Hey guys! Welcome back to my travel blog.
It’s been a while since my last travel post, I think the previous one was back in August. Time really flies! So this time, I’m excited to finally share something a little special: my first ever trip to Japan.
Yes, you read that right....my first trip.
Many people were actually quite surprised when they found out I had never been to Japan before. Considering I’ve traveled to quite a number of countries over the years, Japan somehow just never made it onto my itinerary.
But I guess good things are worth the wait, because I finally made it there in December 2025.
For this trip, I traveled with my girlfriend, Stella.
When we were planning the itinerary, we both agreed on one thing: we didn’t want a rushed, city-hopping type of trip. Instead, we were craving something slower and more relaxing, a place where we could just drive, enjoy the scenery, and end the year on a peaceful note.
That’s how we decided on Fukuoka.
Compared to the more popular cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Fukuoka felt like the perfect balance.
It has the convenience of a city, but at the same time, it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside, coastal drives, and quiet towns that are perfect for a road trip.
Exactly the kind of vibe we were looking for.
Our plan was simple, rent a car, take things slow, explore the outskirts, and hopefully experience a different side of Japan that’s a little more calm and local.
No packed schedules, no rushing from one attraction to another, just enjoying the journey along the way.
And honestly, it turned out to be one of the most relaxing trips I’ve had in a long time.
So in this blog, I’ll be sharing our Fukuoka road trip itinerary, some beautiful countryside spots, food we tried, and a few memorable moments along the way.
If you’re someone who prefers slow travel and scenic drives instead of busy city crowds, this trip might just give you some ideas for your next Japan adventure.
It’s been a while since my last travel post, I think the previous one was back in August. Time really flies! So this time, I’m excited to finally share something a little special: my first ever trip to Japan.
Yes, you read that right....my first trip.
Many people were actually quite surprised when they found out I had never been to Japan before. Considering I’ve traveled to quite a number of countries over the years, Japan somehow just never made it onto my itinerary.
But I guess good things are worth the wait, because I finally made it there in December 2025.
For this trip, I traveled with my girlfriend, Stella.
When we were planning the itinerary, we both agreed on one thing: we didn’t want a rushed, city-hopping type of trip. Instead, we were craving something slower and more relaxing, a place where we could just drive, enjoy the scenery, and end the year on a peaceful note.
That’s how we decided on Fukuoka.
Compared to the more popular cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Fukuoka felt like the perfect balance.
It has the convenience of a city, but at the same time, it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside, coastal drives, and quiet towns that are perfect for a road trip.
Exactly the kind of vibe we were looking for.
Our plan was simple, rent a car, take things slow, explore the outskirts, and hopefully experience a different side of Japan that’s a little more calm and local.
No packed schedules, no rushing from one attraction to another, just enjoying the journey along the way.
And honestly, it turned out to be one of the most relaxing trips I’ve had in a long time.
So in this blog, I’ll be sharing our Fukuoka road trip itinerary, some beautiful countryside spots, food we tried, and a few memorable moments along the way.
If you’re someone who prefers slow travel and scenic drives instead of busy city crowds, this trip might just give you some ideas for your next Japan adventure.
Hakata
We spent the first 2 days of our trip in the city area, Hakata, and stayed there for 2 nights before starting our road trip.
Instead of booking a hotel, we decided to rent an Airbnb located at Chikko Honmachi, Hakata-ku, which was close to Fukuoka Tower.
The Airbnb itself was quite small, which is pretty typical in Japan, but it was still comfortable enough for the two of us.
We didn’t really mind the limited space since we were out exploring most of the time anyway.
For a short stay in the city, it was definitely bearable and practical.
We didn’t really mind the limited space since we were out exploring most of the time anyway.
For a short stay in the city, it was definitely bearable and practical.
The location turned out to be really convenient for us.
It was only about a 10-minute walk to the Hakata tower, and the area is also close to the bay, which made the surroundings feel very open and relaxing.
What I liked most about the neighborhood was how easy everything was.
There were plenty of small eateries, cafés, and convenience stores nearby, so finding food was never a problem, even late at night.
