Japan’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates collide, make it a hotbed for volcanic activity—and a beautiful place to find relaxation and rejuvenation in naturally occurring hot springs. The town of Beppu, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushi, is one of the best places to enjoy the traditional Japanese hot springs experience. This small town has more than 3,000 hot springs that produce more hot spring water than any other destination in the country.

During a visit to Beppu, you’ll find hot springs to soak in, dramatic and colorful springs you’ll have to see to believe, and a handful of other attractions you’ll want to experience. Here’s what you need to know to have a relaxing and enjoyable visit to Beppu.

Japan’s Onsen Culture

Visiting hot springs, called “onsen” in Japanese, is rooted in centuries of tradition. In Japanese culture, onsens are highly regarded for their therapeutic benefits—the rich mineral content in the water is said to heal a wide range of ailments. They’re also valued for their communal atmosphere where individuals can unwind and connect while surrounded by nature.

If you plan on visiting a traditional Japanese onsen during your visit, there are a few things you should know. First, most onsens are separated by gender. Visitors are expected to wash thoroughly before entering the springs. No swimsuits are allowed, and many locations don’t allow visitors with tattoos. Visitors with long hair should tie their hair up and keep it out of the water. Most importantly, the hot springs are for relaxing, not for swimming or washing.

Hot Springs to Visit

No trip to Beppu is complete without going for a soak in one of the town’s famous hot springs. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Takegawara is Beppu’s most famous hot springs bath. It was first constructed in 1879 and today offers a traditional experience. Choose to soak in one of the many baths or treat yourself to a sand bath, where you are buried up to the neck in sand warmed by the springs.
• For an upscale experience with unmatched views, consider Tanayu, located on the rooftop of the Suginoi Hotel. There are separate men’s and women’s springs, both with a combination of indoor, semi-open-air, and open-air baths. For a mixed-gender experience, visit the swimsuits-required Aqua Garden, which features lovely Beppu Bay views.
• At Onsen Hoyoland, you can not only enjoy a soak in a traditional hot spring, but you can also experience their mud bath. Follow local visitors’ leads and rub some mud into your skin for hydration and exfoliation.

Visit the “Hells of Beppu”

With temperatures that often exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit, Beppu’s “hells,” called “jigoku” in Japanese, are a collection of seven uniquely colorful hot springs for viewing, not bathing, that you won’t want to miss the chance to see.

• Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) features a pool of milky blue water, surrounded by steam.
• Oniishibozu Jigoku (Shaven Monk’s Head Hell) is full of bubbling gray mud. Its name comes from the shape the mud makes as it bubbles up.
• Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell) has milky-white water due to high calcium content, surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden.
• Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell) gives visitors the opportunity to experience the moisturizing effect of steam in hand and foot baths.
• Oniyama Jogoku (Monster Mountain Hell) is home to a large number of crocodiles, which were bred in the area because of its warm environment.
• Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) is the most unusual of the seven springs. Iron oxide and clay give the water an incredible bright red color.
• Tatsumaki Jigoku has a geyser that erupts every 30 to 40 minutes, shooting hot water and steam high into the air.

Other Things to Do in Beppu

Once you’ve had your fill of hot springs, there are plenty of other activities to fill your day in Beppu. For panoramic views, take the Beppu Ropeway to the top of Mount Tsurumi. If you’re visiting in spring, visit Beppu Park to see the cherry blossoms. Finish your day with a meal at a traditional restaurant, where you can try jigokumushi, traditional dishes that are cooked with steam from the nearby hot springs.

Natural beauty and opportunities for relaxation abound in Beppu, and across Japan, and the best way to experience it for yourself is on an ultra-luxury Seabourn cruise. Let Seabourn take you on a journey to the most storied and stunning destinations in Japan.