most economical, direct route, easy to book | Slower than train, subject to traffic delays |
| Rental Car | ~2 hours | ¥7,000 + tolls/gas | Most flexible, great for groups, explore at your own pace | Requires international driving permit, navigation |
Note: Prices are approximate as of September 2025 and can vary by season and booking time.
How to Travel from Fukuoka to Beppu: A Detailed Guide
Here’s a breakdown of each option with direct links to make your booking seamless.
Option 1: By Limited Express Train (Fastest & Most Comfortable)
The JR “Sonic” Limited Express train is the quickest and most relaxing way to travel. It departs from Fukuoka’s Hakata Station and takes you directly to Beppu Station. The train features comfortable, spacious seating and large windows to enjoy the coastal scenery.
- Departure: JR Hakata Station
- Arrival: JR Beppu Station
- Pro Tip: If you have a JR Kyushu Rail Pass or a national Japan Rail Pass, this journey is fully covered, making it an excellent value.
▶︎ ACCESS
▶︎ Book Your JR Kyushu Rail Pass on Klook
▶︎ Check Train Times on the JR Kyushu Website
Option 2: By Highway Bus (Most Economical)
For budget-conscious travelers, the highway bus is a fantastic choice. Buses depart frequently from major hubs in Fukuoka (Hakata Bus Terminal, Tenjin Bus Center, Fukuoka Airport) and arrive at the Beppu Kitahama Bus Center, which is centrally located and a short walk from the waterfront.
- Departure: Hakata, Tenjin, or Fukuoka Airport
- Arrival: Beppu Kitahama Bus Center
- Pro Tip: Booking a round-trip ticket is usually cheaper than two one-way fares.
▶︎ ACCESS
▶︎ Book Highway Bus Tickets on Japan Bus Online
Option 3: By Rental Car (Most Flexible)
Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Beppu and its surrounding areas at your own pace. The drive is straightforward via the Oita Expressway. This is an ideal option for families, small groups, or those who want to visit more remote onsen or scenic spots.
- Required: An International Driving Permit (IDP) for your home country, your original driver’s license, and your passport.
- Pro Tip: Book your car in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Picking up a car near Hakata Station or Fukuoka Airport is easy.
▶︎ ACCESS
▶︎ Compare Rental Car Prices in Fukuoka on Klook
How to Plan the Perfect Onsen Day Trip from Fukuoka
You’ve arrived in Beppu! Here’s how to make the most of your time.
Step 1: Upon Arrival in Beppu (Your First Stop)
Whether you arrive by train or bus, make your first stop at the WANDER COMPASS BEPPU tourist information center inside Beppu Station. The English-speaking staff can provide you with maps, answer questions, and sell convenient one-day city bus passes (My Beppu Free Pass), which are essential for getting around the city.
Step 2: Choose Your Onsen Experience
Beppu has hundreds of onsen. Here are a few top recommendations for day-trippers:
Easy Access Near the Station:
- Takegawara Onsen: An iconic, historic building offering a traditional atmosphere and a famous sand bath where you are buried in naturally heated sand.
- Ekimae Koto Onsen: A charming, retro onsen right in front of Beppu Station, loved by locals for its piping hot, mineral-rich waters.
A Short Bus Ride Away:
- Hyotan Onsen (Kannawa Area): A Michelin 3-star onsen complex with a huge variety of baths, including steam baths, waterfall baths, and private family baths. Truly a must-visit.
- Beppu Onsen Hoyoland (Myoban Area): Famous for its large, outdoor mud bath. This unique, skin-nourishing experience is unforgettable.
Don’t Miss the “Hells of Beppu” (Jigoku Meguri)
Before you soak, consider a tour of the “Hells of Beppu.” These are seven spectacular geothermal hot spots that are for viewing, not bathing. You’ll see everything from a boiling, blood-red pond to a geyser that erupts every 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic way to witness the sheer power of Beppu’s volcanic activity.
Fukuoka to Beppu FAQ
Q: Is a day trip to Beppu from Fukuoka really possible?
A: Absolutely! With a 2-2.5 hour journey each way, you can easily leave in the morning, spend 5-6 hours exploring Beppu, and be back in Fukuoka for a late dinner.
Q: Which travel option is best?
A: It depends on your priority. Train for speed and comfort, Bus for the lowest cost, and Rental Car for the most freedom.
Q: Do I need to speak Japanese to enjoy Beppu?
A: Not at all. Beppu warmly welcomes international tourists, and main signs and tourist information centers provide information in English.
Your Beppu Adventure Awaits
A trip to Beppu is the perfect addition to any Fukuoka itinerary. With convenient transport options and a world of incredible hot spring experiences waiting for you, planning your escape has never been easier. So pick your route, book your ticket, and get ready to relax and rejuvenate in Japan’s onsen capital!
