Beppu Onsen Guide: A Romantic Couples Getaway to Japan’s Hot Spring Paradise

While Japan’s major tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka often steal the spotlight, our recent three-night getaway to Beppu revealed one of the country’s most intimate and rejuvenating destinations for couples. Nestled on the eastern coast of Kyushu Island, Beppu is famous for having the second-largest volume of hot spring water in the world, making it the ultimate onsen (hot spring) destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and authentic Japanese experiences.

Why Beppu’s Onsens Are Perfect for Couples

Beppu offers what many romantic destinations promise but few deliver: genuine seclusion and intimacy without sacrificing cultural experiences. The city’s primary draw is its abundant hot springs—over 2,000 of them—many offering private bathing options that are ideal for couples who want to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of onsens together.

Unlike the more commercialized hot spring towns, Beppu maintains an authentic charm. Steam rises from vents throughout the city (called “jigoku” or “hells”), creating a mystical atmosphere as you explore its streets. This natural phenomenon serves as a constant reminder that you’re in a special place where the earth’s healing waters are never far away.

Staying in a Traditional Ryokan in Beppu

For our three-night stay, we chose the Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei, which proved to be one of the highlights of our trip.

What to Expect at a Beppu Ryokan

Tatami Rooms: Our room featured traditional tatami mat flooring, sliding paper doors, and futon bedding that was laid out each evening during dinner. While initially concerned about sleeping on the floor, the futons were surprisingly comfortable.
Yukata Robes: The ryokan provided cotton yukata robes that we wore throughout our stay—both in our room and when visiting the on-site onsens. This casual attire added to the relaxed atmosphere.
Kaiseki Dining: Each evening, we enjoyed an elaborate multi-course kaiseki dinner featuring local Beppu and Oita Prefecture specialties. The meals were works of art, with seasonal ingredients prepared and presented beautifully. Most ryokans also serve a traditional Japanese breakfast.
Attentive Service: The omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) we experienced was exceptional. Staff members anticipated our needs while respecting our privacy, creating a perfect balance of service and seclusion.

Pro Tip: When selecting a ryokan in Beppu, look for one with both public and private onsen options. While experiencing the public baths is part of Japanese culture, having private options allows couples to share the experience together (as public onsens are typically gender-segregated).

Top 3 Private Onsens in Beppu for Couples

The highlight of our trip was experiencing different private onsens throughout Beppu. Here are three standouts that offered unique experiences:

1. Outdoor Mountain View Onsen

This secluded rotenburo (outdoor bath) provided breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Made of natural stone and surrounded by carefully manicured gardens, the bath maintained a perfect temperature of about 42°C (107°F). The combination of mineral-rich waters and fresh mountain air created a deeply relaxing experience.

2. Historic Wooden Bath House

Dating back over 100 years, this traditional bath house offered private rooms with wooden tubs. The slightly acidic waters are said to beautify the skin, and we did notice our skin felt remarkably soft afterward. The historical atmosphere with its wooden architecture and soft lighting created a romantic ambiance unlike any modern spa could offer.

3. Ocean View Infinity Onsen

Located at the edge of the city, this modern facility features a private infinity-style onsen overlooking Beppu Bay. Watching the sunset over the water while soaking in the therapeutic waters was perhaps the most romantic moment of our trip. The alkaline water here is particularly silky and left our skin feeling moisturized for hours.

Important Note: Most private onsens in Beppu require reservations, especially during high season. We recommend booking at least a week in advance—a lesson we learned the hard way when we couldn’t get into one of the most highly recommended private baths.

Beyond Hot Springs: Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in Beppu

While the onsens were the centerpiece of our romantic getaway, Beppu offered several unique experiences that added depth to our trip:

Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)

Rather than visiting all eight of the famous “hells” (which can be crowded with tour groups), we selected just two of the less-visited ones. The cobalt blue waters of Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) were particularly striking, and by arriving early in the morning, we had the place nearly to ourselves.

