Winter at Beppu Onsen — Trailing Steam, the True Worth of Japan's Number-One Hot-Spring Town

Steam rising white and thick into the chilled air, snow-viewing open-air baths, illuminations coloring the hot-spring town—Beppu Onsen, which boasts the number-one spot in Japan in both the number of source springs and the volume of gushing water, is in fact a season whose charm increases precisely in winter. The lower the temperature drops, the thicker the steam throughout the town becomes, and the hot-spring sentiment reaches its peak. Winter in Beppu, spent soaking in warm water, is a luxurious time that seems to melt both heart and body.

Steam That Grows Thicker Precisely in Winter

Beppu is literally Japan's largest hot-spring town, boasting about 2,300 source springs and the number-one volume of gushing water in Japan as well. The sight of steam rising from everywhere in the city is unique to Beppu, but this looks most beautiful in winter. The lower the outside temperature, the whiter and thicker the steam trails, and the whole town is wrapped in a fantastical atmosphere. On days when snow lightly piles on Mt. Tsurumi, the contrast of steam and snow shows an exceptional charm.

Snow-Viewing Open-Air Baths and the Hell Tour

The real pleasure of winter Beppu is, above all, the snow-viewing open-air bath. The time spent soaking leisurely in warm water while the cold air caresses your cheeks is blissful. Also, the "Hell Tour" (Jigoku Meguri), where vivid red and blue source springs gush out, is recommended in winter, when the steam grows all the thicker. You can savor the powerful scenery of each distinctive "hell"—Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), and others—through the steam.

Winter Events and Gourmet

Winter Beppu bustles with events such as illuminations coloring the hot-spring town and light-ups making use of the steam. During the Christmas season, the town shines romantically. For a chilled body, "jigoku-mushi" dishes steamed with the steam of the hot springs, as well as Oita's winter flavors such as Seki aji (horse mackerel), Seki saba (mackerel), and pufferfish, are also perfect. Warming local specialty gourmet is also one of the pleasures of winter.

Best Season and Access

The steam is most beautiful in the cold period from December to February. For access, JR "Beppu Station" is the base, and buses to each hot-spring area in the city are well-developed. From Oita Airport it's about 45 minutes by bus. Combine it with sightseeing in the surroundings such as Yufuin and the Kunisaki Peninsula, and fully enjoy a winter-only bathing experience in Japan's number-one hot-spring town.