Beppu hot springs

Beppu, Japan, is one of the world's most famous hot spring resorts, featuring over 2,000 thermal sources and nine distinct geothermal areas.

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Located on the island of Kyushu, Beppu is one of Japan's premier hot spring resorts, renowned for its immense concentration of thermal waters. The city boasts over 2,000 springs, which together produce about 100,000 kiloliters of hot water daily, second only to Yellowstone National Park in geothermal discharge volume worldwide.

Beppu is divided into nine traditional areas known as Beppu Hatto, each with distinct characteristics. Among them is Kannawa, famous for its bubbling mud Jigoku (hell), and Kankaiji, known for panoramic views. The springs vary in temperature and mineral composition, from sulfurous waters to iron-rich ones, each believed by Japanese tradition to have specific therapeutic properties.

Beyond traditional onsen baths, Beppu offers unique experiences such as jigoku mushi (geothermal steam cooking), where food is prepared using natural steam from the springs. The city also has black sand beaches heated by thermal waters, where visitors can be buried in hot sand, a practice called sunayu. Another popular attraction is the Hells of Beppu, a collection of colorful, boiling springs open for tourism but not for bathing due to their extreme temperatures.

Beppu's history as a spa resort dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), and its popularity surged especially after the railway opened in the 20th century. Today, the city welcomes millions of tourists annually, both domestic and international, and its economy is heavily based on thermal tourism and the production of derivative products such as sulfur soaps and cosmetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hot springs are there in Beppu?

Beppu has over 2,000 thermal springs, releasing about 100,000 kiloliters of hot water daily, making it the second largest volume in the world after Yellowstone National Park.

What are the Hells of Beppu?

The Hells of Beppu are a group of boiling, colorful geothermal springs such as Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) and Oniishibozu Jigoku. They are tourist attractions but not suitable for bathing due to extreme temperatures.

What therapeutic benefits are attributed to Beppu's waters?

The waters vary in mineral content; sulfurous ones are linked to skin conditions, iron-rich to circulation, and alkaline ones supposedly relieve muscle pain. Definitive scientific proof is lacking.