About
View of Beppu Bay from the Kitahama waterfront district, showing the scenic coastal character of this area. Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Beppu Bay Waterfront District encompasses the Kitahama area, a bustling coastal zone located along Beppu Bay at the eastern edge of Beppu's downtown area. This district offers a distinct coastal atmosphere compared to the inland onsen districts, combining scenic bay views, fresh seafood dining, coastal walking paths, and waterfront hot spring experiences. The area serves as both a transportation gateway (with the International Tourist Port and ferry terminal) and a leisure destination with parks, observation decks, and waterfront dining. 🔗
The waterfront is characterized by its quiet, relaxed atmosphere, particularly in the early morning and around sunset. Unlike the steamy, mountainous onsen districts inland, Kitahama offers fresh sea breezes, expansive ocean views across Beppu Bay, and a distinctly coastal character. The district is designed to be walkable and cyclable, with seaside promenades, coastal parks, and barrier-free pathways connecting the various waterfront attractions. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
The Kitahama area has been a significant coastal zone since the opening of Beppu Port in 1871. The district underwent major redevelopment in the late 1980s, transforming into a modern waterfront zone that balances tourism, transportation, and local commerce. 🔗
The area features the iconic Beppu Tower as its landmark, designed by famed architect Tachu Naito (who also created Tokyo Tower and Tsutenkaku). The tower stands as a registered National Tangible Cultural Property. 🔗
The Kitahama area has been developed with tourism in mind while maintaining its function as a working port and ferry terminal. Within the district, visitors find restaurants, onsen facilities, museums, entertainment centers, and shopping access. 🔗
Visiting Information
Access:
- 5-10 minute walk from Beppu Station 🔗
- 8 minutes walk to Kitahama Bus Stop 🔗
- Ferry terminal: 10 minutes by bus from Beppu Station 🔗
- Beach Sand Bath: 15-minute bus ride from station 🔗
Hours:
- Waterfront areas accessible 24/7
- Beppu Tower: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM (last entry 9:00 PM) 🔗
- Beach Sand Bath: March-November 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM) 🔗
- Restaurants: Generally 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Admission:
- Waterfront walking and parks: Free
- Beppu Tower Observation Deck: ¥800 adults, ¥600 junior/high school, ¥400 elementary 🔗
- Beppu Tower Kitahama Deck (5th floor): ¥200
Current Status: Operating normally; verify beach sand bath location as original facility may have relocated 🔗
The Waterfront Experience
Coastal Walking & Parks
Kitahama Park offers seaside promenades with walking paths, lawn squares, and panoramic views of Beppu Bay's coastline. The 0.7-hectare park features a monument to French poet Paul Claudel and is designed with full barrier-free access including wheelchair ramps, accessible toilets, and diaper changing stations. The park provides relaxing time on a quiet seaside, with breathtaking sunset views over the bay. 🔗
The waterfront promenade connects various attractions and offers scenic coastal walking routes suitable for cycling. The area is intentionally designed to be walkable and cyclable, providing lovely walking routes with ocean views. 🔗
Beppu Tower
This iconic landmark offers sweeping 360° panoramic views of Beppu City and Beppu Bay from observation decks on the 16th and 17th floors at 55 meters above ground. The newly added 5th-floor Kitahama Deck allows visitors to admire the tower from below, complete with a "Bell of Happiness" and glowing tables at night. The tower also features a Beppu Art Museum on the 2nd floor. 🔗 🔗
Seafood Dining
The Kitahama waterfront district is the premier area for fresh seafood dining in Beppu, with restaurants specializing in local catches from the active fishing industry in Beppu Bay.
