Top 5 Day Trips From Beppu Winter You Must Take in 2026

Beppu serves as a perfect winter base in Kyushu. You can reach several amazing destinations within an hour. The local trains offer beautiful mountain views. Winter air makes the scenery look crisp and clear.

Planning day trips from Beppu winter travelers will love is very simple. The region offers snowy mountains and steaming thermal pools. You will find historic temples and unique wildlife nearby. Many sites look even better during the cold season.

This guide highlights the best local escapes for 2026. Each location provides a unique look at Oita Prefecture. We include travel times and estimated costs for each stop. Get ready to explore the hidden gems of southern Japan.

Be sure to check our Beppu winter travel guide 2026 for more tips. You will enjoy your journey through these snowy landscapes. Every destination offers something special for winter visitors.

Visit the Charming Town of Yufuin

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Beppu travel info.

For the most up-to-date details, check Beppu travel info before you go.

Yufuin is a picturesque mountain town near Beppu. The train ride takes about one hour via the JR line. You can also take a scenic bus over the mountains. The journey offers stunning views of Mount Yufu.

Visit Kinrin Lake during a cold winter morning. The warm spring water creates a thick, mystical mist. This natural phenomenon looks amazing in your vacation photos. The lake is just a short walk from the main street.

Walk down Yunotsubo Street for local snacks and crafts. Many shops sell handmade jewelry and delicious street food. You can try honey-infused sweets or hot grilled snacks. The shops look festive during the 2026 winter season.

For more details, see our guide on the Beppu to Yufuin winter day trip. This trip costs about 2,000 to 4,500 yen round trip. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Kyushu.

Enjoy a public hot spring bath with mountain views. Many local ryokans open their baths to day visitors. The cost is usually around 500 to 1,000 yen. It is the perfect way to warm up.

See Monkeys at Takasakiyama Park

Takasakiyama Monkey Park is located between Beppu and Oita. This park is home to hundreds of wild Japanese macaques. In winter, the monkeys huddle together for warmth. This behavior is known as a monkey ball.

Adult tickets cost about 520 yen per person. You can take bus number 10 or 20 from Beppu. The bus ride takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. It is a very convenient trip for families.

Staff members feed the monkeys at regular intervals. This creates a lively scene as the monkeys gather quickly. Use the Takasakiyama monkey park winter visit guide for more info. It is an unforgettable wildlife experience.

The Umitamago Aquarium is located right next door. You can combine both attractions into one full day trip. The aquarium features indoor exhibits that are warm and cozy. Tickets for the aquarium are about 2,200 yen.

The facility offers great views of the Beppu Bay. You can see the ocean crashing against the shore. The winter light makes the water look deep blue. It is a great spot for holiday photography.

Experience Mount Tsurumi Snowy Views

Mount Tsurumi rises high above the city of Beppu. You can reach the top using the Kintetsu Ropeway. The ride takes about ten minutes to reach the summit. It offers a 360-degree view of the region.

In winter, the mountain often features beautiful silver frost. This frost covers the trees in sparkling white ice. Locals call this frozen beauty "juhyo" or frost flowers. It is a rare sight in southern Japan.

Check the Mount Tsurumi winter ropeway tips before your visit. A round-trip ticket costs approximately 1,700 yen. Wear warm layers as the summit is very cold. Wind speeds can be high at the top.

There are several small shrines located on the mountain peak. These shrines look stunning when covered in fresh snow. You can walk the short trails between the observation decks. Always watch your step on the icy paths.

The ropeway station has a small gift shop. You can buy warm drinks and local souvenirs there. It is located right at the bus stop. Travel from Beppu Station takes about 20 minutes.

The Ancient Usuki Stone Buddhas

Usuki is a historic city south of Beppu. It is famous for its ancient stone Buddha carvings. These statues were carved into volcanic rock centuries ago. They are designated as Japanese National Treasures.

Winter provides a quiet atmosphere for exploring the site. The crowds are much smaller than in the spring. You can walk through the park in about one hour. Entrance fees are 550 yen for adults.

Read our Usuki stone buddhas winter day tour guide for details. To get there, take the JR Nippo Main Line. The train ride from Beppu takes 60 minutes. It is a peaceful escape from the city.

The town of Usuki also has a lovely samurai district. You can walk along historic streets with white-walled buildings. Many old residences are open for public viewing. This adds a cultural layer to your trip.

Try the local organic food for lunch in Usuki. The area is known for fresh ginger and miso. Many cafes serve hot soups during the winter months. A meal usually costs around 1,500 yen.

Explore the Kunisaki Peninsula Temples

The Kunisaki Peninsula is a spiritual and rugged area. It features ancient temples tucked into rocky cliffs. Fuki-ji and Futago-ji are two must-visit temple sites. These temples show unique Rokugo Manzan architectural styles.

The Kunisaki peninsula winter tour from Beppu is highly recommended. You can join group tours or rent a car. Public transport is limited in this rural region. Driving allows you to see more hidden spots.

Winter light highlights the texture of the stone temples. The mossy steps may have a dusting of snow. This creates a very serene and silent environment. It is perfect for meditation and quiet reflection.

Entry fees for the main temples are around 500 yen. You should budget about 6,000 yen for a rental car. This covers your fuel and basic insurance costs. It is worth the extra expense for flexibility.

Stop at the local rest areas for regional specialties. You can find unique citrus fruits and dried shiitake. These make great gifts for your friends back home. The local people are very welcoming to visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taking day trips from Beppu winter makes your holiday unforgettable. You can see snowy mountains and ancient spiritual sites. These destinations offer a deeper look at Japanese culture. Start planning your 2026 itinerary today for the best experience.

Key Takeaways

• Visit Mount Tsurumi for rare frost flowers in winter.
• See the hot spring mist at Kinrin Lake in Yufuin.
• Use JR trains for the most reliable winter transport.
• Pack thermal layers to stay warm during mountain tours.
• Combine the Monkey Park and Aquarium for a full day.