Beppu, the Japanese spa resort on the island of Kyushu, is famous for its onsen — natural hot springs.

Denis Loctier, Euronews: “In Japan, underground heat turns into a rather heavenly experience for many tourists visiting the hot spring town of Beppu.”

Some of Beppu’s spectacular hot springs are open for viewing only, while others provide an unmatched range of bathing experiences. In the local microclimate warm enough for tropical plants and even crocodiles, onsen offer a relaxing and healthful repose.

Keiichirou Kawaguchi, Onsen expert: “Beppu has the highest number and the richest variety of hot springs. There’s no other place like it. That’s the reason Beppu is considered world’s number one.”

From hot water and steam to mud and sand baths, Beppu has more than 2000 onsen — a warm welcome all year round.

About the author

A Euronews journalist since 2001, Denis Loctier has produced short TV documentaries on more than 200 international research projects and covered a variety of other topics, from economy and tourism to international politics and military conflicts.

From 2019 to 2025, as the anchor and producer of “Ocean”, Euronews’ monthly show specialised in the blue economy and marine life, Denis travelled around the world exploring the effects of climate change and human activities on ocean health, talking directly with fishers, business owners, port authorities and policy-makers. “Ocean” has taken Denis and his team to places such as Greenland, the Caribbean Sea, Seychelles, Svalbard, Cabo Verde, Thailand and the Marshall Islands.

Denis holds a PhD in Information and Communication Sciences and is certified to operate in hostile environments. He can also fly paragliders, pilot drones, navigate vessels, and dive to depths of 60 meters.

Follow on social