About
Beppu Tower, a 100-meter National Tangible Cultural Property completed in 1957, stands as the iconic symbol of central Beppu
Central Beppu is the vibrant heart of the city, combining modern shopping facilities with retro Showa-era charm. The district centers around Beppu Station and extends to the Kitahama waterfront area (5-10 minutes on foot), featuring the iconic Beppu Tower, covered shopping arcades, diverse dining options, and lively nightlife venues. π This highly walkable urban core blends nostalgic Japanese shotengai culture with contemporary amenities, providing comprehensive shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Beppu Tower dominates the district - a 100-meter-tall lattice structure completed in May 1957 and designed by renowned architect TachΕ« NaitΕ, who also created Tokyo Tower and Tsutenkaku. As the third TV tower built in Japan and one of the "Six Tower Brothers," Beppu Tower achieved National Tangible Cultural Property status in October 2007. π π The tower underwent major renovation in 2023, restoring it to its original 100-meter height. π
Cultural & Historical Significance
Central Beppu represents the evolution of Japanese urban commercial culture from the Showa era (1926-1989) through to the present day. The shopping arcades preserve traditional shotengai (shopping street) culture - covered pedestrian streets that historically formed the commercial hearts of Japanese cities. π
Beppu Station Market, built under the elevated station, showcases authentic daily life tied to local commerce - pharmacies, confectionary shops, and fresh food vendors serving neighborhood residents for decades. π
Kitakoka Shotengai Shopping Street, built around 50 years ago, exemplifies the "under the train shops" arcade phenomenon - commercial spaces integrated into railway infrastructure. Recent revitalization has attracted modern cafes and select shops while preserving the Heisei-era character, demonstrating adaptive reuse of mid-20th century urban architecture. π π
Sol Paseo Ginza and the Motomachi entertainment district preserve traditional Japanese izakaya culture - small neighborhood pubs serving local cuisine with sake and beer, fostering community connections through food and drink. This nightlife zone maintains authentic Japanese urban entertainment traditions distinct from tourist-oriented venues. π
Visiting Information
Getting There:
- From Beppu Station: Central downtown immediately accessible from JR Beppu Station on the NippΕ Main Line (120.8 km from Kokura); highly walkable with most attractions within 5-10 minutes π
- From Kannawa Onsen: Efficient bus system via Kamenoi Bus and Oita Kotsu connects downtown and Kannawa district π
- Kitahama bus terminal: 5-10 minutes on foot from Beppu Station, accessing Beppu Tower and waterfront area π
Transportation Passes:
- My Beppu Free Day Pass: Unlimited bus rides (available at Tourist Information Office in Beppu Station)
- Kamenoi Bus Pass Mini Pass: Unlimited transportation around Beppu City for Β₯1,100
- SunQ Pass: Unlimited bus rides covering 99% of Kyushu bus services (dedicated to foreign visitors) π
Operating Hours & Admission:
Beppu Tower:
- Hours: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM (admission until 9:00 PM)
- Observation Deck: Adults Β₯800, High/Junior high Β₯600, Ages 4-elementary Β₯400
- Beppu Art Museum (2nd floor): Adults Β₯1,000, High/Junior high Β₯800, Ages 4-elementary Β₯600
- Kitahama Deck (5th floor): Β₯200 (free for children 3 and under)
- Combo Ticket (Observation + Art Museum): Adults Β₯1,300, High/Junior high Β₯1,000, Ages 4-elementary Β₯700
- Group discount (20+ people): Β₯100 off with reservations
- Free 1-hour parking for observation deck and art museum visitors π
Beppu Station Market:
- Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Free parking up to 40 minutes π
Kitakoka Shotengai: Open throughout day and evening; many shops stay open late; Saturday flea market π
Current Status: All facilities operational. Beppu Tower underwent major renovation in 2023 and is fully accessible. November visit coincides with ise-ebi (spiny lobster) festival running through late November. π
The Downtown Experience
Beppu Tower Observation: The observation decks on 16th and 17th floors (55 meters above ground) offer sweeping 360-degree panoramic views of Beppu City, Beppu Bay, surrounding mountains, and steam from hot spring resorts. On clear days, views extend to Shikoku. New attractions include Galaxy Walk (illuminated galaxy display), Instagram-worthy check-in spots, and the 5th-floor Kitahama Deck with "Bell of Happiness" and glowing tables at night popular with couples. π π
Shopping Arcade Experience:
- Beppu Station Market: Authentic local food stalls and daily necessities at reasonable prices; vendors selling fresh vegetables, meats, seafood, Japanese deli-style foods; Noda Shoten (famous sushi rolls); Beppu Ami Ichijo (renowned fried fish cakes) π
- Kitakoka Shotengai: Renovated cafes (Sun Cafe) alongside vintage shops, record stores, restaurants; retro Showa-era atmosphere; Saturday flea market π
- Sol Paseo Ginza: Narrow sheltered street (~500m from station) renowned for vintage atmosphere and nightlife; packed with diverse bars and restaurants offering ramen, toriten, yakitori, numerous izakaya π
