Countries
Beppu Onsen Festival
1
Apr
Date
1 Apr (Wednesday)
Time
Wed, Apr 1 – Sun, Apr 5
Venue
Beppu Station, 12-13 Ekimaecho
Beppu, Oita, Japan
📝 Useful Information
The Beppu Hatto Onsen Festival (also known as the Beppu Hatto Onsen Matsuri) is the city's largest annual celebration dedicated to its world-famous hot springs. In 2026, the festival is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, April 1 to Sunday, April 5. The event marks "Onsen Thanksgiving Day" on April 1st to honor the region's geothermal blessings.
The festival features several distinct events held across Beppu City, many centered around JR Beppu Station.
Would you like a list of specific public onsens participating in the free entry period or more details on the Ogiyama Fire Festival viewing spots?
Key Festival Highlights
Event Details & Locations
•Free Hot Spring Access: For several days during the festival, over 100 public onsens throughout the city open their doors to the public for free.
•Ogiyama Fire Festival: A spectacular nighttime event where the slopes of Mt. Ogiyama are set ablaze in a massive controlled burn. This symbolizes the arrival of spring and begins around 18:00 on scheduled evenings.
•Yubukkake Matsuri (Hot Spring Splashing): A high-energy event where participants and spectators splash each other with massive amounts of hot spring water using hoses, water guns, and buckets. For 2026, this is anticipated around April 5 at 15:00 near Beppu Tower.
•Grand Parade: Features local organizations, marching bands, and a portable shrine (mikoshi) procession through the shopping streets in front of Beppu Station.
•Onsen Master Recognition: Ceremony recognizing individuals who have completed the "Beppu Onsen Road" challenge by visiting 88 different hot springs.
•Traffic & Parking: Major traffic restrictions are common during the parade and Yubukkake events; using public transport to reach JR Beppu Station is highly recommended.
•Clothing: If attending the Yubukkake splashing event, wear clothes you don’t mind getting completely soaked.
•Bath Marathon: Enthusiasts can attempt the "Beppu Bath Marathon," aiming to visit dozens of onsens within the festival's five-day period.
Updated at 18 Mar 2026