9 Best Things to Do in Oita (Beppu) in winter (December to February)

Oita Prefecture in winter, especially Beppu City, is an ideal place to visit during the cold season. Not only do the hot springs warm your body to the core, but you can also enjoy beautiful natural scenery and unique cultural experiences. This article introduces the charms and recommended spots of Oita in winter.

In this article, we will introduce in detail the spots to visit and highlights of Oita in winter!

*Please note that the event dates introduced here are subject to change. Please check the official website of the facilities for the latest information.

About Winter in Oita (Beppu)

Features and Attractions

Oita Prefecture is famous for its hot springs in Japan, and Beppu is particularly popular. In winter, the steam from the hot springs rises throughout the city, creating an atmosphere as if you have wandered into a fantasy world. In addition to hot springs, there are many beautiful winter landscapes and heartwarming illumination spots. Winter in Beppu is attractive for its warm hospitality and beautiful scenery that make you forget the cold.

Climate and Clothing Tips

In winter, the average temperature in Beppu is around 4°C to 6°C, similar to that of urban areas. However, strong north winds often blow along the coast, making it feel even colder. For cold weather protection, it is necessary to wear layered clothing such as coats, down jackets, scarves, and gloves. Especially during nighttime and early morning, it gets quite cold, so be sure to dress warmly. Also, when enjoying the hot springs, it is convenient to wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off.

Winter Scenic Spots

Oita Prefecture has many scenic spots that are unique to winter. On cold winter mornings and evenings, you can often encounter fantastic scenery. Each spot offers unforgettable beauty once you visit.

Kinrin Lake

“Kinrin Lake” is a lake in Yufuin where hot spring water mixes with the lake water, keeping the water temperature high throughout the year. On winter mornings, steam rises from the lake surface, creating a fantastic scene with the morning mist covering the basin. Especially on cold mornings, a mystical white world spreads out, enchanting visitors.

Kokonoe “Yume” Otsurihashi

The “Kokonoe ‘Yume’ Otsurihashi” (Kokonoe Dream Suspension Bridge), with a length of 390 meters and a height of 173 meters, is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan. In winter, a snowy landscape spreads out, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful world dyed in white. From late January to early February, the “Ice Festa” is held, where ice sculptures are illuminated, making it a must-visit.

Mount Tsurumi

“Mount Tsurumi” (Tsurumidake) is an active volcano in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, with an altitude of 1,375 meters. In winter, it is covered in snow, and the trees are coated in frost, creating a silver-white world. By taking the ropeway to the summit, you can enjoy beautiful snowy landscapes that cannot be seen in urban areas.

Winter Hot Spring Spots

In winter, the hot springs in Oita Prefecture, especially in Beppu, are the biggest attraction. Soaking in warm hot springs on a cold winter day is the ultimate way to relax. Beppu has a variety of unique hot spring areas, warmly welcoming visitors.

Beppu Jigoku Meguri

“Beppu Jigoku Meguri” is a sightseeing course that tours seven unique hot spring areas in Beppu. Each of the seven hot springs has its own characteristics, and the sight of steam rising in the cold winter is breathtaking. There are also bus tours to enjoy it efficiently.

Hyotan Onsen

“Hyotan Onsen” is a hot spring facility known for its sand baths using hot spring steam. You can relax by burying your body in warm sand, which also provides excellent detox effects. Visiting in winter allows you to warm up from the core of your body.

Yufuin

“Yufuin” is a hot spring area a short distance from Beppu, with stylish cafes and craft shops around Yufuin Station. Here, you can enjoy beautiful scenery while soaking in hot springs, making it perfect for a winter trip. Staying at a hot spring inn around “Kinrin Lake” is especially recommended.

Click here for an article introducing “Beppu Onsen”

Winter Illumination Spots

In winter, Oita Prefecture also has noteworthy illumination spots. The sparkling illuminations on cold winter nights provide visitors with dreamlike moments.

Tashibunosho

“Tashibunosho” is a precious manor site that retains its appearance from 1,200 years ago. In winter, the illumination event “Sennen no Kirameki” (Millennium Sparkle) is held, where you can enjoy beautiful light-ups. The daytime rural scenery is wonderful, but the nighttime illumination is also not to be missed.

Bungo Futamigaura

“Bungo Futamigaura” is a coastline in Saiki City, Oita Prefecture, known for its Meotoiwa (wedded rocks). From the end of the year to the beginning of the year, the Meotoiwa are illuminated, creating a beautiful winter landscape. Visiting at the time of the first sunrise of the year allows you to enjoy the spectacular sunrise and illumination.

Usa Jingu

“Usa Jingu” is the head shrine of the 40,000 Hachiman shrines nationwide. In midwinter, Usa Jingu sometimes gets covered in snow, and the snow-covered shrine buildings are beautiful. During the year-end and New Year, the shrine is also illuminated, creating a fantastic scenery.