Beppu Onsen Matsuri 2026: Oita’s Hot Spring Thanksgiving
Kyushu-Okinawa · OitaFestival
Japan’s greatest hot-spring town throws open its baths and fills the streets to give thanks for its steaming waters.
Overview
The Beppu Hatto Onsen Matsuri is a spring festival celebrating the abundant hot springs of Beppu, the seaside resort city in Oita that pours out more thermal water than almost anywhere on earth. Held over several days at the start of April, it mixes Shinto rites of gratitude with lively parades, and famously opens many of the city’s public baths free of charge as a thank-you to the springs.
When & Where
In 2026 the festival runs from April 1 to April 5. Events centre on Beppu Station Square and spread to venues across the city and its eight historic hot-spring districts, collectively known as Beppu Hatto. Nearest station: JR Beppu (Nippo Main Line).
Getting There
Beppu is about 10–15 minutes by JR limited express from Oita, and roughly a 45-minute bus ride from Oita Airport. The main festival hub is right at JR Beppu Station, so the city is easy to reach by train. Local buses connect the different bath districts if you want to combine the festival with a soak.
What to Expect
Highlights include the Ogiyama Fire Festival, in which a hillside is set ablaze to herald spring, the Yukemuri Grand Parade through the streets, and the exuberant Yu-bukkake festival, where crowds splash one another with hot-spring water for good fortune. On April 1, Hot Spring Gratitude Day, around one hundred communal baths across the city open free of charge.
Tickets & Access
Watching the parades and street events is free, and many municipal baths waive their fee on the opening day. A few special events or reserved areas may carry a charge; bring a small towel if you plan to take advantage of the free bathing.
Tips for Visitors
Pack a hand towel and swimwear-friendly plans if you want to bathe on Gratitude Day, and expect crowds around the Yu-bukkake event—wear clothes you do not mind getting wet. Evenings are cool in early April, so carry a light jacket for the fire festival.
Access and Map
| Dates | April 1 – 5, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Beppu Station Square and venues across Beppu City, Oita |
| Access | JR Beppu Station (Nippo Main Line); approx. 10–15 min by limited express from Oita |
| Admission | Free (many public baths free on April 1) |
| Official site | Visit Oita (Oita Prefecture Official Tourism) |
Source: Visit Oita (Oita Prefecture Official Tourism)
Image: Photo: miya.m / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
