
Beppu Rakutenchi
A mountaintop amusement park with classic rides and breathtaking views of Beppu Bay, accessed by a scenic cable car.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom

Beppu Rakutenchi
Best Time
Cherry blossoms in bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mountaintop amusement park with classic rides and breathtaking views of Beppu Bay, accessed by a scenic cable car.
"It is an old amusement park, but the equipment are very well maintained."

🎟️ Ride Pass Value
Consider a free pass for kids; adults can get a 5-ride ticket. Extra cost for most rides.
☔ Weather Preparedness
Little shelter from elements. Rides may close in rain. Avoid if rain is likely.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Beppu Bay Views
Mountaintop
Breathtaking vistas of Beppu Bay and the surrounding landscape from the park's elevated position.

Nostalgic Amusement Rides
Amusement Park Area
Classic rides and attractions that evoke a retro charm, perfect for families with young children.

Scenic Cable Car Journey
Entrance to Mountaintop
An enjoyable cable car ride up to the park, offering unique perspectives of the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cable Car to the Clouds
Animal Welfare Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Ride Pass Value
Consider a free pass for kids; adults can get a 5-ride ticket. Extra cost for most rides.
☔ Weather Preparedness
Little shelter from elements. Rides may close in rain. Avoid if rain is likely.
🚗 Accessibility Challenges
Limited public transport access. Taxi to station, then a 15-min walk to bus stop.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Season
Over 3000 Sakura trees make for a beautiful visit during Hanami season.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ride Pass Value
Consider a free pass for kids; adults can get a 5-ride ticket. Extra cost for most rides.
☔ Weather Preparedness
Little shelter from elements. Rides may close in rain. Avoid if rain is likely.
🚗 Accessibility Challenges
Limited public transport access. Taxi to station, then a 15-min walk to bus stop.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Season
Over 3000 Sakura trees make for a beautiful visit during Hanami season.
♨️ Hot Spring Bath Perk
Entry fee includes access to a scenic hot spring bath.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Beppu Rakutenchi offers a nostalgic amusement park experience with stunning panoramic views of Beppu Bay, enhanced by a scenic cable car ride and an included hot spring bath. While the rides are charmingly retro and family-friendly, significant concerns have been raised about the welfare of animals housed in small, unsanitary enclosures.
"[ANIMAL ABUSE]
The Park itself is very Cute, a Bit rundown but i dont mind that, very nostalgic and beautiful view other than that nothing special.
But DO NOT GO if you love Animals or at least are capable of feeling the bare Minimum of empathy Torwards them.
For no reason at all they not only have domesticated animals (but in very horrible condition), but WILD ANIMALS (capibaras, lemurs, Monkeys, penguins, meercats, chimpanzee) in tiny, nasty cages. There is a voulture that is held in a Cage to small to fly at all, so he just sits on a stick and looks at the Wall, a meercat that runs from left to Right in its Bathtub small cage completely psychotic. The capibara just chews on its prison bar the whole time. The penguin cage is disgusting and Moldy. They probably have to feed the chimpanzee antidepressants to keep it from comitting suicide. And Even the ducks Look Dirty and sickly, with clipped wings and then they just sit in a tiny concrete square with a hose and waist away.
I Wish i would have known before going there and paying them money, because it is nothing but unethical and so so utterly, completely senseless. It would be a Fine Amusement park without the Animals. If the Sight of those Animals in their little Cages does not depress you, please try to grow a Heart that can feel."
Thyra Auschrat
"It is an old amusement park, but the equipment are very well maintained.
Some tips:
Place is not accessible at all. You can get a taxi in from beppu station, but leaving is another issue as it is 15 mins walk to the nearest bus stop. The walk has no shelter. The park itself also has little shelter from the elements. I won't recommend going to the park if there's any chance of rain. Also, some rides will shut down due to rain.
Tickets: buy the free pass for the kids to allow them to play everything they want. Adults can get the 1500 yen for 5 rides to join the kids as required
Overall, it is a very fun park... when the weather is cooperative. It's just not very accessible if you're not driving"
Julio Tung
"Family friendly, reasonably priced amusement park located in Beppu. It had a really nice view of the Bay of Beppu and surrounds. For the basic entry fee of ¥1300 for Adults, which includes a free cable car ride to and from the park and a free entry to the scenic hot spring bath. (You can do other rides like rollercoasters etc at extra cost)
Facilities and rides were a bit outdated but somehow adds the nice retro feel to the place.
I recommend this place, it's like visiting a scenic lookout with extra perks."
Saku Notomi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Beppu Rakutenchi is by taking a cable car from the base station. Taxis are available from Beppu Station, but be aware that leaving the park might require a 15-minute walk to the nearest bus stop, which has no shelter.
Public transport access is limited. While taxis can take you to the park, the nearest bus stop is a considerable walk away, and there's little shelter. Driving is the most convenient option.
For convenience, driving is recommended. If using public transport, take a taxi from Beppu Station to the park.