Department Store Shopping: Tokiwa Beppu (across from Beppu Tower): City's only department store featuring MUJI, Estee Lauder, Clinique, EDION, UCHINO, Right-on, Starbucks; Yuno-sato brand souvenirs (shochu, soy sauce, tsukudani, tsukemono) π
YouMe Town Beppu: Popular medium-sized waterfront mall (opened Nov 29, 2007); 3 levels featuring GU, Uniqlo, ABC Mart, Daiso, fashion boutiques, bookstores, stationery shops; food court with McDonald's, Tully's coffee (free wifi/power plugs), sushi/ramen restaurants π
Dining & Izakaya Culture: Tosaka (red-light district): Extensive menus of locally-sourced shellfish, sashimi, various skewers (pork, shrimp, Bungo beef, broiled chicken); English menus available π
November coincides with ise-ebi (spiny lobster) festival running through late November. Local specialties include jigokumushi ("hell steaming"), toriten (chicken tempura), Bungo beef, fresh seafood (Sekiaji, Sekisaba). π π
Nightlife: Motomachi entertainment district: Traditional Japanese bars, western-style clubs, late-night diners; Beppu Social Bar (9:00 PM-5:00 AM, busiest midnight-2:30 AM Fridays) popular with students from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University; known for hookahs, board games, beer pong events π π
Practical Visiting Tips
Photography Spots:
- Beppu Tower Observation Deck: 360-degree panoramic views of Beppu Bay, city steam plumes, Mount Tsurumi with autumn foliage (November)
- Kitahama Deck (5th floor): Upward views of tower structure with "Bell of Happiness"
- Sol Paseo Ginza: Retro illuminated street atmosphere capturing nostalgic Japanese nightlife
- Beppu Station Market: Authentic local food stalls and traditional vendors
Crowd Avoidance:
- Visit Beppu Tower early (opens 9:30 AM) to avoid mid-morning to afternoon crowds
- Shop at Beppu Station Market on weekdays when less crowded than weekends
- Explore shopping arcades during morning hours before peak afternoon shopping times
- Reserve restaurant tables, especially weekends and during peak tourist seasons (popular spots fill quickly) π
Money-Saving:
- Purchase My Beppu Free Day Pass or Kamenoi Bus Pass Mini Pass (Β₯1,100) for unlimited city transportation vs. individual fares
- Consider Beppu Tower combo ticket (Observation + Art Museum) at Β₯1,300 vs. separate purchases
- Group discount (20+ people): Β₯100 off per person at Beppu Tower with reservations
- Free 1-hour parking at Beppu Tower when visiting observation deck or art museum π π
Local Etiquette:
- Cash payments: While major establishments accept credit cards, smaller shops and some restaurants accept cash only; carry Japanese Yen π
- Izakaya culture: Order multiple small dishes to share; pair with local beer or sake
- Shopping arcade respect: Maintain quiet conversation levels; be mindful of cyclists (some arcades allow bicycle traffic)
- Restaurant reservations: Call ahead for popular izakaya, especially weekends and during spiny lobster season
November Visit Considerations:
- Comfortable temperatures ideal for walking and outdoor activities
- Cooler evening temperatures enhance onsen and dining experiences
- Autumn foliage: Mid-October through end of November offers beautiful fall colors visible from Beppu Tower, particularly viewing Mount Tsurumi via ropeway π
- Spiny lobster season: Ise-ebi festival (early September through late November) makes this optimal time for seafood dining π
- Crowd levels: Fall season generally sees fewer crowds than peak summer; weekdays significantly less crowded than weekends π
Recommended Timing:
- Morning (9:00 AM-12:00 PM): Visit Beppu Station Market when locals do grocery shopping; experience authentic daily life atmosphere
- Afternoon (12:00 PM-5:00 PM): Explore Kitakoka Shotengai and Tokiwa Beppu; visit Beppu Tower observation deck for daytime panoramic views
- Evening (5:00 PM-9:00 PM): Dine at izakaya restaurants; return to Beppu Tower for sunset/night views (open until 9:30 PM)
- Late Night (9:00 PM onwards): Experience Sol Paseo Ginza and Motomachi nightlife at its liveliest
Important Notes:
- Cash required at many small vendors in Beppu Station Market, Kitakoka Shotengai, and smaller izakaya; ATMs at Beppu Station and major stores π
- November represents prime ise-ebi (spiny lobster) season; reservations strongly recommended for restaurants featuring this specialty, particularly weekends
- English menus available at major establishments like Tosaka izakaya; translation apps helpful for shopping arcade vendors with limited English
- Evening safety: Motomachi entertainment district generally safe; exercise standard urban precautions during late-night hours; area well-lit and frequented by students and tourists
- Transportation planning: Verify return bus schedules when planning late-night entertainment to ensure transportation back to Kannawa Onsen accommodation; taxis available as alternative π
- Parking: Beppu Tower offers 1-hour free parking for observation deck visitors; YouMe Town Beppu has customer parking; downtown street parking limited - bus transportation or walking recommended
- Beppu Art Month overlap: Visit dates (Nov 2-3) fall within Beppu Art Month 2025 (Sept 27 - Nov 16), potentially featuring special art installations or events; check locally for specific exhibitions during visit
Location: View on Google Maps (Beppu Station) | View on Google Maps (Beppu Tower)
Source: attractions/beppu/central-beppu.md