In Japan, having a convenience store nearby is honestly a huge plus.
What I liked most about the neighborhood was how easy everything was.
There were plenty of small eateries, cafés, and convenience stores nearby, so finding food was never a problem, even late at night.
In Japan, having a convenience store nearby is honestly a huge plus.
Staying near Fukuoka Tower also meant we could easily walk around the waterfront area and enjoy the sea breeze, which was a nice change from the usual busy city atmosphere.
It was a really pleasant way to start our Japan trip before heading out for the countryside road trip later on.
It was a really pleasant way to start our Japan trip before heading out for the countryside road trip later on.
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Before we could check in to our Airbnb, since they only allowed check-in after 3 PM, we decided to go for a little walk.
We left our luggage at the Airbnb and strolled over to Kawabata Shopping Arcade.
It was such a chill walk, perfect for stretching our legs and getting into the Japan vibe.
Kawabata wasn’t very crowded, which made it feel relaxed and calm, a nice contrast to the busier city streets nearby.
Kawabata wasn’t very crowded, which made it feel relaxed and calm, a nice contrast to the busier city streets nearby.
What surprised us the most was how many hidden food gems we found along the way.
From small local snacks to cozy cafés, it felt like a little treasure hunt every few steps.
It really gave us a sense of the authentic Japan experience, and the traditional streets and quaint shops made it a perfect spot for photos too.
From small local snacks to cozy cafés, it felt like a little treasure hunt every few steps.
It really gave us a sense of the authentic Japan experience, and the traditional streets and quaint shops made it a perfect spot for photos too.
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One of the highlights we stumbled upon in Kawabata was a Daifuku shop.
I saw a lot of people queuing for it, and I just couldn’t resist!
Those soft, chewy mochi with a whole fresh strawberry inside were super fresh and sweet, and honestly, a little piece of heaven in every bite.
I actually grabbed 2 different flavours without any hesitation!
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We also found a fresh sushi store nearby, which was another big surprise.
The sushi looked incredible, and since it was so fresh, we couldn’t resist trying a few pieces right there. There were a lot of local people coming to the store for takeout, and honestly, it really showed the sushi was super fresh and flavorful.
The combination of sweet mochi and savory sushi made our little walk feel like a mini food adventure, and it was such a fun way to experience local flavors in an authentic setting.
It’s definitely one of those hidden gems that gives you a real taste of Fukuoka!
The next day, after having breakfast, we decided to start our day by visiting Tōchō-ji Temple.
The best part? It was within walking distance from where we stayed, and it took us about 20 minutes to reach.
I actually really enjoyed walking there instead of taking a taxi or bus.
It gave us a chance to explore the neighborhood more casually, stumble upon small shops, and see the local streets up close.
There’s something special about walking at your own pace, noticing the details you might otherwise miss, and just soaking in the everyday life around you.
By the time we arrived at Tōchō-ji, we were already in a relaxed mood, ready to enjoy the temple and its serene atmosphere.
I actually really enjoyed walking there instead of taking a taxi or bus.
It gave us a chance to explore the neighborhood more casually, stumble upon small shops, and see the local streets up close.
There’s something special about walking at your own pace, noticing the details you might otherwise miss, and just soaking in the everyday life around you.
By the time we arrived at Tōchō-ji, we were already in a relaxed mood, ready to enjoy the temple and its serene atmosphere.
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Tōchō-ji Temple was such a peaceful and beautiful spot to start our day.
This historic Buddhist temple is famous for its giant wooden statue of Buddha, which is said to be the tallest seated wooden Buddha in Japan.
Standing in front of it, you can really feel the calm and reverence of the place, it’s impressive yet peaceful at the same time.
Standing in front of it, you can really feel the calm and reverence of the place, it’s impressive yet peaceful at the same time.
The temple grounds were well-maintained and quiet, with little corners that felt perfect for a moment of reflection or some calm photography.
We also enjoyed walking through the small pathways lined with traditional structures and greenery, which gave a nice contrast to the more modern city areas we had explored the day before.
