Oita

For a serious onsen (hot spring bath) experience, there’s no place like Oita. Billowing steam from countless hot spring towns gives the impression that much of the prefecture is constantly on fire.

Despite its hellish properties, Oita’s volcanic landscape is extremely beautiful to look at. It’s also just plain fun to explore. Enjoy great hiking, ancient shrines, temples and more for some rewarding entertainment in between baths.

The Hells of Beppu

Beppu is the onsen capital of Kyushu, if not the whole of Japan, boasting the highest number of hot spring sources and hundreds of baths across a dedicated spa town. Basically, it’s like an onsen theme park in a relaxing rural setting.

You’ll find hot spring baths, mud baths, sand baths, milky baths, blood baths, and steam baths spread out across the area. Some are said to cure ailments from backaches to gastroenteritis, while others increase beauty or restore youth.

Most are for bathing but there are eight that are definitely not. These jigoku, or Hells of Beppu are touted as the area’s tourist highlight. Take a tour of the eight spots including the “blood pond” and “tornado hell,” and try the various steamed foods made with their hot water. Who knew Hell would be so fun?

Yufuin

Leave the onsen gimmicks behind by heading to Yufuin, another hot spring resort town along the foot of Mount Yufu-dake. Here you’ll find a slightly more refined, traditional atmosphere. Traditional inns, boutique restaurants, cafes, and stores line the main streets leading towards picturesque Lake Kinrin-ko. There’s some fantastic hiking in the area around the Aso-Kuju National Park which extends all the way from Mount Aso in Kumamoto.

Tattoos in onsen are traditionally taboo, but with Japan hosting both the 2020 Olympics and 2019 Rugby World Cup Games, many onsen are changing their rules (slowly). Oita has one of the largest concentrations of tattoo-friendly onsen in Japan—it’s a must-visit for inked hot springs lovers.

Head over towards the southeastern side of the prefecture to visit coastal Oita City and try some tasty fugu (pufferfish). Only trained chefs are allowed to prepare the notoriously-poisonous delicacy, so don’t worry, it’s safe! Further on is Usuki, a quaint castle town known for its awe-inspiring cliffside Buddha carvings.

Ready to go to Hell and back in Oita? Start with the locations below.