This Is Japan's Favorite Hot Springs Town-With Over 2,500 Hot Springs and 7 Colorful 'Hells' You Can Visit

"In this particular town, though, the landscape is peppered with tendrils of steam and mist that rise high above the pine trees and blue waters. This is Beppu, the hot springs capital of Japan. Located on the eastern coast of Kyushu Island in southwestern Japan, Beppu has been an onsen (hot spring) destination for centuries. There are more than 2,500 hot spring sources in town, and travelers have been coming to cleanse and soothe themselves in Beppu's warm waters for centuries."

"You can see the town's geothermal prowess in full display at its seven 'hells'-pools of steaming water that each have their own unique features. The 'sea hell' bubbles with turquoise water, while 'blood pond hell' is famous for its ominous, dark red hue, thanks to its rich iron oxide content. As you walk around Beppu, you'll notice evidence of the springs quite literally everywhere."

Beppu sits on Kyushu's eastern coast and serves as Japan's hot springs capital with more than 2,500 sources. The town features seven 'hells'—distinct steaming pools like the turquoise 'sea hell' and iron-rich, dark red 'blood pond hell'. Cobblestone streets and twisting stone staircases are lined with channels of thermal water whose gentle flow provides a constant, soothing soundtrack. Beyond onsens, Beppu supports a renowned bamboo art tradition and a nightlife of music bars and natural wine hangouts. Local staff at tourist centers, including Tomomi Hatayama of Wander Compass near Beppu Station, have lived in the city for over ten years and share knowledge about its beauty and friendly locals.

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