
Kannawa Onsen Beppu
Beppu's Kannawa Onsen is a geothermal wonderland, famous for its 'Hell' tours and rejuvenating hot springs. Experience unique steamed cuisine and trad...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene experience

Kannawa Onsen Beppu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Beppu's Kannawa Onsen is a geothermal wonderland, famous for its 'Hell' tours and rejuvenating hot springs. Experience unique steamed cuisine and traditional bathing.
"The most unique onsen hotel we’ve ever stayed in that’s perched on top of a hill in Beppu, Kyushu."

♨️ Embrace the Onsen Culture
Immerse yourself in Beppu's hot spring culture. Many onsen offer day passes for a truly authentic experience.
🚶♀️ Plan Your 'Hell' Route
The 'Jigoku Meguri' can be time-consuming. Prioritize the 'hells' you want to see most to maximize your visit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)
Various locations across Beppu
Witness the mesmerizing, natural hot spring 'hells' with their vibrant colors and unique geological features. A truly otherworldly spectacle.

Hyotan Onsen
Kannawa Onsen
Experience Japan's first Michelin-starred onsen, offering a luxurious and authentic hot spring bath.

Takegawara Onsen
Kannawa Onsen
Try the unique sand bath experience, where you're buried in naturally heated sand for a deeply relaxing treatment.

