Become a local! A Walking Tour of Beppu’s Crafts, Arts & Onsen

Immerse yourself in Beppu’s arts, crafts, and onsen on a walking tour. Meet local artists, visit a bamboo craft factory, and experience a hot spring. Discover a century-old Japanese house with a contemporary art gallery and a history room.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Beppu Station Market - Experience a local market offering fresh fish and vegetables, and seize a unique opportunity to engage with local Japanese residents.
  • 永井製竹(株) - Established in 1908, observe the meticulous crafting of bamboo products by skilled artisans using local bamboo from Oita Prefecture. In addition to watching the artisans at work, you can purchase bamboo products, making for unique souvenirs to take home.
  • Kiyoshima Apartment House (Creator’s Residency & Studio) - Beppu is a haven for arts & crafts, and art enthusiasts will relish the chance to meet the residents of Kiyoshima Apartment, a creator residence & art studio in downtown Beppu. Besides viewing a variety of works on display, you might also witness the artists working on their projects.
  • Kamiya Onsen - Sample potable hot spring water straight from the source, with minerals that give it a smooth texture. You’ll also learn about local ‘onsen’ (hot spring) culture and etiquette.
  • Space Beppu - A unique community space & shop in a renovated century-old Japanese house, Space Beppu offers something for everyone. It features a history room with old photographs of Beppu and a small art gallery showcasing works by Kiyoshima Apartment residents. Relax in a charming house where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously.
What's Included
  • All admission fees included
What's Not Included
  • Food, beverage and souvenir costs excluded
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

Fancy avoiding crowded touristic hotspots and exploring more ‘local’ areas you likely wouldn’t find in a travel brochure? In this exclusive, small-group walking tour, you’ll immerse yourself in history and culture whilst strolling through the streets of downtown Beppu. Experience the work and daily lives of the local artists who live here, visit a bamboo craft factory and enjoy a rare chance to meet skilled artisans face to face. You’ll also visit a local ‘onsen’ (hot spring), whose spa waters you can even taste for yourself. The tour culminates in a visit to a century-old Japanese house comprising a contemporary art gallery and gift shop. The house also features an exclusive history room showcasing historic photographs of Beppu’s rich past.

Location
WANDER COMPASS BEPPU
Please gather in front of the statue (Kumahachi Aburaya Statue) located just outside the east exit of Beppu Station.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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Anna_n
Jul 2, 2024
Do it! You won’t regret it - Had an amazing time learning about Beppu and seeing many different things. The guide was really informative, kind and funny. His English was also perfect. We really enjoyed it. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Alexander
Apr 19, 2024
Awesome tour - This tour was great. I would definitely reccomand it to anyone who is visting Beppu. I learned about the history of Beppu and places I would have missed. Bamboo factory was super cooll to learn about. The workers wree very friendly and are masters of their craft. Learning about the art community spaces was super cool. Masa gave a great introduction to Beppu. Space Beppu mission and space they created is awesome. Don't miss this. Masa also gave me advice for beppu and other parts of my trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Penny_f
Apr 19, 2024
Fabulous guide, Masahiro Ide and fun walk through Beppu. - Masahiro Ide was a marvelous guide! My husband and I had a terrific time with him. We would never have found the places he took us to on our own. It was our final day in Japan after 3 weeks and a wonderful way to end our trip. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to be guided around Beppu.
Review provided by Viator
Laureen_t
Apr 12, 2024
Truly a comfortable walking tour of Hidden Gems up close. Loved the Bamboo Factory & Artists’ studios! - Masa took us to places we would not have seen on our own and shared good information about historical buildings, Artists’ residence & studios, quaint bath houses, hidden family restaurants & Cha-san’s bamboo factory. Speaking first hand with a gifted artist gave us a personal opportunity to learn about her dedication and sacrifices she makes to create her stunning masterpieces. Visiting & learning so much about bamboo gave us a new way of appreciating the amount of work and dedication that goes into making bamboo products. The value of bamboo products hand made in Beppu is much greater in our minds today. We are enjoying the bamboo speakers’ sound quality! Thank you so much, Masa!!
Review provided by Viator
Annamarie_h
Apr 6, 2024
Do not miss out - This was such an excellent tour. Masa gave insight into Beppu's rich history. Walking through downtown Beppu in the rain was magical. Especially enjoyed the visit to the artist studios.
Review provided by Viator
Susan_s
Apr 3, 2024
Beppu Walking Tour - We had a wonderful tour from beginning to end. We were met on time at our meeting spot. We were able to see parts of the city that you wouldn't know to go to. We had the opportunity to hear the history of the city from our local guide. All of he stops we made were very interesting and educartional.
Review provided by Viator
Simon_t
Apr 2, 2024
Fantastic insight into this lovely city with great visit to an Onsen as well - Masa was a fantastic guide who spoke excellent English. Seeing the local market street and Bamboo manufacturing site were amazing. The artists in residence apartment was also very interesting. Culminating in visiting Space Beppu shop where some of the items we had seen could be purchased. We extended the tour by going to an Onsen which Masa had recommended. (excellent choice - Suginoi Hotel). He accompanied us and made sure we got back to the station for our pick up.
Review provided by Viator
Fairuztahsin
Mar 9, 2024
Amazing experience! Recommended! - I went to the walking tour with friends. I didn't know Minami area had so many hidden gems. Specially, the different art exhibitions as I am very interested in Art. We got to speak to a few local people and visited the biggest bamboo factory in Oita! There were quite a few quirky shops for gifts. I also loved the cozy, aesthetic cafes. The tour guide was bilingual and very friendly. I would recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
_t6408ho
Mar 9, 2024
Discover things you don't know in Beppu - Know a lot of restaurants and history about Beppu. Even though I have lived here for 1 and a half years, there are still lots of things for me were uncovered. It’s a really interesting trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Safari45410591857
Mar 6, 2024
So much fun, thanks a lot! - I explored this area deeply! I might just pass away all the places without this guided tour. The highlight was Bamboo factory.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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