Beppu Night Market Winter Opening Times 2026 Details

For official information, visit Lonely Planet Beppu Guide.

For official information, visit Beppu City Official Website.

Weekday hours might be slightly shorter for some vendors. Some smaller markets only operate on Friday and Saturday nights. Check the Beppu winter events 2026 schedule for specific dates. Local weather can sometimes affect these outdoor operating hours.

Heavy rain or snow might cause early closures. Most vendors post updates on local social media pages. You should follow the Beppu tourism accounts for daily news. This ensures you do not travel to a closed market.

The busiest time is usually between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. This is when locals finish work and join the tourists. Arriving at 5:30 PM gives you the best food selection. You will also find shorter lines at popular stalls.

Best Locations for Beppu Winter Food Markets

The area near Beppu Station is a popular spot. Many vendors set up along the main street leading to the sea. You will find grilled seafood and steaming bowls of noodles. The atmosphere is lively and very welcoming to tourists.

Kitahama Park often hosts larger food festivals during the winter. These events feature dozens of local food stalls. You can enjoy your meal while looking at the ocean. It is a great place for families and large groups.

Check the Visit Oita website for official location maps. Some markets move slightly each year to accommodate new construction. Always look for the bright lanterns near the city center. They mark the entrance to the food zones.

The Kannawa district also hosts smaller, more traditional markets. These are famous for using natural hot spring steam. You can walk through the misty streets while snacking on buns. It feels like stepping back into old Japan.

What to Eat at Beppu Winter Markets

Winter is the best time for hearty Japanese street food. You must try the famous steamed dishes known as jigoku mushi. These meals use natural volcanic steam to cook fresh ingredients. It is a healthy and unique way to eat.

Warm up with a bag of roasted sweet potatoes. These are a classic winter snack found at many stalls. You can also find seasonal winter seafood like fresh oysters. Local fish is often grilled over charcoal for extra flavor.

Do not miss the hot sake tasting booths. These areas allow you to sample drinks from across Oita. Pair your drink with some spicy fried chicken or takoyaki. Most small snacks cost between 500 and 800 yen.

Sweet treats are also very popular during the winter months. Look for stalls selling hot red bean soup with mochi. This dish is called zenzai and is very filling. It provides a great energy boost for cold nights.

Practical Tips for Your 2026 Winter Visit

Beppu gets quite cold once the sun goes down. Wear several layers to stay warm while walking between stalls. Many markets do not have indoor seating areas. Sturdy walking shoes are essential for navigating the crowded streets.

Most vendors prefer cash for small food purchases. Carry plenty of 100-yen and 500-yen coins for quick transactions. Some larger stalls might accept credit cards or mobile apps. However, cash remains the most reliable payment method here.

Arrive early to avoid the longest food lines. Popular stalls often sell out of signature dishes by 8:00 PM. Visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday offers a quieter experience. You will have more space to enjoy the festive decorations.

Public restrooms are usually available near the main market entrances. Look for signs in parks or near the train station. Keep a small pack of tissues and hand sanitizer. These items are very useful when eating street food.

Special Events and Winter Illuminations

The Beppu Christmas Hanabi is a highlight of the season. This massive firework display takes place over the bay. Many food stalls expand their hours for this special night. It usually happens in late December 2026.

Winter illuminations also decorate the city during the market season. Thousands of LED lights create a magical glowing path. You can follow these lights to find hidden food vendors. It is a perfect setting for winter photography.

Check the Beppu winter food markets guide for updated event maps. Some festivals include live music or traditional dance. These performances usually happen on a central stage area. They add a great cultural element to your meal.