Things to do in Beppu on your day ashore

Located on Japan’s large southern island of Kyushu, Beppu is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring regions, known worldwide for an intensely geothermal landscape where plumes of steam rise from vents, pools and hot spring waters all across the city.

Among Beppu’s most photographed attractions are its colorful “Boiling Hells,” a collection of dramatic geothermal pools created by volcanic activity. Despite their hot spring origins, today these striking pools are meant for viewing rather than bathing. Their unusual colors, bubbling water and clouds of steam provide a memorable introduction to the region’s volatile geologic character.

A visit to the Boiling Hells also pairs naturally with other experiences around Beppu, which cruise guests can experience via curated shore excursions. You can combine the geothermal scenery with visits to nearby shrines, a local winery or opportunities to observe the region’s wild monkeys up close, giving Princess Cruises guests a broader look at the culture, landscapes and wildlife of Beppu and the surrounding landscape of Kyushu.

Beppu’s Jigoku Meguri, or “Boiling Hells,” are geothermal pools named for their otherworldly steam and color, varying from milky whites to cobalt blue and turquoise to blood red and orange. Today, visitors are expected to experience them via their eyes, rather than bathing. However, at Umi-Jigoku’s striking aquamarine waters, there’s a small foot spa where guests who bring their own towel can dip their toes.

Beppu’s onsen (traditional Japanese bathing) culture persists here and has certainly been reinforced over the centuries due to the geothermal features of this region. Today, facilities like sand baths and mud baths are available to residents or visitors to the city (along with the more typical Japanese onsen hot water bathing facilities), though these are not part of a guided excursion like the one to Usa Jingu Shrine and Boiling Hell Hot Springs.

Discover another side of Kyushu with a visit to Usa Jingu Shrine, considered the first of Japan’s more than 40,000 Hachimangu shrines. These are Shinto sanctuaries dedicated to Hachiman, the divine spirit of war, archery and protection. Set amid peaceful wooded grounds, this shrine features distinctive architecture that reflects its long history and religious significance, along with a bright red-orange coloring that is distinctive and beautiful. Exploring the complex offers a closer look at Japan’s Shinto traditions.

If you are taking advantage of the Jingu Shrine excursion mentioned above, you’ll next continue to Ajimu Winery, located in a misty, lush geographic basin known as one of Kyushu’s wine-producing regions. Guests may stroll through the vineyards, where grapes are cultivated in the surrounding countryside, followed by a factory tour that provides information about local wine production.

Together, the shrine and winery offer Princess Cruises guests a varied day ashore, combining centuries of Japanese heritage with the agricultural landscapes and winemaking traditions of Kyushu.

You can get an up-close look at one of Kyushu’s best-known wildlife attractions at Mt. Takasaki Monkey Park. The forested mountain is home to more than 1,500 wild Japanese macaques, which roam freely through their natural surroundings.

The monkeys have become accustomed to the presence of humans, allowing guests to observe them at close range and capture memorable photographs. Watching the macaques move around the mountainside offers a distinctive wildlife experience during a shore day in Beppu.

The Princess Cruises Mt. Takasaki Monkey Park and Boiling Hell Hot Springs excursion also includes a visit to the Boiling Hells. This provides an opportunity to view Beppu’s colorful geothermal pools and steaming volcanic landscape while combining two of the region’s signature attractions in one excursion.

Beppu offers additional ways to experience the beautiful landscapes and geothermal traditions that define this part of Kyushu. For panoramic scenery, Mount Tsurumi is a popular destination overlooking the city, where a ropeway (an aerial gondola) carries visitors up the mountain to elevated viewpoints revealing Beppu, the surrounding mountains and the coastline below. It can be a worthwhile option for guests exploring the region independently on a shore day or for visitors to the city staying for a few days.

Interestingly, Beppu’s geothermal activity also influences its local cuisine. Jigoku-mushi, or “hell-steamed” cooking, uses naturally occurring geothermal steam to prepare ingredients such as vegetables, seafood and meat. The technique has long been associated with the hot spring region and offers visitors a different (and delicious) way to experience Beppu’s geothermal resources. The most famous dishes include:

• Jigoku-Mushi Purin - A silky-rich Japanese custard pudding made famous by Okamotoya, a shop in Beppu’s Myoban district that has sold it since 1988. The custard is cooked using natural geothermal steam.
• Onsen Tamago - Traditionally cooked in the geothermal waters of Japanese hot springs, these eggs take advantage of the fact that egg yolks and whites set at different temperatures. The result is a perfectly jammy, custardy yolk surrounded by milky, soft and silky whites, similar to a poached egg. These eggs are typically served in a small bowl with a light, savory dashi and soy sauce broth.
• Butaman - Pork buns steamed in hot spring vapor are a street-side favorite in Beppu’s Kannawa district.

A shore day in Beppu rewards guests with striking geothermal features, mountain vistas, historical landmarks and even wild monkeys. Choose the Usa Jingu excursion for shrines, a winery and a stop at the Boiling Hells, or the Mt. Takasaki excursion for wild monkeys and two of the Hells. For stone Buddhas and castle ruins, choose the Usuki excursion.

Explore available Princess® Japan cruises to Beppu and discover your dream itinerary.