Private Tour Discover Beppu and Yufuin Nature and Onsen Trip

Enjoy a fully private journey through Beppu and Yufuin with your own English-speaking local guide and private transportation. Begin with Beppu’s famous Umi Jigoku and Oniishi Jigoku, then take the Beppu Ropeway to Mt. Tsurumi for fresh mountain air and panoramic views. Continue by private car to Yufuin, a beautiful hot spring town surrounded by mountains. Your guide stays with you throughout the tour, introducing Lake Kinrinko, Yunotsubo Street, local cafés, shops, hot springs, and hidden local spots. As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be adjusted to the weather, your interests, and your preferred pace. Pickup and drop-off are available at hotels and Beppu Port. For cruise guests, we can coordinate with your ship’s arrival and departure times and return you directly to the port. The tour is available for 1–5 guests, and larger groups can also be accommodated upon request. web ⇩ insurance is not included.

1. 1

   Umi Jigoku

   30 min

   Umi Jigoku, meaning “Sea Hell,” is one of Beppu’s most iconic hot spring sites. Formed over 1,200 years ago by a volcanic explosion, this striking geothermal pool features vivid cobalt-blue water that resembles a tropical sea. However, the temperature reaches nearly 98°C (208°F), making it too hot to enter. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, bamboo groves, and traditional pavilions, the area offers a peaceful atmosphere despite its fiery origin. Visitors can also enjoy footbaths, view bubbling mud pools, and try the famous “jigoku-mushi” steamed pudding made using the natural heat of the hot springs.

2. 2

   Beppu Jigoku Tour

   30 min

   Oniishi Jigoku, or “Oniishi Hell,” is one of Beppu’s lesser-known but most dynamic hot spring sites. Its name comes from a local legend about a giant demon (oni) who once lived in the area. The hot spring here is a powerful boiling pool of red-colored water, created by high iron content in the earth. The thick steam rising from the surface and the intense heat give it a truly hellish feel. The site also features a relaxing footbath and well-kept gardens that contrast beautifully with the raw energy of the spring. Fewer crowds make Oniishi Jigoku a quiet, immersive stop along the famous “Jigoku Meguri” hot spring tour.

3. 3

   Mt. Tsurumi

   1 hour

   The Beppu Ropeway offers a scenic 10-minute ride up Mt. Tsurumi, rising to an elevation of 1,375 meters. As you ascend, enjoy panoramic views of Beppu Bay, the cityscape, and even Mt. Yufu in the distance. At the summit, the air is refreshingly cool—perfect for escaping the summer heat. Once at the top, you can stroll along well-maintained walking paths, visit small shrines, and enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms in spring or vibrant foliage in autumn. On clear days, views stretch as far as the Kuju Mountains. The ropeway is not just transportation—it’s a memorable highland experience.

4. 4

   Lake Kinrin

   30 min

   Lake Kinrinko is a small but enchanting lake located at the edge of Yufuin’s hot spring town. Its name means “Golden Scale Lake,” inspired by a legend of a sacred fish whose scales shimmered like gold in the sunlight. Early mornings are especially magical, when mist rises from the water due to natural hot springs flowing from the lake bottom. Surrounded by trees, shrines, and a riverside walking path, the area offers a peaceful escape from the busy shopping streets nearby. Visitors can stroll, relax on a bench, or enjoy a quiet coffee at lakeside cafés while admiring the ever-changing reflections on the water.

5. 5

   Yunotsubo Kaido

   45 min

   Yunotsubo Kaido is the lively main street of Yufuin, lined with local shops, snack stands, and unique cafés. Visitors can enjoy strolling past handmade craft stores, hot spring souvenirs, and art galleries. The street is perfect for food lovers—you can try fresh croquettes, cheese tarts, dango, and matcha sweets while walking. If you’re feeling hungry, there are cozy restaurants offering local specialties like Yufu beef or chicken tempura. Stylish cafés and dessert shops are also scattered throughout, perfect for relaxing with a coffee or sweet treat. It’s a fun and flavorful way to experience the charm of Yufuin on foot.

6. 6

   Yufuin Area

   45 min

   No visit to Yufuin is complete without soaking in a traditional hot spring. After exploring the town, treat yourself to a peaceful bath at one of Yufuin’s many onsen. Popular spots like Shitan-yu offer rustic charm and open-air baths, while others like Baien and Musouen feature beautiful views of Mt. Yufu. Whether you choose a public bathhouse or a private onsen in a ryokan, the experience is perfect for easing tired feet and relaxing your mind. Ending your journey with a hot spring soak adds the perfect touch of serenity to a day full of discovery in this charming mountain town.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.