Kannawa Steam-Cooking (Jigoku Mushi)

In the Kannawa district, we participated in a unique cooking experience where food is prepared using the natural steam from the hot springs. We cooked fresh local vegetables, eggs, and seafood in the steam vents, creating a meal with exceptionally pure flavors. Several traditional restaurants offer this experience for tourists, but we found a small local spot where we were the only non-Japanese visitors.

Myoban Yunosato

This lesser-known area specializes in the production of “yu-no-hana,” mineral deposits harvested from the hot springs that have been used in traditional Japanese skincare for centuries. We visited a small workshop where we learned about the traditional production methods and purchased some natural skincare products as souvenirs.

Dawn Onsen Experience

For a truly special experience, we woke before sunrise one morning to visit an onsen as the city was just waking up. The combination of early morning mist, rising steam, and soft dawn light created an almost surreal atmosphere that felt worlds away from everyday life.

7 Practical Tips for Couples Visiting Beppu Onsens

Based on our experience, here are some practical tips for couples planning their own romantic getaway to Beppu:

1. Onsen Etiquette in Beppu

Thoroughly wash your body before entering an onsen
Remove all jewelry (the minerals in the water can discolor metals)
No swimming suits in traditional onsens (though some modern facilities make exceptions)
Bring a small towel for modesty when walking between washing area and bath
Never put your towel in the onsen water (rest it on your head or at the side of the bath)

2. Planning Your Beppu Stay

Book private onsens in advance: This cannot be emphasized enough. The best private facilities often book up days or weeks ahead.
Visit during weekdays if possible: We found weekends to be significantly busier, even in this off-the-beaten-path destination.
Consider the seasons: Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (November) are beautiful but busier. We visited in mid-February when it was quieter.

3. Transportation in Beppu

Beppu is easily accessible by train from major cities in Kyushu
Within Beppu, the local bus system is convenient for reaching the major onsen areas
For the more remote private onsens, taxis are often necessary (have your accommodation write down the destination in Japanese)

4. Best Dining in Beppu

Jigoku Mushi Kobo: For authentic steam-cooking
Toyotsune: A local izakaya (pub) serving regional specialties like “toriten” (Oita-style chicken tempura)
Morning Fish Market: For the freshest seafood, visit the small morning market near Beppu Station

5. Ryokan Selection Tips

Check if breakfast and dinner are included (traditional kaiseki meals are a highlight)
Confirm if they have private onsen options on-site
Read reviews specifically from international travelers to gauge language accessibility

6. Best Times to Visit Beppu

Weekdays: For fewer crowds at popular onsens
Early mornings: Many public baths are less crowded before 9am
February-March or October-November: Ideal weather without peak season crowds

7. What to Pack for Your Beppu Onsen Trip

Quick-dry towel (though most ryokans provide these)
Waterproof phone case for taking photos near steamy areas
Comfortable slip-on shoes for easy removal when entering ryokans and bathhouses
Hydrating face masks to complement your onsen treatments

Final Thoughts: Why Beppu Is Japan’s Best Kept Secret for Couples

Our three-night escape to Beppu provided exactly what we needed: a perfect balance of relaxation and gentle adventure. The intimate experience of sharing private onsens while immersing ourselves in authentic Japanese culture created memories that feel distinctly different from our other travels.

What makes Beppu special for couples is that the entire experience feels unhurried. There’s no pressure to check off must-see landmarks or rush between attractions. Instead, the focus is on being present with each other while embracing the Japanese concept of “yutori”—a spaciousness of time and mind.

For couples seeking a romantic getaway that goes beyond the typical beach resort or European city break, Beppu offers a unique alternative that combines cultural immersion with genuine opportunities for connection and relaxation.

Planning Your Beppu Onsen Trip:

Best time to visit Beppu: Year-round, though spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures
Getting to Beppu: Direct trains from Fukuoka (Hakata Station) take approximately 2 hours
Beppu accommodation costs: Ryokans range from ¥20,000 to ¥50,000 per couple per night, including breakfast and dinner
Private onsen reservations in Beppu: Most ryokans can arrange these for you, or book directly through each facility’s website
Recommended stay in Beppu: 2-4 nights is ideal to fully experience the variety of onsens without rushing