Direct bus services to the park are not widely mentioned. Travelers often rely on taxis or a combination of transport and walking.
From Oita Airport, you can take local buses or taxis to Beppu city, and then proceed to Beppu Rakutenchi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The basic entry fee for adults is around ¥1300, which includes the cable car ride and access to a scenic hot spring bath.
Additional costs apply for most rides. A free pass for children allows them to enjoy all rides.Yes, there are options. A free pass is recommended for kids to access all rides. Adults can purchase a 5-ride ticket for ¥1500 to join in.
No, the basic entry fee typically includes the cable car and hot spring bath access. Most amusement rides require an additional fee or a ride pass.
Information on advance ticket purchases is limited. It's generally advisable to purchase tickets upon arrival at the park.
While specific family discounts aren't detailed, purchasing a children's free pass and an adult ride ticket package can be cost-effective for families.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Beppu Rakutenchi features classic amusement park rides, including merry-go-rounds and rollercoasters, suitable for younger children.
The park offers stunning panoramic views of Beppu Bay and the surrounding landscape, especially from its mountaintop location.
Yes, the park has a variety of animals, including capybaras, lemurs, monkeys, penguins, and chimpanzees. However, there are significant concerns about the welfare and conditions of these animals.
It is considered family-friendly, with rides suitable for young children and beautiful views. However, the animal enclosures have raised ethical concerns for some visitors.
The 'Hell Tour' (Jigoku Meguri) refers to a series of unique hot spring 'hells' in Beppu, known for their boiling mud and vibrant colors. Beppu Rakutenchi is a separate attraction, though it offers hot spring facilities.
🎫 🌸 Nature & Scenery
The park boasts over 3000 cherry trees, making the Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season in spring a particularly beautiful time to visit.
Expect stunning coastal views of Beppu Bay and the surrounding mountains. The mountaintop location provides a unique vantage point.
Yes, the entry fee includes access to a scenic hot spring bath, offering a relaxing experience with a view.
While Beppu is known for its geothermal activity and hot springs, Beppu Rakutenchi itself is an amusement park with hot spring facilities, rather than a natural geothermal site like the 'Jigoku' (Hells).
The park is enjoyable year-round, but spring offers cherry blossoms, and clear afternoons provide the best scenic views. Be mindful of potential rain affecting rides.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's important to be aware of the significant animal welfare concerns at the park. If your family is sensitive to seeing animals in potentially poor conditions, you may want to consider this before your visit. Despite this, many families find the park enjoyable for its rides and scenic beauty.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The park's older rides and structures lend themselves to interesting compositions, evoking a sense of nostalgia. During cherry blossom season, the thousands of Sakura trees create a vibrant and picturesque setting. Be mindful of the lighting conditions, as the mountaintop location can be quite bright during the day. Consider visiting during the golden hour for softer light and more dramatic views.
🌿 Nature and View Seekers
The park's location provides a unique perspective on the region's geography. While the amusement park aspect is present, the natural scenery is a significant draw. The inclusion of a hot spring bath with entry also allows for a relaxing experience while taking in the surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Beppu Rakutenchi: A Visitor's Guide
When planning your visit, it's crucial to consider the weather. The park has limited shelter from the elements, and rides can be subject to closure due to rain. Therefore, checking the forecast and visiting on a clear day is highly recommended. For families, purchasing a children's free pass is a popular choice, allowing unlimited access to attractions, while adults can opt for a multi-ride ticket.
Beyond the rides, Beppu Rakutenchi also offers a scenic hot spring bath as part of the entry fee, providing a relaxing way to enjoy the surroundings. The park's location offers spectacular views, making it a great spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the Oita region.
The Animal Enclosure Controversy
Specific examples cited include a vulture in a cage too small to fly, a psychotic meerkat, and a capybara constantly chewing on cage bars. The penguin enclosure is described as disgusting and moldy, and even domestic animals like ducks appear sickly with clipped wings. This aspect of the park has led many to label it as unethical and deeply upsetting, with some visitors expressing regret for financially supporting the facility.
While the amusement park aspect itself is often described as charming and well-maintained, the animal exhibits cast a dark shadow over the experience for many. Travelers who are sensitive to animal welfare issues are strongly advised to reconsider visiting or to be prepared for potentially distressing sights.
Exploring Beppu's Geothermal Wonders
While Beppu Rakutenchi offers its own hot spring bath for visitors, it's important to distinguish it from the natural 'hells'. The park is an amusement park situated on a mountain, providing a different kind of experience. However, the broader Beppu area is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japan's geothermal activity, offering a wide range of onsen experiences, from public baths to luxurious private resorts.
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