One thing I really loved about Tōchō-ji was how it felt authentically Japanese, without feeling overcrowded with tourists.
It was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy a bit of culture and history in the heart of Fukuoka.
After visiting Tōchō-ji, we continued our walk to Kushida-jinja Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine located in Hakata-ku.
This shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu and Susanoo and is said to have been founded all the way back in 757, the history really adds to the atmosphere.
This shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu and Susanoo and is said to have been founded all the way back in 757, the history really adds to the atmosphere.
The entrance of Kushida-jinja is striking, with a traditional torii gate and a stone path lined with lanterns.
Passing through, you immediately feel the calm and historic vibe of the shrine, a perfect introduction to its charm.
It was actually my first time doing temizu, the ritual where you wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the shrine.
It felt really refreshing and made the visit feel more personal and meaningful, a fun way to immerse myself in the local tradition.
One of the most fascinating things about Kushida-jinja is that it’s the center of the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, which is held every July.
Even though we were visiting in December, you could still feel the shrine’s vibrant cultural significance and its connection to the local community.
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Compared to Tōchō-ji, Kushida-jinja was definitely more interesting to walk around.
Behind the shrine, there’s a red torii that’s perfect for photos, and the grounds feel more open with lots to explore.
Behind the shrine, there’s a red torii that’s perfect for photos, and the grounds feel more open with lots to explore.
We also saw many people praying and leaving their wishes on ema (wooden wishing notes), which added a really authentic and lively atmosphere.
There are plenty of nice spots for photos, and if you only have a short time in the city, I’d definitely recommend visiting this shrine over others.
There are plenty of nice spots for photos, and if you only have a short time in the city, I’d definitely recommend visiting this shrine over others.
After that, it was time for some shopping.
We realized that the bus terminal was only about a 10+ minute walk from Tōchō-ji Temple, so we decided to head there for lunch and a bit of shopping.
The clothes there were very affordable, with lots of choices, and the quality was surprisingly good for the price.
If you enjoy browsing for budget-friendly fashion in Japan, this is definitely a place worth checking out while you’re in Hakata.
We realized that the bus terminal was only about a 10+ minute walk from Tōchō-ji Temple, so we decided to head there for lunch and a bit of shopping.
The clothes there were very affordable, with lots of choices, and the quality was surprisingly good for the price.
If you enjoy browsing for budget-friendly fashion in Japan, this is definitely a place worth checking out while you’re in Hakata.
We went to Hakata Bus Terminal, which actually has several floors of shops and restaurants.
One of the highlights for us was the Avail outlet.
For dinner, we decided to have BBQ near our Airbnb, which was located close to the harbour near Fukuoka Tower.
The atmosphere there was nice, especially with the sea breeze and the waterfront view, which made the whole dining experience quite relaxing.
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However, the price was a little on the higher side for what we ordered.
I can’t remember the exact amount, but it was roughly RM100+ per person, which included free-flow gin.
If you enjoy drinking, it might actually be worth it for the drinks.
As for the food, the portions were quite small, and we were honestly still a bit hungry after the meal.
In the end, we did what many people do in Japan, we stopped by a convenience store to grab a bit more food before heading back to the Airbnb
Before heading back in, we also took a moment to enjoy the night view around the area.
And here’s the night view of Fukuoka Tower, pretty, isn’t it?
I actually really enjoyed staying in this area.
And here’s the night view of Fukuoka Tower, pretty, isn’t it?
I actually really enjoyed staying in this area.
It’s peaceful, close to the sea, and still very convenient with plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby.
It turned out to be a great base for our first few days in Fukuoka!
The next day, we started our day very early because it was finally time to pick up our car and begin our road trip, something we had been looking forward to since planning this trip.
One thing that immediately stood out to me was how quiet the town felt.
The town area was very calm, I didn’t see many cars on the road or people walking around.
Compared to the busy streets in Fukuoka, the atmosphere here felt much slower and more peaceful.
It almost felt like time moved at a different pace.
The streets were relaxed, the surroundings were simple, and everything felt very laid-back.
In a way, it was quite refreshing to experience this quieter side of Japan.
