Oita Tourism - Trade Update - Summer 2026

The steaming streets of Kannawa Onsen

Helping travel professionals sell Japan's onsen prefecture

Welcome to the first edition of the Oita Tourism Trade Update, created specifically for travel professionals in Europe. Each edition will share itinerary ideas, accommodation, experiences and practical updates to help you confidently incorporate Oita Prefecture into your Japan itineraries.

Home to Beppu, Japan's hot spring capital, as well as picturesque castle towns, destination-worthy ryokans, exceptional food culture and beautiful countryside, Oita makes an ideal addition to itineraries exploring Japan beyond the Golden Route.

Why include Beppu in your Japan itineraries?

Beppu is Japan's most famous hot spring destination and one of the country's most distinctive places to experience onsen culture. The city is home to more than 2,000 natural hot spring sources, creating a dramatic landscape where steam rises from streets, gardens and rooftops throughout the town.

Visitors can enjoy everything from historic public bathhouses and traditional ryokan to private open-air baths, sand baths and steam baths. Beyond bathing, Beppu offers experiences that can only be found here, including jigoku-mushi, where food is cooked using naturally heated geothermal steam, and visits to the colourful "Hells of Beppu", a collection of spectacular geothermal springs.

Beppu: Japan's Onsen Capital

Beppu is also remarkably accessible. It can be reached in around 95 minutes by air from Tokyo Haneda to Oita Airport, with onward transfers by airport bus, or combined with rail travel around Kyushu.

Trade tip: We recommend a minimum two-night stay, allowing clients time to experience Beppu while also exploring nearby attractions such as Kitsuki, Yufuin or the Kunisaki Peninsula. Beppu is also particularly welcoming for tattooed travellers, with around 100 tattoo-friendly hot springs throughout the city, helping international visitors enjoy an authentic onsen experience with confidence. See the 2026 Map Guide to Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Beppu.

Find out more at Beppu Tourism and Oita Tourism.

Walking through Kannawa's Steam-filled Streets

For clients wanting to experience everyday life in a hot spring town, a guided walking tour through Kannawa offers a fascinating introduction to Beppu beyond the famous

Hells.

Beginning at the deep blue Umi Jigoku (‘Sea Hell’) and the bubbling mud Oniishibozu Jigoku (‘Monk’s Head Hell’), the tour explores the narrow streets where geothermal steam drifts between traditional inns, neighbourhood bathhouses and local shops. Along the way, visitors discover how hot spring water shapes daily life, from cooking methods and community baths to the architecture of the district itself.

The tour provides valuable cultural context and works particularly well alongside visits to the Hells of Beppu.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours

Suitable for: FITs and small groups

Price: JPY12,000 (with 10% commission to agents)

Contact: Local DMC Glide Japan   Email: activity@glidejapan.co.jp 

Discover Beppu's Bamboo Craft Heritage

Oita Prefecture is Japan's largest producer of madake bamboo and home to Japan's only specialist bamboo craft training school, established in 1939. Visitors can discover this nationally recognised craft at the Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center, take part in a bamboo weaving workshop or visit an artisan's studio. During the Edo period, visitors to Beppu for therapeutic bathing typically stayed for long periods and prepared their own meals, using methods such as jigoku-mushi. The bamboo trays and baskets they for geothermal steam cooking helped further develop Beppu’s bamboo craft industry.

From beautifully woven baskets and bamboo kitchenware to contemporary works of art, Beppu’s bamboo craftsmanship offers meaningful pieces that celebrate centuries-old skills while supporting local artisans. Complete the experience with a stroll through the peaceful bamboo groves of Beppu Park, an ideal spot for bamboo photography.

Hotel Spotlight

Beppu offers a diverse range of accommodation, from traditional ryokan and onsen resorts to contemporary hotels that blend local character with modern comforts. Whether seeking a classic hot spring experience or a stylish base for exploring the city, visitors will find options to suit different travel styles and budgets.

Contemporary Ryokan - KAI Beppu

Operated by Hoshino Resorts, KAI Beppu combines modern comfort with traditional ryokan hospitality. Every room enjoys ocean views across Beppu Bay, while guests can experience seasonal kaiseki cuisine, beautifully designed hot spring baths and cultural activities inspired by local traditions. It is an excellent option for clients seeking an upscale ryokan stay with English-language support. Find out more at KAI Beppu.

Boutique Stay – Fujiya Hotel

Fujiya Hotel offers guests the chance to stay in one of Beppu’s most significant historic buildings. The beautifully preserved Meiji-era structure, built in 1899, is the only remaining building from the Meiji period in Beppu and has been carefully restored alongside a contemporary new wing. Located in Kannawa, the hotel combines heritage, modern comfort and geothermal culture, with natural hot spring baths and jigoku-mushi cuisine cooked using steam from the earth. With just a small number of guest rooms, Fujiya provides a personalised stay for travellers seeking authenticity, sustainability and a deeper connection with Beppu’s onsen heritage. For more see kannawa-fujiya.com.

Modern Japanese-style Hotel - Hana Beppu

Following an extensive refurbishment, Hana Beppu has reopened in March 2026 with refreshed interiors and newly introduced spaces designed for guests to relax at their own pace, including an all-inclusive lounge, library, and children’s play area crafted from bamboo. Conveniently located close to Beppu Station, it offers spacious rooms, quality hot spring baths and an excellent base for exploring both the city and wider Oita Prefecture. It is particularly suitable for couples, families and small escorted groups. Visit hanabeppu.jp. 

Suggested Excursion - Kitsuki Castle Town

Just 30 minutes from Beppu, Kitsuki offers visitors the opportunity to experience one of Kyushu’s most attractive historic castle towns. Its distinctive layout places former samurai districts on two hills overlooking a merchant quarter, connected by picturesque stone slopes that have changed little since the Edo period. Visitors can explore preserved samurai residences, visit Kitsuki Castle overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, or hire a traditional kimono and stroll through the town’s historic streets, with complimentary admission to participating attractions and the opportunity to capture memorable photos in the beautifully preserved samurai houses.

Kitsuki pairs particularly well with a stay in Beppu, offering a contrasting cultural experience within easy reach.

Find out more at kit-suki.com

Become a Beppu Specialist

The Beppu Local Academy offers a free online training programme designed for travel professionals. The course introduces the destination's accommodation, experiences, onsens and practical visitor information, helping advisors confidently recommend Beppu to clients. Sign up at local-academy.com