Beppu Hot Springs Bath and Make Jigokumushi Dish in Kyushu Japan

A Taste of Beppu’s Thermal Charm: Hot Springs and Jigokumushi Making Tour

If you’re exploring Kyushu, Beppu’s famous for its steaming hot springs and otherworldly “Hells.” This tour offers a chance to not only witness the bubbling thermal sights but also to get hands-on with one of Japan’s authentic culinary traditions: Jigokumushi—literally, “Hell Steaming.” It blends hot spring magic with local flavors, giving you an experience that’s both fun and delicious.

What we love about this tour? First, the opportunity to buy fresh ingredients locally and create your own steaming dish adds a personal touch many tours miss. Second, the inclusion of the Mushiyu steam bath lets you feel the healing power of Beppu’s geothermal waters firsthand. Lastly, the expert guides make the experience smooth and engaging, sharing insights you wouldn’t find in a guidebook.

A potential consideration? The Kannawa Mushiyu steam bath involves entering a small, dark, confined space, which isn’t for the claustrophobic or those uncomfortable with dark environments. Also, if you’re not keen on public transportation or prefer private rides, you’ll need to arrange that separately, as the price covers mainly the activities, not transport.

This tour suits travelers who love a mix of culture, culinary fun, and relaxing hot spring experiences. It’s perfect for curious foodies, spa lovers, or anyone wanting to explore Beppu beyond its famous hot springs.

Key Points

• Authentic Cooking: Making Jigokumushi with fresh ingredients bought locally offers a genuine taste of Kyushu cuisine.
• Thermal Wellness: The Mushiyu steam bath provides both internal detox benefits and external relaxation.
• Expert Guidance: Friendly guides help you navigate the experience confidently, sharing stories and tips.
• Balanced Experience: Combines sightseeing, hands-on cooking, and hot spring bathing into a manageable 4-hour activity.
• Value for Money: For $157.15, you get a well-rounded day that includes food, baths, tools, and towels—no hidden fees.
• Limited Private Transport: Transportation is not included, so plan accordingly if you prefer private rides.

Exploring the Beppu Hot Springs and Jigokumushi Tour in Depth

An inviting introduction to Beppu

Starting in Beppu, a city renowned for its steaming “Hells,” this tour sets out with a straightforward plan: explore local markets, then dive into the thermal wonders and culinary traditions that make Beppu special. The guide takes you through the bustling supermarkets, where you pick ingredients for your Jigokumushi. This part is surprisingly fun—imagine wandering aisles filled with fresh vegetables and local produce, with the guide sharing tips on choosing the best ingredients.

Shopping in Beppu isn’t just about gathering food; it becomes an immersive cultural experience. The guide’s local knowledge helps you pick items that will steam well and taste fantastic, giving you a real connection to the region’s food scene. As Sheila from a recent review mentions, “We explored several onsens, had a healthy lunch steamed by these deep steam pits—everything was done in 8 minutes, and it was incredible.”

The steaming culinary process

Next up is the highlight: making Jigokumushi, a traditional steamed dish that uses the natural geothermal steam from Beppu’s hot springs. You’re provided with a Jigokumushi tool set and kettles, along with instructions on how to prepare your ingredients. The process is simple but effective—just place your selected vegetables or seafood into the steaming baskets and let the hot spring steam do its magic.

The guide will explain how this method isn’t just tasty but also beneficial for health, thanks to the mineral-rich steam working from the inside out. The actual steaming takes only about eight minutes, making it a quick but satisfying culinary lesson. Once cooked, you get to enjoy your meal, feeling proud of your creation and the bubbling geothermal backdrop.

Relaxing in the hot springs

Post-lunch, the tour moves to Sato no Eki Kannawa, where you can relax in the Mushiyu hot spring bath. This experience allows you to bathe in the very steam that cooked your food—an authentic way to connect with Beppu’s geothermal origins.

