Beppu and Yufuin Private Tour: Local Guide, Mt. Tsurumi Ropeway

See Beppu's volcanic landscape and Yufuin's countryside in one morning with a guide who lives here.

A private tour of Beppu and Yufuin for groups up to five, led by a local guide and covering Mt. Tsurumi via Kyushu's largest ropeway, the scenic Yamanami Highway, Lake Kinrin, and the rural town of Yufuin. The tour runs five to six hours with private transportation and pickup from Beppu International Port or your accommodation. Lunch is not included. The optional Beppu Hell stop depends on your schedule and interests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Beppu and Yufuin scenic highlights

• See steam from Beppu hot springs
• Ride Beppu Ropeway to Mt. Tsurumi
• View Mount Yufu from the road
• Stop at Yufuin Basin observatory
• Explore rural town of Yufuin
• Walk to Lake Kinrin
• Optional visit to Umi Jigoku hot spring

The experience

What does a day in Beppu actually look like when someone who lives here is showing you around? The tour starts with a stop overlooking the town where steam rises visibly from the hot springs, then climbs 1,300 meters on the Beppu Ropeway, Kyushu's largest, to the summit of Mt. Tsurumi, an active volcano and the source of the springs themselves. From there you see panoramic views of Beppu and the bay. The guide is someone local, not passing through, so the stops shift based on what interests you: hot springs, crafts, food, or the landscape itself.

The route then follows the Yamanami Highway, one of Kyushu's most scenic drives, stopping at an observatory 680 meters above sea level that overlooks the Yufuin Basin. Yufuin itself is a rural town that feels like stepping into a Ghibli film: creeks, cafes, and countryside hills. You walk to Lake Kinrin, which sits directly under Mt. Yufu and was renamed "golden scales" in 1884 by a Confucian scholar after he saw golden-scaled fish at sunset. If your schedule allows and you want it, the tour can include Umi Jigoku, one of Beppu's famous geothermal sites, where turquoise water heated over 90°C creates steam and otherworldly views shaped by volcanic activity over 1,200 years.

Private transportation is included throughout, along with bottled water and WiFi on board. Pickup happens from Beppu International Port or your accommodation. The guide speaks English, Spanish, or Japanese depending on your choice at booking. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and the tour suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the day.
• bottled water and WiFi on board.
• parking fees.
• a private guide fluent in English, Spanish, or Japanese.
• pickup from Beppu International Port or your accommodation.

Options for this experience

2 options

Scenic Tour of Beppu and YufuinUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English, Spanish or Japanese · No fixed timePrivate tour for up to 4 guests, lasting 6 hours, with pickup included

[Additional Guest] Group of 5Up to 5 per booking · Guide in English, Spanish or Japanese · No fixed timeIncludes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteJP¥ 2,348

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Beppu Guide

Is this one for you?Groups of up to five travel together in one vehicle, so families or small groups avoid splitting up or paying per person. The flexible itinerary means you shape the day around what you actually want to see (hot springs, countryside, food, or geothermal sites) rather than following a fixed schedule.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Japanese.

What is Mt. Tsurumi and why does the tour go there?

Mt. Tsurumi is an active volcano 1,300 meters above sea level and the source of Beppu's hot springs. The Beppu Ropeway, Kyushu's largest, takes you to the summit, where you see panoramic views of Beppu, Beppu Bay, and the surrounding landscape shaped by the geothermal activity below.

Can I customize the tour based on what interests me?

Yes. The tour is flexible and designed around your interests, whether hot springs, local crafts, cuisine, or scenic spots. If you have special requests in advance, the guide will work to fit them into your day.

Is Lake Kinrin worth the walk, or is it just another stop?

Lake Kinrin sits directly under Mt. Yufu and has a specific history: it was renamed "golden scales" in 1884 by a Confucian scholar after he saw golden-scaled fish in the water at sunset. The walk around it is part of exploring Yufuin's quieter side.

What is Umi Jigoku and can I see it on this tour?

Umi Jigoku is one of Beppu's most famous geothermal sites, with turquoise water heated over 90°C and steam that rises across the landscape. It formed over 1,200 years ago from volcanic activity. The stop is optional and depends on your schedule and interests. Let your guide know if you want to include it.

How long is the tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs five to six hours and includes private transportation, bottled water, WiFi on board, parking fees, and a private guide in your chosen language. Pickup is included from Beppu International Port or your accommodation. Lunch is not included.