Making the most of Beppu
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Beppu Port occupies the western side of Beppu Bay. As this international tourist and hot-spring resort develops, the harbour is improving its large passenger wharf to serve as a seaside gateway into the city.
The port provides convenient access to major Kyushu attractions, including onsen hot springs, Mt. Aso—Japan’s largest caldera volcano—USA-jingu Shrine and the temple-rich Kunisaki peninsula. Eight berths now include the 12 metre-deep Ishigaki Area No.3 wharf, built for ocean liners and accompanied by a substantial passenger and vehicle-ferry terminal.
The town lies roughly 2 km from the berth.
Beppu is a celebrated spa city surrounded by striking mountains and sea, with varied hot-spring experiences including sand baths and steam baths.
Beppu extends along the coast between the sea and nearby mountains, giving this modest-sized city an elongated shape. Most prominent onsen and visitor sights, including many Jigoku, or hells, cluster in Kannawa on almost the opposite side of town from the railway station. Buses serve the Hell districts around every 30 minutes. Many onsen stay open very late, encouraging visitors to lodge in one of the spa areas.
Getting around
JR Beppu Station is 30mins away on foot or 10 mins by bus or car.
Central Beppu itself can be explored on foot.
The visitor-focused bus network makes the Hells and other attractions easy to reach, with services departing outside JR Beppu Station. Inside the station, the Foreign Tourist Information Office sells one-day passes for ¥900, or ¥700 for students, likely the best-value choice for most travellers. Buses operate every 30 minutes.
Money
Japan uses the yen. Banknotes are issued in ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 values, with coins of ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1.
Japanese ATMs are becoming more useful and increasingly accept overseas accounts, with machines also available at post offices. Major cards work in most shops and restaurants in larger cities, but carry enough cash for rural travel. Japan remains strongly cash-based, and some businesses, hotels and restaurants refuse cards regardless of location.
Do not leave a tip, as doing so is considered rude.