For us, it was a nice little pause during the drive, chance to stretch our legs, enjoy the slower atmosphere, and most importantly, find something good to eat for lunch before continuing the journey.
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Overall, it was a simple, traditional, and absolutely satisfying meal, exactly what you’d hope for at a decades-old family-run eatery.
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It turned out to be a great base for our first few days in Fukuoka!
Beppu
The excitement was real!
After spending the first two days exploring the city, we were both really eager to leave the urban area and start discovering the countryside around Fukuoka.
After spending the first two days exploring the city, we were both really eager to leave the urban area and start discovering the countryside around Fukuoka.
We packed up our things, checked out from the Airbnb, and headed to the car rental location to pick up our vehicle.
I had actually booked the car through Klook in advance, and the price was quite reasonable for what we got.
The package included an extra driver, free winter tires, and also full insurance coverage, which gave us a lot of peace of mind for the trip.
I had actually booked the car through Klook in advance, and the price was quite reasonable for what we got.
The package included an extra driver, free winter tires, and also full insurance coverage, which gave us a lot of peace of mind for the trip.
In total, we paid about RM1465 for a 5-day rental, which I felt was pretty good considering everything that was included.
Since we were traveling in December, the winter tires were especially important in case we encountered colder or icy conditions when driving outside the city.
The pickup process was very smooth and efficient. The staff explained everything clearly, we completed the paperwork, checked the car condition, and within about 30 minutes, we were ready to go.
And just like that, our Kyushu road trip officially began.
The feeling of driving out of the city, with the open road ahead and new places waiting to be explored, was honestly one of the most exciting moments of the trip.
The feeling of driving out of the city, with the open road ahead and new places waiting to be explored, was honestly one of the most exciting moments of the trip.
As we slowly left Fukuoka, the scenery began to change.
The busy city buildings gradually gave way to open landscapes and beautiful mountain views.
Along the drive, we were surrounded by rolling hills, quiet countryside roads, and layers of mountains in the distance.
Along the drive, we were surrounded by rolling hills, quiet countryside roads, and layers of mountains in the distance.
The view along the road was really pretty and peaceful.
It felt completely different from the city, much calmer and more relaxing.
Sometimes we would just look out the window and enjoy the scenery passing by, appreciating the wide skies and natural landscapes that Kyushu has to offer.
Sometimes we would just look out the window and enjoy the scenery passing by, appreciating the wide skies and natural landscapes that Kyushu has to offer.
Moments like this are exactly why we chose to do a road trip instead of just staying in the city.
The journey itself became part of the experience, and the beautiful mountain views along the way made the drive incredibly enjoyable.
The journey itself became part of the experience, and the beautiful mountain views along the way made the drive incredibly enjoyable.
After about one and a half hours of driving, we finally arrived at Beppu.
This was one of the planned stopovers on our road trip before continuing our longer journey to the next destination.
This was one of the planned stopovers on our road trip before continuing our longer journey to the next destination.
The town area was very calm, I didn’t see many cars on the road or people walking around.
Compared to the busy streets in Fukuoka, the atmosphere here felt much slower and more peaceful.
It almost felt like time moved at a different pace.
The streets were relaxed, the surroundings were simple, and everything felt very laid-back.
In a way, it was quite refreshing to experience this quieter side of Japan.
For us, it was a nice little pause during the drive, chance to stretch our legs, enjoy the slower atmosphere, and most importantly, find something good to eat for lunch before continuing the journey.
It actually took me a while to figure out what to eat in Beppu.
I spent some time searching around to see what local food was worth trying, and in the end, I came across this Eel Rice Shop that caught my attention.
From the outside, the shop looked very old and traditional, with a wooden exterior that gave it a lot of character.
I spent some time searching around to see what local food was worth trying, and in the end, I came across this Eel Rice Shop that caught my attention.
From the outside, the shop looked very old and traditional, with a wooden exterior that gave it a lot of character.
It had that classic Japanese feel, the kind of place that looks like it has been there for many years.
What made it even more interesting was that the shop mainly specializes in unagi (grilled eel).
