Beppu Shore Excursions

 Duration: Half-day (~3–5 hours) ·

Beppu is famed for its “hells” (“Jigoku”) — dramatic geothermal hot springs that spout steam, boil mud, and color water in striking tones. This excursion offers a compact but immersive look at Beppu’s otherworldly landscapes, local steam-cooking traditions, and panoramic views — ideal for cruise visitors with limited time ashore.

• Pick-up at Beppu cruise terminal → begin shore excursion
   

1. Hot Springs “Hells” Tour
   Visit three of Beppu’s most popular hells:
    
   • Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku) — striking blue water in a garden setting 
   • Blood Hell (Chi Jigoku / Blood Pond Hell) — reddish, iron-rich pool 
   • Tornado Hell (Tatsumaki Jigoku) — periodic geyser eruptions
      

1. Jigokumushi Steam Cooking (Kannawa District)
   Try steam-cooking food using natural hot spring steam — a local specialty known as “hell-steam cuisine.”
    
2. Hot Spring Mist Observation Deck
   Enjoy sweeping views of Beppu city and its iconic rising steam clouds.
    

• Return to port with time for re-embarkation
  (Total time ashore depends on traffic and package choice.)
   

• Private car and English-speaking tour guide 
• Entrance fees to the hot-spring attractions 
• Detailed guided commentary 
• Flexible pick-up and return to ship
   

Not included: Lunch (can be added upon request)

• Private car with English-speaking driver (no guided walking commentary) 
• More privacy and scheduling flexibility 
• Driver can assist with logistics and basic guidance
   

Not included: Entrance fees, guided commentary inside sites, lunch

Private Excursion:

• Dedicated driver and guide 
• Faster reception at port 
• Customizable timing and itinerary 
• Higher cost, but more flexibility and personalization
   

Group Excursion:

• Small group (up to ~29 people)
• More economical pricing 
• Fixed itinerary and schedule 
• Shared vehicle and slower port reception
   

9:00 am – Pick-up at Beppu Cruise Terminal, meet your private driver/guide.

9:30 am – 11:00 am – Hot Springs “Hells” Tour

• Visit Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku) with its cobalt-blue waters. 
• Stop at Blood Pond Hell (Chi Jigoku) with its vivid red spring. 
• Watch the Tornado Hell (Tatsumaki Jigoku) geyser erupt.
   

11:15 am – 12:00 pm – Jigokumushi Steam Cooking Experience

• Visit Kannawa to try “hell-steam cuisine” — vegetables, eggs, and seafood cooked by natural geothermal steam.
   

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm – Lunch Break

• Optional add-on: local restaurant featuring Oita specialties such as toriten (tempura chicken) or fresh seafood.
   

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Hot Spring Mist Observation Deck & City Views

• Drive up to a scenic viewpoint to take in Beppu’s cityscape dotted with steaming vents.
   

2:45 pm – 3:45 pm – Optional Cultural Stop

• Choose from:
   
  • Beppu Ropeway to Mt. Tsurumi for panoramic views. 
  • Local art or craft workshop (bamboo weaving, onsen-themed souvenirs). 
  • Shopping street stroll for local snacks and gifts.
     

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Return journey to Beppu Port.

5:00 pm – Drop-off at cruise terminal, with time to re-board your ship.