Best Kid Friendly Winter Events in Beppu Japan 2026
Beppu is a magical place for families during the cold winter season. You will find many kid friendly winter events in Beppu Japan this year. The city offers warm hot springs and bright holiday lights for everyone. Learn more about the region at the Japan National Tourism Organization website today.
Kid Friendly Winter Events in Beppu Japan: Fireworks
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The Beppu Christmas Hanabi Fantasia is a massive and exciting holiday event for families. It takes place over two nights in late December near the beautiful city waterfront. Over 10,000 colorful fireworks light up the dark winter sky for everyone to see. You can hear popular Christmas songs playing during the entire festive light display.The event starts around 8:00 PM at the sandy Matogahama Beach area each night. Many local families bring warm blankets to sit comfortably on the cold winter sand. You should arrive early to get a good spot before the large crowds arrive. Local food stalls sell delicious warm snacks like takoyaki and yakisoba to hungry visitors.
Check the Beppu Christmas Hanabi 2026 schedule for the most current event dates. Dress your children in many warm layers to protect them from the chilly air. The sea breeze can feel very cold during the long winter nights in Beppu. This spectacular fireworks show is a memory your kids will never forget after visiting.
Twinkling Beppu Winter Illumination Spots
Beppu transforms into a magical and glowing wonderland during the cold winter months. You will find several Beppu winter illumination spots scattered across the coastal city. Beppu Park is the most famous location for seeing these beautiful holiday lights. Thousands of colorful LED bulbs decorate the tall trees and the walking pathways.
The Suginoi Hotel also hosts a spectacular light show for guests and visitors. Their famous Illumi-night features long tunnels of light and many glowing animal shapes. This outdoor display is usually free for everyone to enjoy during the evening. It is a great place for taking festive family photos with your children.
Most light displays in the city begin in late November of each year. They often run until the end of February 2026 for winter tourists. The lights usually turn on around 5:00 PM daily when the winter sun sets. This is a perfect activity to enjoy before you go to eat a delicious dinner.
Indoor Fun at Umitago Aquarium Winter Shows
The Umitago Aquarium is a great indoor winter escape for families with kids. It is located right next to the beautiful sea on the eastern city edge. The facility offers many Umitago Aquarium winter shows for all guests. Kids can watch large walruses perform many funny tricks inside the warm building.
The Asobi-ra area is a fun and interactive zone for all small children. They can touch starfish and other small sea creatures in the safe shallow pools. This area is fully covered and stays very warm during the cold winter months. It provides a nice break from the cold winter wind and the freezing rain.
Adult tickets for the aquarium cost about 2,600 yen for the entire day. Children's tickets are much cheaper and cost only 1,300 yen for each child. The aquarium opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the year. It is very easy to reach by taking a short local bus ride from Beppu.
Ice Skating at Kijima Kogen Park
Kijima Kogen Park is a top destination for families visiting the Oita area. It offers many exciting Beppu family winter activities for children of all ages. The outdoor ice skating rink is the main attraction during the winter season. It is one of the largest and most popular rinks in the region.
You can rent high-quality skates and safety helmets at the park entrance. Beginners can use special skating aids for extra balance on the slippery ice. These aids look like cute penguins or seals to make kids feel happy. They help young children feel very safe while they learn how to skate.
The park also features a famous wooden roller coaster for older children to enjoy. Some rides may close if the weather becomes too snowy or very windy. Check the local weather forecast before you buy your park tickets each day. The park is located in the scenic highlands and offers very fresh air.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best winter event for kids in Beppu?
The Christmas Hanabi Fantasia is the best event for most young children. It features fireworks and music that kids of all ages will surely love. The show is very exciting and creates a wonderful festive holiday atmosphere for families.
Are there indoor activities for families in Beppu?
Yes, the Umitago Aquarium offers excellent indoor shows and interactive play areas for kids. You can also visit local hot springs that have family-friendly private bathing rooms. These indoor spots keep everyone warm during the cold 2026 winter season.
Is Beppu too cold for toddlers during the winter months?
Beppu is chilly but usually manageable if you dress your toddler in warm layers. You can find many indoor play areas and heated transportation throughout the city. Most major attractions provide warm spaces for families to rest and eat snacks.
Beppu offers a wide variety of exciting events for families during the winter season. You can enjoy fireworks, light displays, and fun indoor aquarium shows with your kids. Plan your 2026 trip early to experience these wonderful kid friendly winter events in Beppu Japan. We hope you have a fantastic and warm holiday in this beautiful city.