Local Seafood Specialties:
Seki-aji and Seki-saba are the crown jewels of Beppu seafood. These premium horse mackerel (aji) and mackerel (saba) are caught in the swift tidal currents off Saganoseki using traditional one-by-one fishing techniques. The fish develop small heads, high fat content, and can be eaten raw as sashimi with minimal parasite risk. Seki-aji peaks in summer, while seki-saba is best from autumn to winter - perfect for November visits. 🔗 🔗
Shiroshita-karei (white belly flounder) grows in Beppu Bay where fresh water springs up in the sea near Hinode Castle. This marbled flounder was historically valued as tribute to the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period. 🔗
Recommended Waterfront Restaurants:
Toyotsune Honten - A stone's throw from the Kitahama waterfront, this renowned tempura restaurant specializes in both toriten (chicken tempura) and seafood tempura. The tempura quality is among the finest in Beppu thanks to the freshness of seafood sourced from local catches. 🔗
Waon - Nestled next to Beppu Port, this charming family-run sushi restaurant showcases Oita's culinary delights. Famous for seki-aji and seki-saba served as sashimi, plus toriten. The weekday set lunch menu includes salad, sashimi, toriten, and chirashizushi (sushi rice bowl with seafood and vegetables). Hugely popular for both quality and affordability. 🔗
Kaisen Izutsu - Frequented by locals, this restaurant's most popular item is sashimi featuring mackerel, yellowtail, horse mackerel, and octopus. The Ryukyu dishes (seasoned sashimi with soy sauce and sesame) are particularly tasty. 🔗
Ferry Terminal & Transportation Hub
Beppu International Tourist Port functions as a strategic transport hub and gateway to Beppu's onsen culture. The port thrives in the inner part of Beppu Bay and serves as a tourism gateway for Kyushu. The modern ferry terminal building houses complete facilities including lockers for luggage storage. Ferry services connect to Osaka and other ports on the Seto Inland Sea. 🔗 🔗
Seaside Hot Spring Experiences
Amane Resort Seikai is located directly on the waterfront, famous for its "Shiosai no Yu" open-air seafront bath nicknamed "Kaibatsu 0m" (0 meters above sea level) to emphasize its extreme proximity to the sea. The resort offers ocean views from the baths, with some rooms featuring private baths on balconies. The "Shoyo no Yu" panoramic bath on the 8th floor provides 180-degree bay views. 🔗
Beach Sand Bath (Beppu Kaihin Sunayu) opened in 1986 along Shoningahama Beach next to the International Tourism Port. Visitors are buried up to their neck in naturally heated sand (over 40°C from geothermic waters) while enjoying sea views and ocean waves. Operating March-November. Note: Verify current operating location as the original facility may have closed or relocated. 🔗 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
November Visit Considerations
Early November is an excellent time to visit the waterfront, with comfortable temperatures for coastal walks, clear autumn skies for bay views, and optimal conditions for outdoor dining. The Beppu Beach Sand Bath operates through November before closing for winter. 🔗
Seasonal Advantages:
- Comfortable temperatures (average 10-18°C) ideal for coastal walking
- Clear autumn skies provide excellent conditions for bay photography and tower views
- Beach Sand Bath still operating through November
- Seki-saba (mackerel) enters peak season from autumn to winter - perfect timing
- Less humid than summer, making outdoor waterfront activities more enjoyable
- Sunset occurs around 5:15-5:30 PM, creating beautiful evening light over the bay
Dining Strategy
- Reserve or arrive early at Waon (small, family-run restaurant that fills quickly)
- Ask for the day's fresh catch recommendations - November is prime seki-saba season
- Try Ryukyu-don (seasoned sashimi bowl) unique to the Oita region
- Weekday lunch sets offer exceptional value at waterfront restaurants
Best Photo Spots
- Beppu Tower observation deck for 360° panoramic bay views
- Kitahama Park waterfront promenade for sunset over Beppu Bay
- Tower 5th floor Kitahama Deck for evening illumination shots
- Coastal walking paths for morning bay photography
Recommended Timing
- Visit in late afternoon/early evening to catch sunset views from the tower or park
- Combine with waterfront seafood dinner at peak seki-saba season
- Morning visit option for quiet coastal walk before exploring other Beppu areas
Money-Saving Options
- Free waterfront park access and coastal promenades
- Weekday lunch sets at restaurants offer better value than dinner
- Combined ticket for Beppu Tower observation deck + art museum (¥1,300 vs ¥1,800 separate)
- Beppu Tower visitors get 1 hour free parking
Weather and Seasonal Preparation
- November can be breezy along the coast - bring a light jacket for evening waterfront walks
- Comfortable walking shoes essential for coastal promenades
- Sunglasses useful for afternoon bay views with sun reflection on water
- Early sunset means plan tower visit before 5:00 PM for both daylight and night views
Integration with Other Locations
The Beppu Bay Waterfront District complements your Kannawa Onsen stay by providing:
- Coastal atmosphere contrasting with mountain onsen districts
- Fresh seafood dining (vs. jigoku-mushi steam cooking in Kannawa)
- Open bay views and sea breezes (vs. enclosed steam vents)
- Modern waterfront development (vs. traditional onsen village character)
- Easy access from accommodation via short bus or taxi ride
The waterfront serves as an excellent evening destination after exploring inland onsen districts during the day, offering sunset views, waterfront dining, and a relaxed coastal ambiance.
Nearby Attractions:
- Beppu Station area with early-opening onsen baths, cafes, and parks 🔗
- Takegawara Onsen (renowned historic hot spring facility)
- YouMe Town shopping mall and Tokiwa Shopping Center
- Kannawa Onsen district - different hot spring character
- Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri) - famous geothermal features
- Beppu Ropeway to Mount Tsurumi summit
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/beppu/beppu-bay-waterfront.md