Yufuin and Beppu are Kyushu's two most famous onsen towns, just 50 minutes apart by car, but they offer completely different experiences. Yufuin is a tranquil, elegant village for couples and relaxation. Beppu is Japan's hot spring capital with wild volcanic spectacles and sand baths. Most campervan travelers visit both.
⚡ Quick Comparison
| Yufuin | Beppu | |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Quiet, elegant, boutique | Lively, volcanic, diverse |
| Best for | Couples, relaxation | Families, adventure seekers |
| Must-do | Kinrin Lake stroll | Jigoku Hell Tour + Sand Bath |
| Time needed | Half day to 1 day | 1 full day minimum |
| From Fukuoka | ~1.5h by car | ~2h by car |
Detailed Comparison
| Factor | Yufuin | Beppu |
|---|---|---|
| Population | ~10,000 (small village) | ~115,000 (city) |
| Onsen volume | Moderate | #1 in Japan: 2,217 onsen sources |
| Main attraction | Kinrin Lake + boutique street | Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) |
| Unique experience | Lakeside foot bath at dawn | Sand bath burial at beach |
| Shopping | Artisan crafts, specialty sweets | Local markets, souvenirs |
| Food | Elegant cafes, roll cake, croquettes | Jigoku mushi (hell-steamed), toriten |
| Night activity | Quiet (early bedtime) | Night markets, izakaya |
| Campervan parking | Limited free, paid ¥300-500 | Several free lots near hells |
| Crowd level | Can be very crowded weekends | Spread out (less congested) |
| Cost for a day | ¥2,000-5,000 per person | ¥3,000-6,000 per person |
Yufuin: The Elegant Onsen Village
Must-Do in Yufuin
- Kinrin Lake (金鱗湖): Hot spring water bubbles through the lake bottom; morning mist rising from the surface is magical
- Yunotsubo Street: Main walking street with cafes, craft shops, and B-speak roll cake (famous nationwide)
- Mount Yufu views: The twin-peaked volcano is Yufuin's dramatic backdrop
- Yufuin Floral Village: Fairy-tale-style shopping area (touristy but photogenic)
- Public foot baths: Free, scattered throughout the town
Beppu: Japan's Hot Spring Capital
Must-Do in Beppu
- Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour): 7 volcanic hot spring hells, each unique (¥2,200 combo ticket)
- Sand Bath (砂湯): Get buried in naturally heated sand at the beach (¥1,500)
- Takegawara Onsen: Historic public bathhouse from 1879 (¥300!)
- Jigoku Mushi Kobo: Cook your own food in volcanic steam (unique!)
- Beppu Tower: City views, especially beautiful at sunset
Jigoku Hell Tour Details
| Hell Name | Feature | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) | Cobalt blue pool | Most beautiful (¥2,200 combo includes all 7) |
| Chi no Ike (Blood Pond) | Blood-red water | Red mud is sold as skin cream |
| Tatsumaki (Spout) | Geyser | Erupts every 30-40 minutes |
| Oniishi Bozu (Shaven Monk) | Bubbling gray mud | Mud bubbles look like monks' heads |
| Shiraike (White Pond) | Milky white pool | Tropical fish in heated tanks |
| Kamado (Cooking Pot) | Various colors | Smoke and steam demonstrations |
| Oniyama (Devil Mountain) | Crocodiles | 100+ crocodiles heated by hot springs |
🗣 Karen's Local Tip: "Here is my perfect Yufuin + Beppu combo: Start at Yufuin early morning. Walk to Kinrin Lake for the sunrise mist (worth the early alarm), browse the shops, and try B-speak roll cake for breakfast. Drive the scenic mountain pass to Beppu (50 min). Do the Jigoku Hell Tour in the afternoon, then finish with a sand bath at sunset. If you have two days, add Jigoku Mushi steam cooking for lunch and Takegawara Onsen for a ¥300 historic bath."
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Yufuin) | Kinrin Lake sunrise, street stroll | Cafes, public foot bath, Mount Yufu views | Private family onsen | Michi-no-Eki near Yufuin |
| Day 2 (Beppu) | Drive to Beppu, start Jigoku tour | Sand bath, Jigoku Mushi lunch | Takegawara Onsen (¥300) | Highway SA or continue to Kunisaki |
Visit both onsen towns on your Kyushu road trip
Yufuin and Beppu are unmissable. They sit just 50 minutes apart.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I visit Yufuin or Beppu?
Both are excellent but serve different tastes. Yufuin is a quiet, elegant onsen village with boutique shops, art galleries, and a serene lakeside setting. It suits couples and relaxation seekers. Beppu is Japan's onsen capital with the largest volume of hot spring water in the country, famous for its Jigoku Hell Tour, sand baths, and lively nightlife. It suits active travelers and families. They are only 50 minutes apart by car, so most campervan travelers visit both.
How far apart are Yufuin and Beppu?
Yufuin and Beppu are approximately 30km apart, connected by a scenic mountain road that takes about 50 minutes to drive. By campervan, the route over the Yufuin-Beppu mountain pass offers spectacular views. You can easily visit both in the same day or dedicate a day to each for a more relaxed pace.
What is the Beppu Jigoku Hell Tour?
The Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) is Beppu's most famous attraction: a circuit of seven unique hot spring 'hells' where water temperatures reach nearly 100°C. Each has a different color or characteristic: Umi Jigoku (cobalt blue 'sea hell'), Chi no Ike (blood-red pond), Tatsumaki (geyser erupting every 30-40 minutes), Oniishi Bozu (bubbling gray mud), and three others. A combined ticket costs ¥2,200 for adults (children under 4 free). Allow 2-3 hours for all seven.
Can I experience a sand bath in Beppu?
Yes! Beppu's famous sunamushi (sand bath) at Beppu Beach Sand Bath costs approximately ¥1,500 per person. You lie down while attendants cover you in naturally heated volcanic sand (about 40-42°C). The experience lasts about 15 minutes and is surprisingly relaxing. The gentle pressure and warmth relieve muscle tension. Available for all ages and a unique experience found almost nowhere else in the world.
Is Yufuin worth visiting?
Absolutely. Yufuin is consistently voted one of Japan's most beautiful onsen towns. The main street from Yufuin Station to Kinrin Lake is lined with charming cafes, local craft shops, and art galleries. Kinrin Lake itself has hot spring water bubbling up through the bottom. In the morning it shows as steam rising from the surface. Mount Yufu provides a dramatic backdrop. The atmosphere is completely different from commercial tourist areas.
Where should I park a campervan in Yufuin and Beppu?
Yufuin: Free parking at the municipal parking lot near the train station (limited spaces, so arrive early). Paid lots cost ¥300-500. Beppu: Multiple free and paid parking areas near the Jigoku (hell) tour sites. For a night's rest in the van (camping outside it is not allowed), Michi-no-Eki near Yufuin or highway SA on the Oita Expressway are recommended. Both towns are very accessible by campervan.