Since they were so focused on this one dish, we thought it must be their specialty and probably very good.
So without thinking too much, we decided this would be our lunch stop in Beppu.
What made it even more interesting was that the shop mainly specializes in unagi (grilled eel).
Since they were so focused on this one dish, we thought it must be their specialty and probably very good.
So without thinking too much, we decided this would be our lunch stop in Beppu.
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The entrance of the shop was actually very small, even I had to bend down a little to walk in, which was quite funny. It almost felt like entering a hidden little spot.
Inside, the interior also looked very old and traditional, but everything was clean and well kept...well, it’s Japan after all.
The whole place was filled with wooden elements, from the walls to the furniture, giving it a very warm and nostalgic feeling.
You could really tell that this shop had probably been around for many years, maybe even decades.
The whole place was filled with wooden elements, from the walls to the furniture, giving it a very warm and nostalgic feeling.
You could really tell that this shop had probably been around for many years, maybe even decades.
Even the toilet was extremely small, which added to the old-school charm of the place.
While we were there, I noticed two elderly ladies running the restaurant. They were the ones cooking and serving the food, quietly moving around the small kitchen.
Seeing them manage the whole place gave the restaurant a very authentic and homely atmosphere, like a traditional family-run eatery that has been serving locals for years.
Seeing them manage the whole place gave the restaurant a very authentic and homely atmosphere, like a traditional family-run eatery that has been serving locals for years.
Ordering the food was a little challenging though, because the menu had a lot of Japanese words, which made it quite hard for us to understand what to order. Luckily, the aunty was very kind, she noticed we were a bit confused and showed us some pictures to help us choose.
It was a small gesture, but it made the experience feel very warm and welcoming.
It was a small gesture, but it made the experience feel very warm and welcoming.
When our unagi rice finally arrived, it looked absolutely mouthwatering.
The dish came in a simple bowl, perfectly matching the traditional feel of the shop.
Alongside it, we also got a small bowl of miso soup and a few vegetable appetizers, which complemented the main dish nicely.
The grilled eel was glazed with a sweet and savory sauce, giving it that signature shiny, caramelized look.
Alongside it, we also got a small bowl of miso soup and a few vegetable appetizers, which complemented the main dish nicely.
The grilled eel was glazed with a sweet and savory sauce, giving it that signature shiny, caramelized look.
Just one bite and you could taste how tender and flavorful the eel was, it practically melted in our mouths.
The fluffy white rice underneath had absorbed some of the sauce, making every bite rich and comforting.
The miso soup was light but flavorful, and the little veggie appetizers added a refreshing crunch, balancing the richness of the eel perfectly.
If you ever want to try this delicious unagi rice, you can check it out at this address: 1 Chome-2-20 Kitahama, Beppu, Oita 874-0920, Japan.
It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re passing through Beppu, a small, traditional spot with authentic flavors and a really cozy atmosphere.
It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re passing through Beppu, a small, traditional spot with authentic flavors and a really cozy atmosphere.
After a satisfying lunch, we headed to the famous hot springs in Beppu.
Beppu is actually known as one of the most famous onsen towns in Japan, and it’s particularly well known for the “Beppu Hells” hot springs, which are more for sightseeing rather than bathing.
Beppu is actually known as one of the most famous onsen towns in Japan, and it’s particularly well known for the “Beppu Hells” hot springs, which are more for sightseeing rather than bathing.
There are seven different hot springs in total, known as the Beppu Hells (Jigoku Meguri).
Each one has its own unique color, appearance, and geothermal features, which makes visiting them feel like exploring different natural wonders.
Each one has its own unique color, appearance, and geothermal features, which makes visiting them feel like exploring different natural wonders.
You can either buy individual tickets or get a combined pass for all seven, which is more worth it if you plan to visit several of them. From what I remember, one onsen entrance is around 500 yen, while the combined ticket for all seven is cheaper overall compared to buying them separately.
Among the seven, one of the most highly recommended spots is Umi Jigoku, also known as the “Sea Hell.”
The moment we arrived Umi Jigoku, I could see why it’s so popular.
