Yufuin and Beppu are both legendary onsen towns in Oita Prefecture, just 30 minutes apart — and campervan travelers should visit both. Yufuin is quiet and romantic; Beppu is vibrant and diverse.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Yufuin | Beppu |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Quiet, charming, romantic | Lively, energetic, diverse |
| Size | Small town | Large city |
| Onsen variety | Few but elegant | 2,800+ sources, every type |
| Unique experiences | Kinrin Lake, boutique cafes | Sand bath, mud bath, hell tour |
| Best for | Couples, relaxation | Adventure, variety seekers |
| Campervan parking | Public lots available | Multiple free areas |
Yufuin Highlights
- Kinrin Lake — morning mist rising from the warm lake
- Yunotsubo Street — boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries
- Shitan-yu — free public outdoor onsen by the river
Beppu Highlights
- Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) — 7 colorful geothermal pools
- Hyotan Onsen — one of Japan's best public baths (tattoo-friendly)
- Sand bath at Takegawara or Shoningahama beach
- Steam cooking at Jigoku Mushi Kobo — cook food in natural steam
Our Recommendation
Visit both! Morning in Yufuin → afternoon/evening in Beppu. Sleep at a Michi-no-Eki between them. With a VanTripJapan campervan, you have complete flexibility.
Explore both onsen towns by campervan
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