Beppu Christmas Hanabi 2026 Fireworks

To plan your trip, review Beppu City Tourism Association.

To plan your trip, review Beppu Jigoku Association.

You should check the Beppu Christmas Hanabi 2026 schedule before you arrive. The show usually starts around 8:00 PM and lasts for an hour. Most people gather at Matogahama Park to get the best view. The fireworks are often synchronized to popular holiday music for extra magic.

Watching the show from the beach is free for all visitors. However, some areas may require a paid ticket for better seating. You should arrive early to secure a good spot on the sand. Bring a thick blanket and some portable hand heaters to stay warm. The sea breeze can make the evening feel quite chilly.

Parking near the bay can be very difficult during the event. It is better to use winter transportation in Beppu like local buses. Many buses run extra services to accommodate the large crowds. You can also walk from Beppu Station in about fifteen minutes. This allows you to enjoy the city lights along the way.

After the fireworks, many people head to nearby restaurants for dinner. Local eateries often serve hot bowls of ramen or udon. It is a great way to warm up after being outside. Make sure to book a table in advance if you have a large group. The city is very lively during these two festive nights.

Magical Winter Illuminations in Beppu

Winter in Beppu is not complete without seeing the stunning light displays. The city glows with millions of LED lights during the festive season. One of the most famous spots is the Suginoi Hotel winter illumination 2026 guide area. This resort creates a massive walk-through light garden for guests and visitors.

You can also find beautiful displays right outside Beppu Station. The trees and fountains are covered in twinkling blue and white lights. This creates a romantic atmosphere for evening strolls through the city center. It is a perfect spot for taking quick holiday photos with your family. The lights usually turn on at sunset and stay on until midnight.

Beppu Park is another great location for seeing winter lights. The park features large light sculptures and illuminated walking paths. It is a quieter alternative to the busy station area. You can find more details on the Visit Oita website for seasonal park hours. Entry to the park is generally free during the evening hours.

Photography enthusiasts will love the different colors used in these displays. Use a tripod to capture the best night shots without any blur. The contrast between the dark sky and bright lights is truly striking. Many spots also feature interactive light elements that respond to touch or sound. These are especially popular with children and young couples.

Most of these illuminations start in late November and last until February. This gives you plenty of time to see them during your trip. The crisp winter air makes the lights seem even brighter and clearer. Be sure to wear a heavy coat and gloves while exploring. Walking between the different light spots is a great way to see the city.

New Year Traditions and Hatsumode

Celebrating the New Year in Beppu is a deeply cultural experience. Many people participate in Hatsumode, which is the first shrine visit of the year. You can find the best shrines for hatsumode in Beppu city easily. Yusuhara Hachiman-gu is a popular choice for its historic atmosphere and beautiful grounds.

Shrines become very busy during the first three days of January. Visitors pray for good luck, health, and happiness in the coming year. You can buy traditional charms called omamori to protect you throughout 2026. There are often food stalls selling hot snacks like takoyaki and yakisoba. The smell of incense and grilled food fills the cold winter air.

Another important tradition is watching the first sunrise of the new year. This event is known as Hatsuhinode in the Japanese language. Many locals head to the coast to watch the sun rise over Beppu Bay. The view from the top of Mount Tsurumi is also very famous. It offers a panoramic view of the sun emerging from the horizon.

Please note that many shops and restaurants close during the New Year period. This usually happens from January 1st to January 3rd every year. It is a time for families to gather and celebrate at home. You should check the operating hours of major attractions before you go out. Most Beppu winter onsen guide spots remain open for visitors.

Traditional New Year food is another highlight of the holiday season. You might see special bento boxes called Osechi-ryori in local department stores. These boxes contain many different dishes with symbolic meanings for the future. Trying these unique flavors is a great way to learn about Japanese culture. Be sure to try some ozoni soup with chewy rice cakes.

Mount Tsurumi Winter Frost and Snow

Mount Tsurumi offers a breathtaking natural spectacle during the winter months. You can see rare rime frost on the trees at the summit. This happens when water droplets in the fog freeze onto branches. It creates a beautiful white landscape that looks like a frozen forest. The mountain is a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.

