Top Beppu Winter Photography Spots for Stunning Shots
Beppu is a truly magical city located on the southern island of Kyushu in Japan. Winter is the absolute best time to explore all the Beppu Winter Photography Spots. The cold air makes the thermal steam look incredibly thick and dramatic for pictures. This guide helps you find instagrammable winter locations in Beppu Japan for your 2026 trip.
The Steamy Vents of Kannawa District
For the most up-to-date details, check Beppu travel info before you go.
Kannawa is the historic heart of the massive geothermal activity found in Beppu. You will see thick white steam rising from every street corner in this area. This natural phenomenon creates a mystical and moody atmosphere for all your winter photos. Early morning light makes the rising steam glow beautifully for your landscape shots.Wander through the narrow alleys to find hidden photo spots in Kannawa during your visit. The contrast between the old wooden buildings and white steam is very striking. Look for the traditional "Steam Cooking" areas to capture unique and interesting shots. Most of these spots are free to visit and stay open every day.
Bring a soft lens cloth to wipe your camera equipment very often here. The high moisture from the vents can fog your glass lens quite quickly. Stand back a bit to capture the full scale of these massive steam plumes. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the movement of the thick white vapor.
The best time to visit Kannawa is between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. During these hours, the air is coldest and the steam is most visible. You can reach this area easily by taking a local bus from Beppu Station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs roughly 330 yen for adults.
Mount Tsurumi Rime Frost and Views
Take the Beppu Ropeway to reach the very top of Mount Tsurumi this winter. In the colder months, the trees are covered in beautiful silver rime frost. This rare natural phenomenon is locally known as "Muhyo" in the Oita region. It transforms the entire mountain into a stunning white wonderland for your camera.
The mountain summit offers a perfect 360-degree view of the sparkling Beppu Bay. You can see the entire city steaming far below your feet from here. Check the local weather forecast for clear and freezing days before you go. These specific conditions create the best Mount Tsurumi winter frost photos for your collection.
A round-trip ticket for the ropeway costs about 1,600 yen for each adult. The large gondolas operate every 20 minutes starting from 9:00 AM each day. Please dress very warmly because the summit is much colder than the city. Use a sturdy tripod to capture sharp landscape images of the distant bay.
The ropeway station is a short 20-minute bus ride from the city center. Buses depart frequently from the west exit of the main Beppu Station. Keep your camera battery warm inside your jacket to prevent it from draining. Cold temperatures can significantly reduce the battery life of most digital cameras.
The Seven Hells of Beppu
The "Hells" are colorful and unique hot springs designed specifically for tourist viewing. Umi Jigoku features a striking cobalt blue pond that looks amazing in photos. Chinoike Jigoku is famous for its bright red water and orange steam clouds. These vibrant colors pop beautifully against the grey and moody winter sky.
Visit the Beppu Jigoku Meguri in winter for the very best steam effects. The large temperature difference creates massive and dramatic clouds of hot vapor. Entry to all seven hells costs 2,200 yen for a combined ticket. Most of these attractions are open from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
Use a polarizing filter on your lens to reduce the glare on the water. This helps the deep blues and reds look much more saturated in pictures. Capture the rising steam against the traditional thatched-roof buildings found at the sites. This contrast creates a truly timeless and classic Japanese aesthetic for your portfolio.
You can find more information on the Beppu Jigoku Association official website for your planning. Five of the hells are located within walking distance of each other. The other two require a short bus or taxi ride to reach. Plan for at least three hours to photograph all seven locations properly.
Beppu Christmas Hanabi and Illuminations
Beppu hosts a massive and colorful fireworks display every year in late December. The Beppu Christmas Hanabi 2026 is a must-see event for photographers. Thousands of bright fireworks explode over the dark and calm winter sea. This creates incredible and colorful reflections on the surface of the water.
Head down to Matogahama Beach to find the best possible viewing angle. You should arrive early to secure a good spot for your tripod. The fireworks show usually starts around 8:00 PM on the scheduled nights. It is one of the largest winter firework displays in the Kyushu region.
You can also find many Beppu winter illumination spots near the main station. Thousands of colorful LED lights decorate the local trees and public plazas. Use a wide lens aperture to create beautiful and soft bokeh effects. Night photography in the city is very rewarding for all types of travelers.
The beach area is just a 10-minute walk from the city center. Dress in layers because the sea breeze can be very cold at night. Use a remote shutter release to avoid shaking your camera during long exposures. This ensures your firework photos remain sharp and clear for printing.
Yukemuri Observatory for City Panoramas
This specific observatory offers the most iconic and famous view of Beppu city. You can see hundreds of white steam vents rising together from the ground. It is especially beautiful during the blue hour just after the sun sets. The city lights begin to twinkle through the thick white geothermal mist.
Getting to this location is very easy with winter transportation in Beppu via local buses. The observatory is located in a very quiet and peaceful residential area. It is free to access and stays open for visitors 24 hours. These nighttime views are officially recognized as a famous Japan Heritage site.
Use a long exposure setting to make the rising steam look silky. A 10-second shutter speed usually works very well for this specific shot. Make sure to bring a sturdy tripod for stability against the wind. The wind can be quite strong on the open viewing deck area.
The observatory has a small parking lot for those who are driving. If you take the bus, look for the Yukemuri Tenbodai Mae stop. The view includes the majestic Mount Tsurumi standing tall in the background. It is the best place to capture the scale of the city.
Beppu Tower and the Bay Area
Beppu Tower is a historic and famous landmark built way back in 1957. It stands 90 meters tall near the beautiful and scenic waterfront area. The high observation deck provides a great view of the entire coast. You can see the mountains and the sea at the same time.
Walk along the Beppu Bay promenade to get some great coastal shots. The winter sun stays low in the sky, creating long and soft shadows. You might see local fishermen working hard in the small harbor nearby. These scenes offer a great glimpse into the local daily life here.
Entry to the tower costs 600 yen for adults to visit the deck. It stays open until 9:00 PM on most nights during the winter. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire sweep of the coastline. The tower itself looks great when it is lit up at night.
The tower is located right next to the Kitahama bus stop area. There are many cafes nearby where you can warm up after shooting. The reflections of the city lights on the bay are very beautiful. This area is perfect for a relaxing evening photography walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day for Beppu photography?
Early morning and dusk are the best times for photography in Beppu. The low light makes the steam plumes look much more dramatic and visible. You will also avoid the large tourist crowds that arrive later in the day.
Do I need a tripod for Beppu winter photos?
Yes, a sturdy tripod is essential for capturing the city lights at night. It also helps you take long exposures of the rising steam vents. This technique makes the moving vapor look smooth and ethereal in your final images.
Is it easy to get around Beppu in the winter?
Beppu has an excellent bus system that connects all major photo spots. You can buy a one-day bus pass for 900 yen at the station. Most buses are heated and very comfortable for winter travelers in Japan.
Beppu offers some of the most unique winter photography opportunities in all of Japan. From steaming vents to frozen mountains, your camera will stay very busy here. Be sure to check our Beppu winter onsen guide to relax after your long photo shoots. Start planning your 2026 winter adventure to this steamy coastal city today!