
Kankaiji Onsen Beppu
Kankaiji Onsen in Beppu offers a serene escape with therapeutic hot springs and traditional ryokan stays, complemented by the dramatic 'Hell Tour' sig...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Kankaiji Onsen Beppu
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kankaiji Onsen in Beppu offers a serene escape with therapeutic hot springs and traditional ryokan stays, complemented by the dramatic 'Hell Tour' sights.
"Immerse yourself in Beppu's therapeutic hot springs and witness the otherworldly 'Hell Tour' sights!"

♨️ Respect Onsen Etiquette
Wash thoroughly before entering baths. No swimsuits allowed. Towels are for drying, not bathing.
🎟️ Book Jigoku Meguri Tickets
Purchase tickets for the 'Hell Tour' in advance to skip lines and maximize your sightseeing time.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kankaiji Onsen's Therapeutic Waters
Kankaiji Onsen District
Soak in mineral-rich hot springs renowned for their healing properties. A truly rejuvenating experience.

Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)
Various locations across Beppu
Witness the dramatic, colorful hot springs – from steaming blue seas to bubbling mud. A visual spectacle!

Traditional Ryokan Stay
Kankaiji Onsen and surrounding areas
Experience authentic Japanese hospitality with a stay in a traditional inn, complete with onsen baths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Onsen Culture
Plan Your 'Hell Tour'
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
♨️ Respect Onsen Etiquette
Wash thoroughly before entering baths. No swimsuits allowed. Towels are for drying, not bathing.
🎟️ Book Jigoku Meguri Tickets
Purchase tickets for the 'Hell Tour' in advance to skip lines and maximize your sightseeing time.
🚶♀️ Explore On Foot
Many onsen areas are walkable. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the different hot spring sites.
📱 Download a Translation App
While some signs have English, a translation app can be helpful for menus and local interactions.
Tips
from all over the internet
♨️ Respect Onsen Etiquette
Wash thoroughly before entering baths. No swimsuits allowed. Towels are for drying, not bathing.
🎟️ Book Jigoku Meguri Tickets
Purchase tickets for the 'Hell Tour' in advance to skip lines and maximize your sightseeing time.
🚶♀️ Explore On Foot
Many onsen areas are walkable. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the different hot spring sites.
📱 Download a Translation App
While some signs have English, a translation app can be helpful for menus and local interactions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the deeply relaxing and therapeutic qualities of Kankaiji Onsen's hot springs, often praising the traditional ryokan experiences and the unique Jigoku Meguri sights. While some find the onsen etiquette a bit daunting, most appreciate the authentic cultural immersion.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kankaiji Onsen is located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture. You can fly into Oita Airport and then take a bus or taxi to Beppu. From Beppu Station, local buses and taxis are readily available to reach Kankaiji Onsen and other onsen districts.
Yes, Beppu has an excellent public transportation system. Local buses connect the various onsen districts, making it easy to hop between them. Taxis are also available.
For the Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour), a combination of local buses and walking is recommended. Comfortable shoes are essential as you'll be doing a lot of walking between the different 'hells'.
Yes, you can take a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Fukuoka to Oita Station, and then transfer to a local train or bus to Beppu. The journey is scenic and efficient.
Consider purchasing a Beppu Onsen Day Pass or a local bus day pass if you plan on visiting multiple attractions and onsen facilities within a day. This can save you money.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Kankaiji Onsen district itself is generally free, but individual ryokan and public bathhouses will have their own admission fees for bathing.
The cost for the Jigoku Meguri varies depending on how many 'hells' you visit. A combined ticket for all major 'hells' is usually the most economical option. Check the official Beppu tourism website for current pricing.
Sometimes there are package deals or discounts available, especially if you purchase tickets for multiple attractions. It's worth checking for any ongoing promotions.
Yes, booking Jigoku Meguri tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to avoid long queues.
Opening hours vary significantly between ryokan and public baths. Many public baths open in the morning and close in the evening. It's best to check the specific facility's hours before visiting.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Before entering the bath, you must wash your body thoroughly at the provided washing stations. Do not wear swimsuits in the onsen. Towels are for drying off after bathing, not for use in the water.
Beppu is famous for its diverse hot springs, including chloride springs, sulfur springs, and carbonic acid springs, each offering unique therapeutic benefits. Kankaiji Onsen is known for its chloride and sulfate springs.
No, the hot springs on the Jigoku Meguri are far too hot for bathing and are purely for sightseeing. They are a natural phenomenon showcasing the geothermal activity of the region.
Typically, you only need yourself! Most onsen provide towels, soap, and shampoo. Some may offer rental yukata (robes). Bringing a small towel for washing is common.
Historically, many onsen prohibited tattoos due to associations with organized crime. However, some modern onsen and private baths are becoming more tattoo-friendly. It's best to check with the specific facility beforehand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Be sure to try local seafood, especially Jigoku Mushi (hot spring steamed) dishes, which are cooked using the steam from the hot springs. Also, look for regional specialties like Bungo beef.
Yes, the Kankaiji Onsen area and the wider Beppu city offer a range of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants). Many ryokan also offer exquisite dining experiences.
Finding strictly vegetarian or vegan options can be challenging in traditional Japanese cuisine, which often uses dashi (fish stock). However, many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly.
Jigoku Mushi Ryori is a unique Beppu culinary experience where food is steamed using the natural geothermal steam from the hot springs. It's a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy local ingredients.
Beppu Kankaiji Onsen Ryotei Matsubaya is a renowned establishment offering traditional Japanese cuisine, often featuring seasonal ingredients and exquisite presentation. It's a great place to experience fine dining.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene atmosphere of the onsen town, the steam rising from the hot springs, and the traditional architecture of the ryokan. The views from higher vantage points can be stunning.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the Jigoku Meguri sites. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash where it might be disruptive.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Absolutely not. Photography is strictly prohibited inside onsen bathing areas for privacy reasons. Always respect the rules and other bathers.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the dramatic Jigoku Meguri sights. A tripod might be helpful for low-light shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples Retreat
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Onsen Bathing
Many visitors opt to stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, which often includes private or public onsen access. This allows for a more immersive experience, often paired with exquisite kaiseki (multi-course) meals. Beppu boasts eight distinct onsen areas, each with its own character and water composition, making it a true hot spring paradise.
Exploring Beppu's 'Hells'
Each 'hell' offers a unique spectacle. For instance, the Umi Jigoku is known for its striking turquoise water and the steam that rises from it, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) is famous for its deep red, iron-rich waters. Exploring these sites is a visual feast and a testament to the powerful geothermal forces at play beneath Beppu.
Culinary Delights of Beppu
For a more refined dining experience, consider a ryotei like Beppu Kankaiji Onsen Ryotei Matsubaya. These establishments offer traditional Japanese multi-course meals (kaiseki) that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate. Expect seasonal ingredients, meticulous preparation, and an ambiance that reflects Japanese hospitality. Don't forget to sample local seafood and the renowned Bungo beef for a true taste of Oita Prefecture.
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