Yufuin, Beppu Hell tour from Fukuoka: Temple, lake, hot springs

Eight hours covering three prefectures: temple, geothermal wonders, and a hot spring town in one day

This eight to nine hour tour from Fukuoka visits Nyoirinji Temple, Beppu Hell's geothermal attractions, and the hot spring town of Yufuin, with a guide speaking English, Japanese or Chinese. The route includes the Frog Temple's thousands of frog statues and seasonal wind chimes, the striking blue waters of Umi Jigoku, Kinrin Lake's mist-shrouded surface, and Tangzhiping Street's traditional wooden shops and cafes. Admission to Sea Hell is available as an add-on at checkout. The tour departs at 8:30 AM from a meeting point in Fukuoka and covers travel time between stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Temple, Hot Springs, and Scenic Town

• Meet tour staff at meeting point
• Visit Nyoirinji Temple with frog statues
• Admire Mount Yufu views
• Explore Tangzhiping Street in Yufuin
• See Sea Hell Hot Springs (Umijigoku)
• Visit Jinlin Lake and enjoy misty views
• Tour Stove Hell with geothermal features

The experience

The day starts at 8:30 AM from a meeting point in Fukuoka, with pickup arranged for hotel guests. The first stop is Nyoirinji Temple, known as the Frog Temple for its thousands of frog statues symbolizing transformation and safe returns. From June through September, the temple grounds fill with thousands of colorful wind chimes inscribed with wishes for safe travel, creating a layered, dreamlike effect as they move in the breeze. The temple combines cultural history with a whimsical atmosphere that rewards time spent exploring and photographing.

The route then passes Mount Yufu, a cone-shaped peak rising 1,583 meters, before reaching Tangzhiping Street in Yufuin. This pedestrian street runs through traditional wooden buildings and cobblestone paths lined with local craft shops, galleries, teahouses and cafes. Many offer views of Mount Yufu in the distance. From there, the tour moves to Beppu's geothermal attractions. Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is the signature stop: a vivid turquoise hot spring heated to scalding temperatures by geothermal activity, its color contrasting sharply with surrounding greenery and steam. Jinlin Lake, where legend places an ancient dragon, sits where hot springs meet clear water, producing mist that deepens its fairyland quality. The Stove Hell allows you to see six types of geothermal landscape at once (hot mud, steam vents, and other formations) all visible from a single vantage point.

A guide fluent in English, Japanese or Chinese accompanies the group throughout. The total duration of eight to nine hours includes all travel time between stops. Luggage can be carried for an additional fee of ¥2,000 per piece, paid in cash to the guide or driver on the day of the tour. The itinerary may shift due to traffic or weather, and the tour operator requests that you avoid scheduling activities the same evening in case of delays.

What’s included

• Live guide in English, Japanese or Chinese.
• hotel pickup in Fukuoka (if staying at a participating hotel).
• visits to Nyoirinji Temple, Mount Yufu viewpoint, Tangzhiping Street, Umi Jigoku, Jinlin Lake and the Stove Hell.
• all transportation between stops.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 44

Live guideEnglish, Chinese and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteJP¥ 517

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Trevopedia Wonders

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in or near Fukuoka and want to visit three regions (temple, geothermal landscape, hot spring town) in one day with hotel pickup and guided transport included.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Japanese and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is Nyoirinji Temple known for?

Nyoirinji Temple, called the Frog Temple, holds thousands of frog statues representing transformation and safe returns. From June to September, the grounds are decorated with thousands of colorful wind chimes inscribed with wishes, creating a serene, dreamlike setting.

Can I swim or bathe in the hot springs at Beppu?

Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is a geothermal hot spring with vivid blue water heated to scalding temperatures. It is viewed rather than entered. Yufuin, the final stop, offers open-air baths where you can relax in hot spring water.

What will I see at Kinrin Lake?

Kinrin Lake is known for the mist produced where hot springs meet clear water, creating a mysterious, fairyland-like atmosphere. Local legend says a dragon once lived in the lake.

Does the tour include admission to Sea Hell?

Admission to Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku) is available as an optional add-on at checkout. You can choose to include it or view the geothermal landscape without entry.

How much time do I spend on Tangzhiping Street?

Tangzhiping Street is a stop within the day's itinerary where you can stroll through traditional wooden buildings, visit local craft shops and galleries, and stop at cafes and teahouses. The exact time depends on the day's overall pace and traffic conditions.