Jigokumushikobo Kannawa
Kannawa Onsen
Savor delicious cuisine steamed using the natural geothermal heat of the hot springs. A unique culinary adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Steam: Beppu's Onsen Etiquette
Navigating the 'Hells' of Beppu
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
♨️ Embrace the Onsen Culture
Immerse yourself in Beppu's hot spring culture. Many onsen offer day passes for a truly authentic experience.
🚶♀️ Plan Your 'Hell' Route
The 'Jigoku Meguri' can be time-consuming. Prioritize the 'hells' you want to see most to maximize your visit.
🍲 Taste Geothermal Delights
Don't miss trying food cooked using natural steam at Jigokumushikobo Kannawa for a unique culinary treat.
💰 Budget-Friendly Onsen
Some of the most unique onsen experiences, like certain 'hells,' are surprisingly affordable to visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
♨️ Embrace the Onsen Culture
Immerse yourself in Beppu's hot spring culture. Many onsen offer day passes for a truly authentic experience.
🚶♀️ Plan Your 'Hell' Route
The 'Jigoku Meguri' can be time-consuming. Prioritize the 'hells' you want to see most to maximize your visit.
🍲 Taste Geothermal Delights
Don't miss trying food cooked using natural steam at Jigokumushikobo Kannawa for a unique culinary treat.
💰 Budget-Friendly Onsen
Some of the most unique onsen experiences, like certain 'hells,' are surprisingly affordable to visit.
🧳 Pack Light for Day Trips
If doing a day trip, pack essentials. Public transport is efficient for getting between attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kannawa Onsen Beppu for its unique geothermal attractions, particularly the visually stunning 'Jigoku Meguri' and the deeply relaxing onsen experiences. The opportunity to try geothermally steamed cuisine is also a major highlight. Some find the sheer number of 'hells' overwhelming for a single visit, and navigating between them can require planning.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kannawa Onsen is easily accessible from Oita Airport via local buses or taxis. If arriving by train, Beppu Station is the main hub, with further connections to Kannawa.
Yes, local buses and taxis are readily available and efficient for navigating between the different onsen areas and attractions in Beppu.
Absolutely! Many visitors, especially those staying in nearby cities like Fukuoka, opt for day trips to explore the 'hells' and experience some onsen.
While some 'hells' are clustered, a combination of walking and local buses is recommended for efficient travel between the various Jigoku Meguri sites.
Yes, Beppu is well-connected by train and bus from major Japanese cities, making it a convenient destination for exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees for the 'Jigoku Meguri' are generally affordable, with individual 'hells' costing around ¥400-¥500. Some unique experiences might have slightly higher fees.
For most public onsen and the 'hells,' advance booking isn't necessary. However, for private onsen rooms or specific popular establishments like Hyotan Onsen, it's advisable to check their booking policies.
While individual tickets are common, some tour operators or tourist information centers might offer package deals or passes that cover multiple 'hells.' It's worth inquiring locally.
The 'Jigoku Meguri' attractions typically open in the morning and close in the late afternoon or early evening. Hyotan Onsen, for example, is open until 10:00 PM.
Yes, there is a fee for the sand bath experience at Takegawara Onsen, which is separate from the regular hot spring bath entry.
🎫 ♨️ Onsen Experience
Always shower thoroughly before entering the bath, do not wear swimwear, and keep your small towel out of the water. Respect others' privacy and enjoy the communal bathing experience.
No, the 'Jigoku Meguri' are for viewing only due to their extreme temperatures and unique mineral compositions. Bathing is done at designated onsen facilities.
A sand bath involves being buried in naturally heated volcanic sand, which is believed to have therapeutic benefits. Takegawara Onsen is famous for this unique experience.
Yes, many onsen facilities, including some hotels and ryokans, offer private onsen rooms for a more intimate experience. Hyotan Onsen also has private bath options.
Hyotan Onsen is renowned for being the first onsen in Japan to receive three Michelin stars, offering exceptional quality and service in its hot spring baths.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Kannawa Onsen offers unique geothermal cuisine, such as 'Jigoku Mushi' (hell-steamed dishes) at Jigokumushikobo Kannawa. You can also find local specialties and traditional Japanese fare.
Jigokumushikobo Kannawa is the most famous spot to experience Jigoku Mushi, where food is cooked using the natural steam from hot springs.
While not as common, some hotels and ryokans in Beppu offer dining with views that might include glimpses of the steamy landscape or surrounding nature.
Okamotoya is a restaurant in Beppu known for its 'onsen steamed pudding,' a dessert prepared using the geothermal heat, offering a unique local flavor.
While traditional Japanese cuisine can be adapted, it's best to inquire directly with restaurants about vegetarian or vegan options, especially for Jigoku Mushi dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant colors of the 'Jigoku Meguri' like Umi Jigoku and Chinoike Jigoku are incredibly photogenic. Also, capture the steam rising from the onsen and the unique architecture of traditional bathhouses.
Photography is generally allowed at the 'Jigoku Meguri' viewing sites, but always be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the atmospheric beauty of the steaming landscapes. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside onsen bathing areas for privacy reasons. Respect the rules and enjoy the experience without your camera.
As with most tourist areas, drone usage may be restricted in certain locations for safety and privacy. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for onsen facilities that offer family baths or private rooms, allowing for a more comfortable bathing experience with children. Some hotels might also have amenities catering to families. Researching family-friendly ryokans or hotels in advance is recommended.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider utilizing local buses for transportation, which are efficient and cost-effective. For dining, exploring local eateries and trying Jigoku Mushi can be a more budget-friendly option than high-end restaurants. Packing snacks and water can also help save money.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the steaming landscapes of the 'Hells' during sunset, or indulge in a couples' sand bath for a memorable shared activity. The tranquil atmosphere of the onsen towns is perfect for unwinding together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Onsen: Bathing in Kannawa
When visiting an onsen, remember the fundamental etiquette: shower thoroughly before entering the bath, keep your small towel out of the water, and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor. This ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. Many onsen facilities also offer unique treatments like sand baths, which are highly recommended for their detoxifying effects.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, consider booking a private onsen room or a stay at a ryokan with in-room baths. This allows for a more personalized and tranquil soak. Popular spots like Hyotan Onsen, a Michelin-starred establishment, offer a premium onsen experience that many travelers find unforgettable.
Exploring the 'Hells' of Beppu
Popular 'hells' include the aforementioned Umi Jigoku and Chinoike Jigoku, as well as the bubbling mud pots of Oynama Jigoku and the white steam of Kamado Jigoku. Planning your route is key, as they are spread across different areas. Many visitors opt for a bus tour or a self-guided exploration using local transport to cover as many as possible within a day.
Beyond the visual drama, some 'hells' offer insights into Beppu's history and culture. The Jigoku Onsen Museum, for instance, provides context about the region's geothermal activity and its significance. Don't forget to try the local delicacies cooked using the natural steam, such as eggs or sweet potatoes, available at some of the 'hell' sites.
Culinary Adventures in Kannawa
The Jigokumushikobo Kannawa is the prime location to experience this. Here, you can select fresh ingredients like seafood, vegetables, and meats, which are then expertly steamed in baskets over the natural vents. The result is incredibly tender and flavorful dishes that showcase the power of Beppu's geothermal resources.
Beyond Jigoku Mushi, Beppu offers a range of dining options, from casual eateries to more refined restaurants. Don't miss trying local specialties and enjoying the fresh produce of the Oita region. For a sweet treat, look out for 'onsen steamed pudding,' a local dessert that's as unique as the region itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit