In Japan’s Oita Prefecture, Beppu is known for eight hot-spring areas, each with its own character. Its thermal landscape is part of everyday scenery: steam rises through Kannawa, while the Jigoku (hells) offer striking hot-water pools and geothermal features to view rather than bathe in. Visitors can combine sightseeing with footbaths or a day spa, wander the old lanes, and sample jigoku-mushi, food cooked in natural hot-spring steam. The appeal is unhurried sensory exploration—warm water, atmospheric streets and local food—without treating the destination as medical care.
This is a discovery listing, not trip-builder coverage. Confirm current facility operations, access, bathing rules and weather before travel; official tourism pages may include machine-translated text.
Follow the linked primary sources for current visitor information. These suggestions do not confirm current hours, prices, availability, or individual suitability.
Explore the seven Jigoku across the Kannawa and Shibaseki areas: vivid pools and steam vents are geothermal sights, not bathing pools. The Oita tourism guide notes that five Kannawa sites are walkable together and recommends bus or car between the two areas. Allow time to pause at scenic viewpoints.
Pair a geothermal-sightseeing day with a soak or a footbath at a facility that offers one. The Oita guide identifies footbaths at several Jigoku and a day spa at Onishi-no-Yu; check the operator’s bathing guidance and current facility details before setting out.
In Kannawa, make a meal part of the experience by steaming ingredients in a jigoku kettle using hot-spring steam. The regional tourism guide describes facilities where visitors can prepare or select ingredients, including Jigoku-mushi workshop KANNAWA and Hyotan Onsen’s food corner; verify arrangements directly before visiting.
Sources support the destination context and visitor ideas. They are a starting point, not a claim about live conditions or a recommendation for a particular traveler.
Beppu’s eight hot-spring areas and distinct districts; Kannawa footbaths and steam cooking; city tourism context.
Seven Jigoku across two areas, sightseeing features, walking/transport between areas, and specific footbath and day-spa options.
Hot-spring-steam cooking as a Beppu food experience and named venues offering the activity.