How to Visit Beppu Hells: A Complete 2026 Guide

Planning Your Trip to the Beppu Hells

The Beppu Hells are divided into two main geographic districts. Five of the hells are located in the Kannawa area. The remaining two sites are situated in the Shibaseki district. Planning your Beppu adventures requires understanding these locations.

You can purchase a combination ticket that covers all seven sites. This pass is much cheaper than buying individual entry tickets. Most travelers find the bus system to be the most convenient option. Buses run frequently from the west exit of Beppu Station.

The combination ticket is valid for two consecutive days. This allows you to split your visit if you feel rushed. Check the operating hours for each site before you depart. Most hells open at 8:00 AM and close by 5:00 PM.

Step-by-Step Guide to Visiting Beppu Hells

Following a logical order will help you see everything in one trip. Start early in the morning to avoid the largest tour groups. The Kannawa area is very walkable once you arrive by bus. Each site offers a unique color and geological feature.

Keep your ticket booklet safe as you move between the sites. Staff will stamp your pass at every entrance you visit. Many sites also feature free foot baths for visitors to enjoy. These small baths are a great way to rest your feet.

The transition between the two districts requires a short bus ride. Be mindful of the bus schedules for line number 16. This bus connects the Kannawa area to the Shibaseki area. Missing this bus can lead to long wait times.

1. Step 1: Buy the Beppu Jigoku Meguri ticket
   • Time: 5 minutes
   • Cost: 2,200 Yen
   • Where: Beppu Station
   • Mistake: Buying single tickets
   • Tip: Valid for two days
2. Step 2: Board the bus at Beppu Station
   • Time: 20 minutes
   • Cost: 330 Yen
   • Where: West Exit
   • Mistake: Taking the wrong bus
   • Tip: Use Suica or Pasmo
3. Step 3: Walk through the five Kannawa hells
   • Time: 2 hours
   • Cost: Included in pass
   • Where: Kannawa District
   • Mistake: Skipping the foot baths
   • Tip: Follow the signs
4. Step 4: Travel to the Shibaseki district hells
   • Time: 10 minutes
   • Cost: 190 Yen
   • Where: Kannawa Bus Terminal
   • Mistake: Forgetting the schedule
   • Tip: Use bus 16
5. Step 5: Enjoy lunch steamed by volcanic heat
   • Time: 45 minutes
   • Cost: 1,500 Yen
   • Where: Jigoku Mushi Kobo
   • Mistake: Not booking ahead
   • Tip: Try the vegetables
6. Step 6: Validate your ticket at each entrance
   • Time: 1 minute
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Every hell gate
   • Mistake: Losing your booklet
   • Tip: Collect all stamps

Essential Checklist and Preparation

Proper preparation ensures that you stay comfortable throughout the day. The walking paths between the hells are mostly paved but hilly. You will be outdoors for several hours during this tour. Check the local weather forecast before leaving your hotel.

Carrying a small amount of cash is essential for bus fares. While many shops take cards, some smaller stalls remain cash-only. You should also bring a portable charger for your mobile phone. Using maps and taking photos will drain your battery quickly.

A small towel is one of the most useful items to pack. You can use it to dry your feet after the foot baths. Many sites sell towels, but bringing your own saves money. Stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle with you.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Time: All day
  • Cost: Free
  • Where: On your feet
  • Mistake: Wearing new shoes
  • Tip: Use sneakers
• Bring a small hand towel
  • Time: For foot baths
  • Cost: 200 Yen
  • Where: In your bag
  • Mistake: Forgetting to dry feet
  • Tip: Buy a souvenir towel
• Carry enough Japanese Yen cash
  • Time: For transactions
  • Cost: Variable
  • Where: In your wallet
  • Mistake: Relying on credit cards
  • Tip: Use 1,000 yen bills
• Pack a portable battery charger
  • Time: For phone use
  • Cost: 2,000 Yen
  • Where: In your pocket
  • Mistake: Phone dying mid-trip
  • Tip: Charge it overnight
• Keep a physical area map
  • Time: For navigation
  • Cost: Free
  • Where: From the station
  • Mistake: Relying only on GPS
  • Tip: Highlight your route
• Bring a light rain jacket
  • Time: For weather
  • Cost: 1,000 Yen
  • Where: In your pack
  • Mistake: Getting soaked
  • Tip: Use a compact one

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even the best-planned trips can encounter minor issues. Traffic in Beppu can sometimes cause buses to run late. Do not panic if you miss a specific bus connection. Most routes have several buses running every hour.

Language barriers can occasionally make navigation difficult. Most bus drivers in Beppu are used to helping tourists. Showing a picture of your destination is very effective. Google Maps provides accurate bus numbers and stop names.

The steam from the hells can be quite thick. This may make it hard to take clear photographs. Wait for a breeze to clear the air before shooting. Be careful not to drop your phone into the hot water.

• Buses arriving behind schedule
  • Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Cost: None
  • Where: Bus stops
  • Mistake: Getting frustrated
  • Tip: Check digital displays
• Steam blocking camera lenses
  • Time: Seconds
  • Cost: Free
  • Where: Near the pools
  • Mistake: Wiping lens with fingers
  • Tip: Use microfiber cloth
• Walking paths becoming very crowded
  • Time: Peak hours
  • Cost: None
  • Where: Umi Jigoku
  • Mistake: Rushing through crowds
  • Tip: Visit early morning
• Difficulty finding the Shibaseki bus
  • Time: 5 minutes
  • Cost: None
  • Where: Kannawa Terminal
  • Mistake: Waiting at wrong stop
  • Tip: Ask terminal staff
• Ticket offices closing early
  • Time: After 4:30 PM
  • Cost: None
  • Where: Entrance gates
  • Mistake: Arriving too late
  • Tip: Start before noon
• Sudden changes in weather
  • Time: Any time
  • Cost: None
  • Where: Outdoor areas
  • Mistake: No umbrella
  • Tip: Seek shelter in shops

Decision Guide: Transport and Tickets

If you prefer flexibility, renting a car is the best choice. Driving allows you to reach the outlying hells very quickly. Parking is free at all seven hot spring locations. However, navigating narrow Japanese streets can be challenging.

If you are on a budget, use the local bus. The bus pass is affordable and covers most tourist areas. You can also check the Beppu sand bath entry fees for extra activities. Walking is only recommended for the sites within Kannawa.

If you only want to see one site, buy a single ticket. Single entry usually costs around 400 Yen per person. Most people find the combination ticket offers better value. Decide based on how much time you have available.

Best Times and Local Tips for Visitors

The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures for walking. Check the best season for Beppu adventures for more details. Winter is also beautiful as the steam becomes more visible.

Avoid visiting during Japanese public holidays or weekends. The sites can become extremely crowded with domestic tourists. Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the quietest days to visit. Arriving right at opening time ensures the best photos.

Do not forget to try the local 'Jigoku-mushi' cuisine. This food is cooked entirely by natural volcanic steam. It is a healthy and unique way to experience Beppu. Many restaurants in Kannawa offer this traditional cooking style.