Beppu Onsen Family Hotels: Hell Tours and Aquarium Getaway

When choosing a hotel in Beppu Onsen with kids, many families wonder whether they can enjoy Japan's largest number of hot spring sources while keeping their children entertained too. Beppu is a hot spring town with steam rising throughout, and its biggest appeal is being able to enjoy both the onsen and family-friendly leisure — like the Hell Tour and an aquarium — in a single trip.

A reassuring point for an onsen trip with kids is how many hotels here let you relax without worrying about other guests. Of the 22 Beppu Onsen hotels listed on this site, 14 have a private-hire bath for the family alone (4 of which are free of charge), and 9 have a bath in the room, so even babies and small children who aren't ready for the communal bath can enjoy a relaxed soak with just your family. As many as 18 hotels have a Japanese-style tatami room that's easy for futon co-sleeping, and 9 offer in-room dining.

There's thoughtful support for families with babies and children too. Two hotels have a shallow pool kids can play in, and some have an indoor play area, so kids can spend time inside even on a rainy day or after dark. Two hotels can accommodate toddler meals, 3 offer a buffet kids love, and others provide in-room diaper trash bins, baby bath and baby chair rentals, or serve baby food.

Beppu's appeal isn't limited to its hot springs. There are plenty of spots kids can enjoy, such as the Beppu Hell Tour, where you can see a series of colorful hot spring sources, the Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago," Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, where you can see monkeys up close, and the Beppu Rakutenchi amusement park. It's a hot spring town where you can relax in the onsen while the whole family enjoys the trip.