The easiest way to reach the top is by using the local cable car. You can check the Beppu ropeway winter schedule and prices 2026 online. The ride takes about ten minutes and offers amazing views of the city. You might see snow covering the slopes during the coldest weeks of January. The temperature at the top is much lower than in the city.

You must wear very warm clothing if you plan to explore the summit. Heavy boots, thermal layers, and windproof jackets are essential for your safety. The wind can be quite strong at an altitude of 1,375 meters. There are walking paths around the top that lead to various small shrines. These paths can be slippery if there is ice or snow.

For more information on the cable car, visit the official Beppu Ropeway website. They provide daily updates on weather conditions and visibility at the peak. On clear days, you can see as far as the Kuju Mountains. The contrast between the white frost and blue sky is incredible. It is one of the most scenic Beppu Winter Events 2026.

If you enjoy hiking, there are trails that lead up the mountain. However, winter hiking requires proper equipment like crampons for your boots. Most tourists prefer the comfort and safety of the ropeway during winter. There is a small shop at the base station selling local souvenirs. You can also find hot drinks to enjoy after your mountain adventure.

Beppu Winter Food Markets and Markets

Food is a central part of the winter experience in Beppu city. The cold weather makes local hot spring steamed dishes even more delicious. This cooking style is called Jigoku-mushi and uses natural volcanic steam. You can try this at many locations throughout the historic Kannawa district. It is a healthy and unique way to enjoy fresh local ingredients.

During the winter, you can find special food stalls at various festival sites. These stalls sell roasted sweet potatoes and hot sake to keep you warm. You should look for the Beppu night market winter opening times 2026 for more details. These markets often feature live music and a very friendly local atmosphere. It is a great place to try street food at low prices.

Winter is also the peak season for delicious seafood in the Oita region. Pufferfish, known as Fugu, is a famous local delicacy during the colder months. Many high-end restaurants in Beppu specialize in serving this unique winter fish. You can also find fresh yellowtail and oysters at the local fish markets. The cold water makes the fish taste much richer and sweeter.

If you prefer something cozy, try a traditional Japanese hot pot meal. Many restaurants offer Nabe dishes filled with meat, tofu, and seasonal vegetables. It is a social meal that you share with your friends or family. You can also visit the Beppu Jigoku Meguri winter spots for steamed snacks. The famous "Hell" tours offer steamed eggs and puddings year-round.

Do not forget to try the local citrus fruit called Kabosu. It is often used to flavor tea, soda, and even hot spring baths. The tart flavor goes perfectly with grilled fish or hot pot dishes. You can find many Kabosu-themed sweets in the local gift shops. These make excellent presents for your friends and family back home.

Family Fun and Winter Activities

Families will find plenty of exciting things to do in Beppu this winter. One of the top attractions is the ice skating rink at Kijima Kogen. You can follow the Kijima Kogen Park winter ice skating guide for a fun day. The park also features various rides and attractions for children of all ages. It is located in the mountains just outside the main city area.

The Umitago Aquarium is another excellent choice for a family winter outing. It features indoor exhibits so you can stay warm while looking at fish. There are special winter-themed dolphin and walrus shows during the holiday season. The aquarium is located right next to the famous Takasakiyama Monkey Park. You can easily visit both locations in a single afternoon trip.

Children will also enjoy the many foot baths located around the city center. These are called ashibe and are often free for everyone to use. It is a fun way for kids to experience the hot spring culture. Many foot baths are located near parks or major bus stops. This makes them a convenient place to rest during a day of sightseeing.

If the weather is too cold, there are several indoor play areas available. Many large hotels have dedicated spaces for children to play safely. You can also find museums that offer interactive exhibits for young visitors. Beppu is a very welcoming city for families traveling with small children. Most public facilities are equipped with diaper changing stations and strollers.

Finally, consider taking a family-friendly boat tour around the Beppu Bay. These tours offer a different perspective of the city and its steaming vents. Some boats are decorated with festive lights during the month of December. It is a relaxing way to see the sights without doing too much walking. Make sure to check the sailing times as they may change in winter.