The hot spring has a beautiful bright cobalt-blue color, which almost looks unreal.
The contrast between the steaming hot water and the deep blue color makes it incredibly photogenic.
The contrast between the steaming hot water and the deep blue color makes it incredibly photogenic.
The whole area around Umi Jigoku is also very nicely maintained, with small gardens, walking paths, and viewing spots where you can admire the hot spring from different angles.
Steam rising from the water creates a mystical atmosphere, especially during the cooler months.
Steam rising from the water creates a mystical atmosphere, especially during the cooler months.
Even though you can’t actually bathe in these “hells,” visiting them is still a really unique experience because you get to see the power of nature up close.
It’s definitely one of the must-visit attractions when you stop by Beppu.
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Since it was my first time in Japan, I had actually never seen an onsen before, so visiting the hot springs in Beppu felt like a completely new experience for me.
Standing in front of such a huge natural hot spring was honestly quite fascinating.
The first thing I noticed was the steam rising from the water, creating this almost dreamy and mysterious atmosphere.
You could even smell the slight sulfur scent in the air, which immediately reminded you that this was a natural geothermal spring from deep underground.
When I saw the vibrant blue water at Umi Jigoku, I was honestly quite amazed.
Standing in front of such a huge natural hot spring was honestly quite fascinating.
The first thing I noticed was the steam rising from the water, creating this almost dreamy and mysterious atmosphere.
You could even smell the slight sulfur scent in the air, which immediately reminded you that this was a natural geothermal spring from deep underground.
When I saw the vibrant blue water at Umi Jigoku, I was honestly quite amazed.
The color was so bright and almost unreal, especially with the hot steam floating above the surface.
It’s something you rarely get to see in real life, and photos honestly don’t fully capture how impressive it looks.
For someone experiencing an onsen area for the first time, it felt both exciting and a little surreal.
It was like seeing nature’s power up close, where the earth produces boiling hot water naturally. Walking around the area, watching the steam rise and hearing the bubbling water, made the whole place feel very unique and memorable.
It was definitely one of those moments where I thought, “Okay, this is something you can only experience in Japan.”
For someone experiencing an onsen area for the first time, it felt both exciting and a little surreal.
It was like seeing nature’s power up close, where the earth produces boiling hot water naturally. Walking around the area, watching the steam rise and hearing the bubbling water, made the whole place feel very unique and memorable.
It was definitely one of those moments where I thought, “Okay, this is something you can only experience in Japan.”
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Umi Jigoku is actually worth visiting even if you only plan to see one hot spring.
One reason is that within the same area, there is also another pink-colored hot spring called Chinoike Jigoku, so you can experience two very different looking hot springs during one visit.
While Umi Jigoku is famous for its beautiful deep blue water, the nearby hot spring has a reddish-pink color, which comes from the natural minerals in the water.
Seeing these different colors created naturally by geothermal activity was really fascinating.
One reason is that within the same area, there is also another pink-colored hot spring called Chinoike Jigoku, so you can experience two very different looking hot springs during one visit.
While Umi Jigoku is famous for its beautiful deep blue water, the nearby hot spring has a reddish-pink color, which comes from the natural minerals in the water.
Seeing these different colors created naturally by geothermal activity was really fascinating.
Because the area is well organized with walking paths, gardens, and viewing spots, it’s easy to explore and enjoy both springs at a relaxed pace.
So if you’re short on time in Beppu, visiting Umi Jigoku is definitely a great choice that gives you more than one unique onsen view in the same area.
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Another nice thing about visiting Umi Jigoku is that besides viewing the hot springs, there is also a free foot onsen available for visitors.
Since the main hot springs here are too hot for bathing, the foot bath is a great way to still experience the onsen water.
You can simply sit down, relax, and soak your feet in the warm mineral water, which feels really comforting, especially after a long drive and lots of walking.
For me, it was a very relaxing moment, just sitting there and enjoying the warmth while surrounded by the beautiful garden and steaming hot springs nearby.
You can simply sit down, relax, and soak your feet in the warm mineral water, which feels really comforting, especially after a long drive and lots of walking.
