You will be picked up from Beppu Station or your accommodation and brought to Jigoku District Park in Beppu City. After a short Nordic walking lesson, the walk begins—passing by the open-air hot spring spot Tsurunoyu and continuing all the way to Myoban Onsen.
Along the way, stop at Emisu Shrine to offer a prayer. At Myoban Onsen, enjoy tasting the famous onsen-cooked eggs and the local specialty Jigoku-steamed pudding. Afterward, return to Jigoku District Park and finally be dropped off at Beppu Station or your accommodation.
Explore the stunning Kuju Highlands with a refreshing Nordic walk through the serene Tadewara Marshland, surrounded by nature's beauty. This tour includes a delightful premium Oita Wagyu beef lunch at the local Bebenko restaurant. Experience the thrill of walking across the Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi suspension bridge, offering incredible views. You'll then have two hours of free time to wander the picturesque town of Yufuin before being dropped off back at Beppu Station or your accommodation.
- Private vehicle pick-up from Beppu Station or your accommodation
- Nordic walk through Tadewara Marshland with beautiful scenery
- Enjoy a premium Oita Wagyu beef meal at Bebenko restaurant
- Explore Yufuin for two hours of free time after the bridge visit
This ticket will allow you to explore an outdoor theme park featuring Sanrio characters.
At Harmonyland, you’ll have a chance to meet Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll and many more. You can watch daily live shows in the park, including Parade Parallel and the Happy Birthday Show. You can also explore the park’s many attractions, such as the Kitty Castle, Rhythmic Coaster and Sanrio Characters Boat Ride.
To complete your experience, you can check out souvenirs at the shops or get a bite to eat from the park’s restaurants.
What makes this tour unique is the perfect balance of Beppu’s iconic geothermal wonders and its living traditions. While many visitors only view the Hells as sightseeing spots, this private tour goes further by connecting you directly with local culture. You will not only witness the surreal beauty of Sea Hell and Kamado Hell, but also taste the region’s heritage through a hands-on geothermal cooking experience. Traveling by private car allows for comfort and efficiency, making it ideal for cruise passengers or travelers with limited time. With the guidance of a local expert, you gain insights into the spiritual symbolism of the Hells, the daily life of Kannawa residents, and the cultural significance of hot springs in Japan. This tour offers more than sightseeing—it offers a genuine encounter with Beppu’s identity, where nature, culture, and cuisine are all powered by the earth itself.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Japan with a 7-day Kagura dance program in Usa, Kyushu. This unique tour offers an in-depth experience of traditional Japanese dance performance for kami, allowing participants to practice and eventually perform the Buzen Iwato Kagura. Engage with local experts, explore historic sites, and enjoy locally-prepared meals, making this journey a perfect blend of education and cultural immersion. Experience the essence of Japanese spirituality and artistry in a supportive environment, connecting with the local community through food and history.
- 7-day hands-on training in Kagura dance with nightly practice sessions
- Guided visits to significant cultural and historical sites, including Usa Jingu Shrine
- Traditional meals crafted by local chefs, focusing on authentic Japanese cuisine
- Exclusive performance opportunity at a shrine, concluding the immersive experience
Step beyond the surface of Beppu and dive into the steamy streets of Kannawa Onsen, one of Japan’s most historic hot spring districts.
Accompanied by an English-speaking local guide, you’ll stroll through charming alleys lined with traditional bathhouses, hear stories of how the town was shaped by geothermal energy, and experience how local residents live side by side with the ever-rising steam.
Along the way, you’ll learn about Beppu’s unique onsen culture and history, from ancient legends to modern-day life. You can also choose your favorite “Jigoku” (Hot Spring Hell) to visit—whether it’s the vivid blue waters of Umi Jigoku, the mystical Shiraike Jigoku, or the lively Kamado Jigoku, where locals demonstrate how to cook with natural steam.
Start your day with a guided visit to Beppu’s famous Umi Jigoku and Oniishi Jigoku, followed by a scenic ride on the Beppu Ropeway to Mt. Tsurumi’s summit. Enjoy cool mountain air and panoramic views with your English-speaking guide by private car.
After descending, you’ll board a local bus (without the guide) and head to the charming hot spring town of Yufuin. From this point, the tour becomes self-guided. You’ll receive a custom English map with recommendations for walking through Yufuin’s highlights—Yunotsubo Street, Lake Kinrinko, cafés, shops, and hot springs. This format gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
If you would prefer a private driver or guide in Yufuin, optional arrangements are available upon request. However, the self-guided format is the most budget-friendly and flexible option.
