1-Day Beppu Hells Walking Route Itinerary Guide

At a Glance: 1-Day Beppu Hells Walking Route

The Kannawa district is the primary hub for all the famous hot spring hells. You can easily walk between five of the seven sites in this one area. The remaining two hells are a short bus ride away in the Shibaseki district. This overview gives you a quick look at the full plan for your day.

Visitors often find the bright colors of the water to be very surprising and beautiful. Steam rises from the ground in many places throughout the local town of Beppu. This creates a unique atmosphere that you will not find anywhere else in Japan.

You should plan to start your tour early in the morning to avoid crowds. Most of the hells open at eight in the morning for all the visitors. The walking route is mostly flat and very easy for people of all ages.

Make sure to bring a camera to capture the amazing natural colors of the pools. The blue and red waters provide a perfect backdrop for your vacation photos today. This guide will help you navigate every step of the journey through the hells.

• Day 1: Exploring the Seven Hells of Beppu
  • Morning: Visit five Kannawa district hells
  • Afternoon: Take bus to Shibaseki hells
  • Evening: Relax in traditional sand bath

Full 1-Day Beppu Hells Walking Route Itinerary

You can find many Beppu attractions located very near to the main hells. The city is easy to navigate if you have a good local bus map. Most people start their journey at the Umi Jigoku station in the morning. This is the largest and most famous of the hells in the entire city.

After seeing the blue water, you can walk to the nearby Oniyama Jigoku site. This spot is famous for the many crocodiles that live in the warm water. It is a short walk to the Shiraike Jigoku which has milky white water. These sites are all grouped together which makes the walking route very simple.

In the afternoon, you must take a short bus ride to the Shibaseki area. This area features the Chinoike Jigoku which is known as the blood pond hell. The bright red color of the water is caused by natural iron minerals underground. The Tatsumaki Jigoku is right next door and features a powerful natural geyser.

Finish your walking tour by heading back toward the center of the city area. You can enjoy a local meal that is steamed using natural geothermal heat sources. This unique cooking method is a specialty that every traveler should try once. The entire walking route is designed to maximize your time and your energy.

1. Day 1: The Ultimate Hells Walking Tour
   • Morning: Start at Umi Jigoku and walk
   • Afternoon: Ride to Chinoike Jigoku and see
   • Evening: Enjoy a local meal and bath
   • Time: Six to eight hours total time
   • Logistics: Buy multi-hell pass for value
   • Optional: Skip geyser if very busy

Where to Stay in Beppu for Onsen Lovers

Beppu offers many traditional inns called ryokans for a very authentic local feel. Staying near Beppu Station is very convenient for using the local buses and trains. You can find many modern hotels with private hot springs in this central area. This location allows you to explore the city shops and restaurants at night.

Kannawa is another great area if you want to be near the rising steam. This district has a more traditional atmosphere with many small winding streets. You will be within walking distance of the five most popular hot spring hells. Many inns here offer traditional meals cooked in the natural volcanic steam.

For a more luxury experience, look at the hotels on the hillsides of Beppu. These locations offer incredible views of the bay and the steaming city below. You can find high-end resorts that provide a quiet escape from the crowds. These hotels often have the best outdoor baths with stunning mountain scenery.

Check out Japan Activity for more great accommodation ideas within the city. Booking your stay in advance is recommended during the busy spring and autumn seasons. Each neighborhood offers a different perspective on the hot spring culture of Beppu. Choose the area that best fits your travel style and your daily budget.

Practical Tips for Your Beppu Hells Tour

Wear comfortable shoes because you will do a lot of walking during the day. Most of the hells are in the Kannawa district and are very close together. You can see all of them on foot without needing any extra transportation. The paths are well-maintained but you should still watch your step on hills.

You should buy the combined ticket to save money on the individual entry fees. This pass covers all seven hells and is valid for two full days. You can purchase the ticket at the entrance of any of the hells. It is a much better value than paying for each site separately.

Visiting Beppu in 2026 is a great choice for all international travelers. The city is modernizing its facilities for easier access and better guest experiences. You will find better signage in English across all the major tourist sites. These updates make the walking route even more enjoyable for every single visitor.

Look for must-see Beppu Hells tour highlights before you start your long walk. Knowing which spots are the most popular helps you manage your time better. Try to arrive at the geyser a few minutes before the next eruption starts. This ensures you get a good view of the water shooting into the air.

Essential Logistics for Visiting Beppu Hells

Getting around Beppu is easiest if you use the very extensive local bus network. Buses run frequently from the station to the main Kannawa area every day. You can use a prepaid transit card for easy payments on all the buses. The bus drivers are usually very helpful if you show them your destination.

The how to visit Beppu Hells by bus guide explains all the routes. This Beppu Hells walking route itinerary is simple to follow with a local map. You will find many bus stops located right outside the main hell entrances. This makes it easy to transition between the two different geothermal districts.

You can also use a taxi if you are traveling in a small group. Taxis are more expensive but they offer a direct route to the Shibaseki area. This can save you some time if you are in a rush to see everything. Most taxi drivers in the city know the hells very well and are fast.

Walking between the sites is the best way to see the local neighborhoods. You will see steam rising from the drains in the middle of the street. This unique sight is part of the charm of visiting this volcanic city. Always carry a small amount of cash for snacks and small souvenir shops.