For me, it was a very relaxing moment, just sitting there and enjoying the warmth while surrounded by the beautiful garden and steaming hot springs nearby.
It was also my first time trying an onsen foot bath, so it made the experience even more memorable.
Personally, I think Umi Jigoku is definitely worth visiting compared to the other onsens.
The vibrant deep blue color, the beautifully maintained garden, and even the foot onsen experience make it feel more complete and enjoyable.
I actually visited two other hot springs in Beppu later on during the trip, but in my opinion, they didn’t feel as impressive as Umi Jigoku.
Some of them were smaller in size, and the viewing areas were quite simple, so the overall experience felt a bit shorter.
Umi Jigoku, on the other hand, has more to explore.
The area is larger, the scenery is nicer, and you can spend more time walking around the gardens, viewing the hot springs from different angles, and even trying the foot bath.
The vivid blue color of the water also makes it one of the most photogenic spots among the Beppu hot springs.
So if you’re short on time and can only choose one, I would personally recommend visiting Umi Jigoku first.
Some of them were smaller in size, and the viewing areas were quite simple, so the overall experience felt a bit shorter.
Umi Jigoku, on the other hand, has more to explore.
The area is larger, the scenery is nicer, and you can spend more time walking around the gardens, viewing the hot springs from different angles, and even trying the foot bath.
The vivid blue color of the water also makes it one of the most photogenic spots among the Beppu hot springs.
So if you’re short on time and can only choose one, I would personally recommend visiting Umi Jigoku first.
Continue reading and you’ll find out which other two onsens we visited, and why they didn’t quite leave the same impression. :)
The second hot spring I visited was Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, located in the Kannawa Onsen area.
It was actually less than a 5-minute walk from Umi Jigoku, so I thought, why not just visit it as well while we were already there?
It was actually less than a 5-minute walk from Umi Jigoku, so I thought, why not just visit it as well while we were already there?
This one was quite different from the others because instead of colorful water, what you see here is grey mud bubbling from the ground. It’s actually quite a mysterious sight.
The mud constantly boils and forms round bubbles, and interestingly, the shape of these bubbles looks a bit like a bald head.
Because of that, the name “Bozu” comes from the Japanese word for skinhead.
Because of that, the name “Bozu” comes from the Japanese word for skinhead.
Another interesting feature here is something called “Oni no Takaibiki,” which means “the demon’s snoring.”
There is a geyser underground that releases steam, and the sound it makes is said to resemble the snoring of a demon.
When the steam escapes from the ground, you can actually hear a deep rumbling sound, which adds a slightly mysterious atmosphere to the place.
There is a geyser underground that releases steam, and the sound it makes is said to resemble the snoring of a demon.
When the steam escapes from the ground, you can actually hear a deep rumbling sound, which adds a slightly mysterious atmosphere to the place.
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Compared to Umi Jigoku, this hot spring is more about observing the natural geothermal activity rather than enjoying colorful scenery.
It was still interesting to see, especially the boiling mud pools, but the area is smaller and quicker to explore, which is why I personally felt Umi Jigoku was the more impressive one overall.
This onsen was much less crowded compared to the others.
When I entered Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, I was actually the only visitor there at that moment.
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When I entered Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, I was actually the only visitor there at that moment.
Because the surroundings were so quiet, with only the natural bubbling sounds from the mud and the steam coming from the ground, it felt a little eerie at first, I have to admit I was slightly scared for a moment… haha.
But after a while, I realized it was actually the most peaceful onsen among the ones we visited.
The calm atmosphere made it quite relaxing to just walk around and observe the bubbling mud pools slowly.
Another nice thing here is that there’s also a free foot onsen, so visitors can sit down and soak their feet in the warm mineral water while enjoying the quiet surroundings.
Compared to the more popular spots, this one felt simpler but much more tranquil, which was quite a unique experience in its own way.
But after a while, I realized it was actually the most peaceful onsen among the ones we visited.
The calm atmosphere made it quite relaxing to just walk around and observe the bubbling mud pools slowly.
