The Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri) combined seven-site ticket typically clears around 2,200 yen for adult entry across Umi Jigoku, Oniishibozu Jigoku, Shiraike Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, Oniyama Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku. Each hell exhibits a distinct geothermal feature: Umi Jigoku’s cobalt-blue pool is striking and deep, while Tatsumaki Jigoku’s geyser erupts at regular intervals at well above boiling.
JR Nippo Line from Fukuoka
The JR Nippo Line Sonic limited express connects Hakata station to Beppu in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes for around 5,940 yen reserved seat. Sonic services depart Hakata at hourly intervals across the daytime through to the evening service window. From Tokyo, the combined Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata and onward Sonic service runs roughly 7 hours 30 minutes total. ANA and JAL each operate multiple daily Tokyo Haneda-Oita rotations using A320 frames, with the airport bus to Beppu adding around 45 minutes for around 1,500 yen.
Onsen Districts and Ryokan Options
Beppu’s onsen are organised into eight districts (Beppu Hatto) ranging from urban Kannawa near the Hells to coastal Hamawaki south of the JR station. Suginoi Hotel on the Tsurumi-zaka hillside operates one of Japan’s largest onsen complexes with rooftop infinity pools overlooking Beppu Bay, room rates typically from 28,000 yen per person on dinner-plus-breakfast plan. Takegawara Onsen sand bath public bathhouse typically charges around 1,500 yen for the sand burial treatment that lifts circulation.
Mount Tsurumi Ropeway
The Beppu Ropeway from Aozu to Mount Tsurumi summit climbs to approximately 1,375 metres in around 10 minutes for around 1,800 yen round trip. The Tsurumi crater rim affords views over Beppu Bay, Aso volcanic field and Yufu mountain on clear winter days. From mid-April to early May, cherry trees along the Tsurumi slopes turn the upper station vicinity pink, drawing photography enthusiasts on day rotations from Fukuoka and Kumamoto.