Oita Prefecture in eastern Kyushu is Japan's undisputed hot spring capital. Beppu alone has more hot spring sources than any other city on Earth, and nearby Yufuin offers a more refined, boutique onsen experience. Together, they make the perfect weekend road trip from Fukuoka.
Getting There from Fukuoka
The drive from Fukuoka to Beppu takes about 2 hours via the Oita Expressway. With a campervan and an ETC card (free on advance request), tolls are approximately ¥3,500 (weekend discount) and are paid separately from the rental. The route passes through rolling mountains and is scenic the entire way.
Beppu: The Steam City
Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)
Beppu's most famous attraction: 7 unique hot spring "hells" with water too hot for bathing but striking to look at. The Blood Pond Hell (Chinoike Jigoku) with its crimson water and the Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku) with cobalt blue water are the highlights. Combined ticket: ¥2,200.
Beppu Sand Bath
Get buried up to your neck in naturally heated volcanic sand at Shoningahama beach. The sand is warmed by hot spring water flowing beneath. Cost: ¥1,500 including yukata.
Public Onsen (Sento)
Beppu has over 100 public baths starting from just ¥200. Takegawara Onsen, built in 1879, is the most historic, with a distinctive thatched roof.
Yufuin: The Mountain Retreat
Only 45 minutes from Beppu, Yufuin is the elegant counterpart: a small town at the foot of Mt. Yufu with art galleries, boutique shops, and steaming baths.
Kinrin Lake
Morning mist rises from this thermal lake, fed by both hot springs and cold springs. The walk around the lake takes 20 minutes and is magical at dawn.
Yunotsubo Street
The main shopping street connecting JR Yufuin Station to Kinrin Lake. Artisan crafts, local sweets, and cafes make it perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Kurokawa Onsen (Bonus Stop)
If you have an extra day, drive 1.5 hours south to Kurokawa Onsen, a traditional onsen village hidden in a mountain gorge. Buy a "bath-hopping pass" (nyuto tegata, ¥1,300) and visit 3 different rotenburo (outdoor baths).
🚐 Campervan Advantage
With a campervan, you can soak in onsen all day and spend the night at a campground with no need to book expensive ryokans. At many roadside stations (michi-no-eki) a quiet night's rest in your vehicle is tolerated (no camping behaviour), but some stations ban overnight stays, so check the station page first. We include camping chairs and a portable table so you can relax outside your van at the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Beppu and Yufuin in one day?
You can, but it's rushed. We recommend at least 2 days: one for Beppu's hells and baths, another for Yufuin's charm. With a campervan, you can sleep in between.
Are there onsen with tattoo-friendly policies?
Some are, some aren't. In Beppu, Hyotan Onsen and many smaller public baths are tattoo-friendly. In Yufuin, private baths (kashikiri) are available for ¥2,000-3,000.