Please note: This tour does not include travel insurance. This activity is very safe but We recommend that participants have valid overseas travel insurance!
Join us on an engaging 2.5-hour walking tour through Beppu’s lively station-front area, where the nostalgic charm of old Japan remains. With a knowledgeable local guide, explore narrow alleys and bustling shopping streets that have preserved their historical character. Experience the vibrant atmosphere as you visit iconic spots and savor authentic local flavors.
Departing from Beppu, you’ll journey to the charming town of Kitsuki, often called Japan’s hidden samurai village. Once there, you'll be dressed in a beautiful traditional kimono (with optional accessories), just like locals did centuries ago.
Then, enjoy a guided stroll through Kitsuki’s historic samurai district, with its perfectly preserved streets, wooden samurai residences, and peaceful atmosphere. You’ll feel like you've walked into a scene from a period drama. Along the way, we’ll stop at scenic spots for memorable photos and share fascinating stories about samurai culture, architecture, and daily life in Edo-period Japan.
Whether you're a culture lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience in Kyushu, this tour is a perfect blend of tradition, beauty, and history.
Himeshima Island Half-Day Tour from Beppu
Enjoy a smooth and worry-free island experience with hotel pick-up from Beppu.
An English-speaking escort guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the ferry terminal, clearly explaining the day’s schedule and travel details along the way. After crossing to Himeshima Island by ferry, you will be handed over to a local island guide who knows the island’s history, nature, and culture in depth.
On Himeshima, you’ll enjoy a relaxed half-day experience featuring:
• Japanese mythology and local legends
• Dramatic coastal scenery and nature
• Traditional island culture
• Relaxation at Hyoshimizu Onsen (tattoo-friendly)
• Local food featuring Himeshima’s famous kuruma-ebi
Highlights
• Hotel pick-up in Beppu
• English-speaking escort guide to the ferry
• Seamless handover to a local Himeshima guide
• Myth, nature, culture, onsen, and food in one half-day experience
• Taxi return to Beppu can be arranged (recommended)
Jurakutei is a Ninomaru Historic Site Garden surrounded by greenery at the foot of Matsuyama Castle.
The experience here is more than just tea——
**It's a Japanese art of tranquility that has been around for over 400 years**.
Sitting on tatami mats, listening to the scent of matcha and the sound of hot water,
I can feel the hustle and bustle of everyday life disappearing quickly.
As I tasted a smoke made by my host, followed by making tea with my own hands,
You can naturally experience the essence of Japanese culture, which is to “set your mind right.”
in a teahouse overlooking the castle town of Matsuyama Castle.
Why not create a one-of-a-kind Your Japan Experience?
Recommendation: Photo shooting OK, tea ceremony experience, sweets included
Looking for a hassle-free journey or shuttle to Yufuin or Beppu, avoiding the over-crowded public route buses? Our guided scenic minivan service is the most convenient (and pleasant!) way to facilitate a half-day in the Yufuin and Beppu areas. Though essentially a means of getting you from A-B, you'll enjoy comfort, secure luggage storage, and information from your guide. Guests can also customise the journey by making stops at places of their choice along the way!
Fancy avoiding crowded touristic hotspots and exploring more 'local' areas you likely wouldn't find in a travel brochure? In this exclusive, small-group walking tour, you'll immerse yourself in history & culture whilst strolling through the streets of downtown* Beppu.
Experience the work and daily lives of the local artists who live here, visit a bamboo craft factory** and enjoy a rare chance to meet skilled artisans face to face.
The tour culminates in a visit to a century-old Japanese house comprising a contemporary art gallery and gift shop. The house also features a history room showcasing historic photographs of Beppu’s past.
*Please be aware that:
a) this tour does NOT cover popular touristic spots (such as the 'Hells'), but showcases the city's lesser-known cultural streets & alleys, and
b) you will not be shown inside an onsen building
**Please also note that due to the possibility of businesses varying opening times, the route & places visited may be subject to change.
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Beppu!
Beppu is famous as a hot spring resort, the point clearly seen in the hot steam rising from vents in the earth. Onsens being the main point of attraction to the area, there are several ways to enjoy them. Along with the traditional way of bathing, some hot springs are just for viewing, as their beauty can be very charming. In addition, boiled eggs and pudding cooked using the high temperature steam are also popular.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