Another nice thing here is that there’s also a free foot onsen, so visitors can sit down and soak their feet in the warm mineral water while enjoying the quiet surroundings.
Compared to the more popular spots, this one felt simpler but much more tranquil, which was quite a unique experience in its own way.
The last onsen we visited was Kamado Jigoku, which is also located in the Kannawa Onsen area.
It was very close to the previous onsen, only about a 10-minute walk away, so it was quite convenient to include it in our visit.
Compared to the other onsens we went to earlier, this one was actually the most crowded.
There were many more visitors walking around and taking photos, so the atmosphere felt much more lively and touristy.
Compared to the other onsens we went to earlier, this one was actually the most crowded.
There were many more visitors walking around and taking photos, so the atmosphere felt much more lively and touristy.
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One of the reasons why Kamado Jigoku is so popular is because there are actually six different “hells” within the same location.
Each one looks slightly different, so visitors can experience a variety of geothermal sights all in one place.
Some pools have bright blue water, others have orange or reddish tones, and there are also muddy hot springs where the mineral-rich mud bubbles up from the ground.
It’s quite interesting to see how each hot spring has its own unique color and characteristics.
Each one looks slightly different, so visitors can experience a variety of geothermal sights all in one place.
Some pools have bright blue water, others have orange or reddish tones, and there are also muddy hot springs where the mineral-rich mud bubbles up from the ground.
It’s quite interesting to see how each hot spring has its own unique color and characteristics.
Another fun thing here is that the staff sometimes conduct small demonstrations, such as steam or smoke experiments, to show how powerful the hot spring steam is.
There is also a unique beauty experience area, where visitors can lean over and let the hot spring steam gently touch their face, which is believed to be good for the skin.
I actually tried the hot spring steam myself, and it was quite a fun and interesting experience.
The warm steam felt very relaxing on the face, almost like a natural spa treatment, and it’s definitely something a little different that you don’t get to try everywhere.
Overall, Kamado Jigoku feels more interactive and lively compared to the other onsens we visited, which is probably why it attracts more visitors.
It’s a great place if you want to see several different types of hot springs in one stop while also enjoying some fun experiences along the way.
However, personally I didn’t enjoy this onsen as much, mainly because it was too crowded and quite noisy.
Compared to the calmer atmosphere at Umi Jigoku and Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, this place felt a lot more touristy.
If you prefer a peaceful and relaxing onsen experience, the other two might feel more enjoyable.
Before sunset, we quickly headed to our next destination, the famous viewpoint, Yukemuri Observation Deck, where you can enjoy a panoramic view over the entire city of Beppu.
From this spot, you can see the whole town from above, and one of the most interesting things is that you can actually see steam rising from many buildings and rooftops.
From this spot, you can see the whole town from above, and one of the most interesting things is that you can actually see steam rising from many buildings and rooftops.
That steam comes from the onsen hot springs beneath the city, which makes Beppu look quite unique compared to other cities in Japan.
Seeing the white steam drifting slowly into the air, especially as the sky started changing colors before sunset, created a really beautiful and slightly surreal view.
It was definitely a perfect stop to end our time exploring the onsens in Beppu before continuing our road trip.
It was definitely a perfect stop to end our time exploring the onsens in Beppu before continuing our road trip.
And just like that, our first stop of the road trip in Beppu came to an end.
Spending the day exploring different onsens, trying local food, and ending it with the beautiful view from Yukemuri Observation Deck was honestly such a memorable experience.
Seeing the steam rising across the city really reminded me why Beppu is known as one of the most famous hot spring towns in Japan.
Seeing the steam rising across the city really reminded me why Beppu is known as one of the most famous hot spring towns in Japan.
For a first-time experience with onsens, it was definitely something new and fascinating for me.
From the bright blue waters at Umi Jigoku, the peaceful bubbling mud at Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, to the lively atmosphere at Kamado Jigoku, each place had its own unique charm.
After a long but exciting day, it was time for us to continue our road trip to the next destination, leaving Beppu behind with many unforgettable memories.
More beautiful places were waiting for us ahead, so stay tuned for the next part of this Kyushu road trip.
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