Sheila’s review highlights how rejuvenating this was: “I was totally relaxed after. We went to two of the seven Hells, which was a great day.” The Mushiyu bath envelops you in warm steam, believed to aid in detoxification and relaxation. It’s a unique, external complement to the internal health benefits of the meal you just prepared.

However, it’s worth noting that entering the small, dark Mushiyu space isn’t suited to everyone. If you don’t like confined, dark environments, you might find it less comfortable. The experience is designed for high school students and above, with alternative options available if you’re traveling with younger kids.

The steam around Kannawa

The tour wraps up with a walk around the Kannawa Onsen district, where steam rises from the ground and adds a mystical quality to the scenery. The sights and sounds of bubbling geothermal vents create a surreal atmosphere, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the vibe.

This walk gives you a taste of daily life in Beppu, where the hot springs influence everything from architecture to local culture. The steam wafts constantly, creating a cloud-like canopy that’s both beautiful and distinctly Japanese.

What’s included and what’s not

For $157.15, the package offers an excellent value, covering the Jigokumushi tool set, kettle usage, onsen bathing, and towels. The tour doesn’t include transportation—public transit costs around ¥780 per person—so plan for that if you’re not arranging private transport. Also, lunch ingredients are bought on your own, giving you the freedom to choose what you’d like to steam that day.

The guide’s role and overall experience

One of the tour’s biggest strengths is the knowledgeable guidance. Sheila mentions that the guide was “fabulous,” making the whole experience easy and fun. From helping select ingredients to explaining the health benefits of the steam baths, the guide’s insights deepen the appreciation of Beppu’s geothermal culture.

Authenticity and practical value

This experience isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about engaging with local traditions in a hands-on way. Making your own Jigokumushi links directly to the region’s identity, and the combination of culinary and thermal relaxation offers a well-rounded visit.

The perfect fit: Who should consider this?

This tour is ideal for curious travelers who want more than just sightseeing. Food lovers will enjoy the chance to cook and eat healthy, hot-spring steamed dishes. Spa enthusiasts get a chance to unwind in authentic onsen baths. And those interested in local culture will appreciate the immersive nature of the experience.

It’s less suited for travelers who prefer private transport or those with mobility issues, given the need to walk around and the physical aspects of hot spring bathing. Also, if dark, confined spaces are a concern, keep the Mushiyu experience in mind before booking.

Final thoughts: Is this tour worth it?

This Beppu hot springs and Jigokumushi experience offers a thoughtful blend of culinary fun, culture, and relaxation. For just over $150, you get to shop locally, prepare your own steaming dish, and enjoy authentic Japanese hot spring baths—all guided by friendly experts. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with Beppu’s geothermal energy in a personal, memorable way.

Travelers who want to taste authentic Kyushu flavors, relax in some of Japan’s best hot springs, and learn about local traditions will find this tour rewarding. Plus, the flexible, small-group format ensures a relaxed, intimate experience.

If you’re after an activity that’s both fun and meaningful—something that enriches your understanding of Japan’s thermal culture—this tour ticks all the boxes. Just remember to plan your transportation and bring an open mind for the small, dark steam baths.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own, with public transportation costing around ¥780 per person.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The Mushiyu steam bath experience is only for high school students and older. Younger children can participate in other parts of the tour or enjoy other hot spring options.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, your preferred food ingredients if you want to customize your steaming dish, and any personal items needed for bathing.

Does the tour run year-round?
Yes, it operates from January 2025 through January 2027, daily between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking around hot spring areas and entering small, dark spaces, which might not be suitable for everyone.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, please inform your guide about any allergies or restrictions when booking.

What’s the best time of day to do this tour?
Morning or early afternoon is ideal, as the tour runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy the experience comfortably.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, as long as participants are high school age or above. For families with younger children, alternative activities can be arranged.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately 4 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that leaves plenty of time for other sightseeing in Beppu.

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of local flavor, fun, and relaxation, perfect for those eager to make authentic memories in one of Japan’s most geothermal-rich destinations.