Yufuin Kyushu Wildlife Park Beppu Jigoku Day Tour from Fukuoka

Umi Jigoku (Optional Expense Item, approximately 30 to 35 minutes) "Beppu Jigoku - Umi Jigoku": Beppu ranks first in Japan in terms of hot spring water output, and the Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) is an unmissable experience here. Among the eight hells, Umi Jigoku is the largest one. Formed by the eruption of Mount Tsurumi 1,200 years ago, its pond water boasts a mysterious cobalt blue hue just like cool seawater. The breathtaking scenery here is absolutely not to be missed. Admission Fee: 500 Japanese Yen for adults, 250 Japanese Yen for children.

Kamado Jigoku (Optional Expense Item, approximately 30 to 35 minutes) The Beppu area is dotted with numerous hot springs, most of which are named "Jigoku (Hell)". The most renowned group is the Eight Hells of Beppu Hot Springs, consisting of Umi Jigoku, Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, Yama Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, Oniyama Jigoku, Shiraike Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) and Tatsumaki Jigoku. Kamado Jigoku is one of these eight famous hot springs. According to legend, a long time ago, the local guardian deity Kamado Hachimangu Shrine would use the natural high-temperature steam from this spot to cook sacrificial food during spring and autumn festivals, hence the name Kamado Jigoku (Stove Hell). Visitors can witness forceful steam eruptions and gushing superheated hot springs with temperatures reaching as high as 90 degrees Celsius. Admission Fee: 500 Japanese Yen for adults, 250 Japanese Yen for children.

Kyushu Natural Animal Park – Get up close to nature at Japan’s largest safari park (approximately 80 to 90 minutes, including free time for self-paid lunch on your own) When traveling to Beppu and Yufuin hot springs in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, do not miss Kyushu Natural Animal Park beloved by locals, which is Japan’s largest safari park. You can board animal-themed jungle buses inside the park to feed lions, elephants and black bears, and observe giraffes, rhinos, zebras and other grassland animals at close range. Such interactive experiences are quite rare in Japan, making this an essential family-friendly itinerary in Kyushu. Additionally, at the Small Animal Interaction Zone, you can get close to cats and dogs, ride miniature horses, and feed kangaroos and squirrel monkeys. (All expenses to be borne by visitors: Park entrance ticket not included, costing 2600 Japanese Yen; Jungle bus fare within the park not included, costing 1500 Japanese Yen)

Yufuin Town (also known as Yubu-in) (around 140 minutes in total, free time available, lunch at your own expense) Note: Tourists may choose to leave the group ahead of schedule at this scenic spot. Sightseeing Horse-drawn Carriage The sightseeing horse-drawn carriage service in Yufuin has a history of over 30 years and has become a well-known tourist experience. The route departs from JR Yufuin Station, passes Fukuzen-ji Temple and Unahime Shrine before heading back to the station, with the whole journey lasting about 60 minutes. As the horse trots gently in the breeze, you can gaze at the idyllic countryside scenery backed by Mount Yufu, easing your mind and escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Yunotsubo Street (Self-guided Visit) Nestled at the foot of Mount Yufu, this street is packed with souvenir shops selling Oita specialties such as yuzu kosho, as well as restaurants serving local delicacies including fried chicken and tempura, drawing a constant stream of visitors. Right across the street lies the riverside of the Oita River, a perfect spot for strolling. You can appreciate scenic views of all four seasons and soak in the rustic pastoral vibe unique to Yufuin.

Kinrin Lake (Self-guided Visit) Kinrin Lake is the most iconic landmark of Yufuin. Situated at the foot of Mount Yufu, it was originally named Takemoto Pond or Takeshita Pond. In 1884, Confucian scholar Kuri Rakusou noticed golden glimmers shimmering off the fish scales on the lake surface at sunset, hence naming it Kinrin Lake (Golden Scale Lake). The lake has a circumference of approximately 400 meters and a maximum depth of around 2 meters. Hot spring water wells up from the west side of the lake bottom while fresh spring water emerges from the east. Due to the temperature difference between the two water sources, morning mist rises above the water surface when the temperature drops, creating an ethereal and dreamlike wonderland. The torii gate of Tenso Shrine by the lakeside appears to float on the water, with mist lending an extra touch of mystery. A walk along the lakeshore is highly recommended to experience the one-of-a-kind charm of Kinrin Lake.

Yufuin Floral Village (Self-guided Visit) A tourist village themed around flowers and natural landscapes. Designed in the style of an English countryside, its streets, buildings and boutique shops exude strong exotic charm. Visitors can stroll through gardens that shift with the four seasons, admire a wide variety of flowers and green plants, and unwind at distinctive boutiques and cafs. Open all year round, it offers the best viewing experience in spring and autumn and is perfect for taking photos.

1.Recommended Foot Bath Experience – Hot Foot Spring Cafe (Expenses at Your Own Cost) This trendy establishment combines foot hot spring baths with coffee service. Walk along the path lined with red torii gates, and you will spot walls covered with beckoning Maneki-neko lucky cat figurines. Reference Fee: 1,500 Yen per person (including foot bath service, towel and one drink). 2.Recommended Attraction – Showa-kan (Travel Back to Japan’s Showa Era) (Expenses at Your Own Cost) Reference Fees: 1,200 Japanese Yen per adult; 1,100 Yen for visitors aged 12 to 17; 600 Yen for children aged 4 to 11. 3.Recommended Day Trip Hot Spring – Yufuin Sansuikan (Expenses at Your Own Cost) Nestled near Mount Yufu, its highlight is allowing guests to soak in hot springs while enjoying the scenic view of Mount Yufu. It features open-air baths, indoor and outdoor hot springs, and massage pools. Reference Fees: 700 Yen per adult; 400 Yen for children(4-12)