What's the main pastime and sightseeing spots in Beppu?
-The Jigoku. Jigoku means the hell in English. The appearance of some natural hot springs looks like the imaginary scenery of the hell. There are eight Jigokus in Beppu. You can look around all of them in about three hours. Eight hell ticket book is available for 2,000 yen while each hell costs 400 yen. For more information, see http://www.beppu-jigoku.com/ (Japanese version)
-Hot springs. You can enjoy the world famous hot springs in Beppu featuring public bath, private bath, open-air bath, beach sand bath, steam bath, mud bath and so on.
For more information see http://www.beppu-navi.jp/nve-com/modules/onsen/
-Town walking. FTIO Kannawa office provides you several kinds of walking route maps ranging from 30 minutes to two hours.
-Cycling. Rental bicycles are available at JR Beppu station.
-Nature hunting. Beppu municipal park near JR Beppu station, the Lake Shidaka and Mt. Takasaki National Park are the typical destinations to enjoy the nature in Beppu and the surrounding area.
-Attractions. Rakutenchi Amusement Park, Kijima Highland Park, Beppu Golf Club, Umitamago Aquarium, African Safari, Harmony Amusement Park and many others.
-Viewing. Tsurumi Peak, Global Tower, Beppu Tower, Beppu Vista (Yukemuri Observatory), Jumonjibaru Vista.
-Jigokumushi Cusine. Unique do-it-yourself type cooking depot utilizing hot spring steam.
-Night Life. Hit Parade Night Club, Milk Hall cocktail bar, seasonal events at Beppu Park, Beppu bay area, Tsurumi Peak, etc.
What's hidden bath?
-The hidden bath is a kind of natural open air hot springs located in remote area. No attendants, no changing cloth facilities, free of charge, men and women mixed.
Although there are three hidden hot springs in 20 to 45 minute walk from the nearest bus stops, we recommend Tsuruno-yu, the closest one. Nabeyama-no-yu is temporarily closed because of the security reason. We advise you to avoid night time bathing.
What's necessary to enjoy hot spring (Onsen)?
-You don't need any swimming suits. Because even in public baths, people are all naked in Japan. It's a traditional way for Japanese. (When in Rome, do as the Romans do.)
Towel is a must. The most of local onsens don't provide towels, soap and shampoo. Please prepare your owns. At the upper class onsens, free soap and shampoo are available, and you can buy towels around 150-200 yen.
What is the most popular food in Beppu?
-Typical local foods are Toriten (a kind of chicken tempra) and Dangojiru (flat noodle in the miso soup with several kinds of vegetables). On top of those, tourists can enjoy almost all kinds of Japanese food, such as sushi, sukiyaki, tempura, sashimi, etc., in Beppu. For the light meals, we recommend noodles.(reimen, soba, udon and ramen)
What is good for souvenir?
-Bamboo crafts, yu-no-hana (bath powder), mugi shochu (local sake made of wheat), T-shirts with onsen logo, etc. are the most popular items for souvenir.
Does FTIO book hotels for the foreign tourists?
-We recommend you to book your hotels through Internet or your travel agents before you arrive at Beppu. On the peak season or long holidays, it's very hard to find the hotel room on the spot.
FTIO provides the necessary information on hotels by e-mail.
beppuftio[at]gmail.com
Is money exchange or cashing service available?
-Yes. Some major hotels will exchange money for their guests. You can also change US$, EURO, Won, etc. to Japanese Yen at the Oita bank in Kitahama and Kannawa. US$ only can be changed at Post office.
Cashing service using credit cards is available at ATM in some post offices.
Are credit cards accepted in Beppu?
-Major hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards. But the most of local shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards. We advise you to carry proper amounts of Japanese yen.
Can we see English speaking doctors in Beppu?
Yes. There are some English speaking doctors in Beppu. FTIO will give you necessary information if you get a medical trouble here.
