Private Beppu and Yufuin Hot Springs and Nature Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Legend has it that before the tunnel was built, people had to climb over the cliffs through which the tunnel is built to reach an important local shrine. During the Edo period (1603 to 1867), a Monk named Zenkai, who had committed a murder in his earlier life, decided to build a safe passage for worshipers in order to atone for his crime. Beginning at the age of 49, he dedicated 30 years of his life to digging the 185 meter tunnel by hand, using only a hammer and chisel. The tunnel was opened for use in 1763 and it is still in use today. Talk about longevity!

   45 minutes here

2. Usa Jingu Shrine Torii

   One of the largest Hachiman Shrines in Japan. Usa Jingu is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan with a history that spans close to 1300 years. Its main deity is Hachiman, who is worshipped as a guardian of the country and the imperial family. Shrines dedicated to Hachiman are among the most numerous in Japan and Usa Jingu serves as their head shrine. As you can guess, this holds the Shrine as one of the most important in Japan and rightly so.

   45 minutes here · Admission included

3. Chinoike Jigoku

   The Blood Hell Ponds called Chinoike Jigoku in Japanese, in the hot spring town of Beppu, Oita Prefecture is a spring that is blood red. It has existed for over 1300 years and its color is said to be a result of some chemical reaction occurring underground. The color has remained this way ever since the beginning except for a 6 month period in the 1970's. The nearby Aso Volcano in neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture, had a very unstable period which affected the coloring of the water.

   25 minutes here · Admission included

4. Yukemuri Observatory

   An incredible lookout! The view from here and nearby vantage points are spectacular. The view far below of the plumes of smoke rising from all that Volcanic activity underground is what makes Beppu such a popular attraction.

   20 minutes here · Admission included

5. Jigokumushikobo Kannawa

   An excellent lunch experience where you will have the opportunity to steam your own foods the healthiest and most natural way of cooking. Many Western and Japanese options are available and the natural saltiness of the thermal activity will naturally infuse and flavor the meal at hand.

   45 minutes here · Admission included

6. Yufuin Onsen

   I remember clearly the first time I came to Yufuin. It was a sleepy, tranquil and pristine location that attracted the elite and top end travelers with people coming here for a relaxing weekend or having a holiday house/ cabin in the region. It wasn't particularly set up for the younger, backpacker, type of traveler at all. Over the decades a huge change has transpired. Of course there is still the high end resorts and Michelin starred restaurants but the younger generation has forced a major change on this sleepy town, with out of the ordinary, trendy and pop culture speciality shops popping up all over. Now, I might be a little on the traditional side now that I am older but a small part of me wishes the Instagrammable culture of this current generation had not found this special area of Oita Prefecture.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

7. Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Bridge

   The bridge is designed to hold 1,800 people at once, which may seem like a lot until you consider that 300,000 crossed it during the first month it was open in 2006. Views from this bridge are impressive year-round, however the best time to visit is between April and early December, particularly from mid-April to May to see the lush green spring foliage, and in November for the fiery autumn colors. However be advised that every Tom, Dick and Keiko will be here too enjoyed all those yellows, reds and orange hues. It could be an extended wait in peak times.

   30 minutes here · Admission included

8. Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Brewery

   An excellent finish to the day for Beer lovers. Come and see how beer is made in Japan and of course there will be a glass or 2 at the end of the tour to sample to see which one is your favorite. If beer is not your thing then we have to option of skipping this attraction and heading instead to...........

   45 minutes here · Admission included

9. Tosu Premium Outlets

   Generally we will spend about 60 to 90 minutes here, but those hardcore shoppers can extend this period of time and 120 to 150 minutes is not unheard of. However we may have to eliminate a previous attraction on the itinerary to get this option available to us. The Outlet mall is conveniently located (approx. 45 minute drive from Fukuoka City) with its late closing time makes it a perfect last destination on our private tour together.

   60 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Small group Day Tour

  Public or Private Onsen: A complimentary Hot Spring is an option on the day. Duration: 12 hours Lunch and Beverages: A delicious lunch and various beverages will be supplied. Toyota Prius: A vehicle that seats 3 adults comfortably, or 2 adults and 2 children. Pickup included

• Large Group Day Tour

  Private or Public Onsen: A private or public Hot Spring is a complimentary option on the day. Duration: 12 hours Lunch and Beverages: A sit down lunch or something on the go will be provided on the day. Toyota Grand Hiace: A spacious vehicle for 9 people with lots of room to enjoy the scenic drive. Pickup included

• Medium Group Day Tour

  Public or Private Onsen: A public or private Hot Spring experience is provided. Duration: 12 hours Lunch and Beverages: A steamed lunch and various beverages will be supplied. Toyota Estima: A spacious vehicle that fit 6 average sized adults. Pickup included

• Executive Tour option

  Private Onsen experience: A private hot spring experience is something that you will remember for years to come. Executive Tour: Travel in Luxury and Comfort and be treated to the highest level of service on your special day. Duration: 12 hours: You may return back to your Hotel earlier by cancelling one of the attractions. Lunch and Beverages: A unique steamed lunch and various beverages will be available throughout the day. Toyota Estima: A luxury and spacious vehicle that you will be comfortable in all day. Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Shannon Lefebvre

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Photos