Beppu offers three very different ways to spend a day: a private scenic drive to Yufuin, a flexible private city tour, or a small-group walking experience focused on local arts and crafts. Each one fits a different pace, group size, and level of structure.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching things to do in Beppu. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and Japan tours and experiences.
Compare the 3 Tour Options
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Private scenic drive | Travelers who want a private, customizable day with scenic driving and convenient pickup | ★ 5.0/5 | 14 reviews | Approx. 5 hr–6 hr | Private transportation is included throughout the trip. | View on Viator |
 Private city tour | Travelers who want a customized Beppu sightseeing day with a private English-speaking guide | ★ 5.0/5 | 12 reviews | Approx. 5 hr | A dedicated English-speaking local guide is included. | View on Viator |
 Walking culture tour | Travelers who want a shorter, small-group walk focused on arts, crafts, and neighborhood culture | ★ 4.9/5 | 40 reviews | Approx. 2 hr–2 hr 30 min | Admission fees for the visited facilities are included. | View on Viator |
Explore Each Tour in Detail
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Private vehicle sightseeing
Beppu and Yufuin Scenic Private Tour
Best for: Travelers who want a private, customizable day with scenic driving and convenient pickup
This is the most travel-style-focused option of the three, built for visitors who want to cover more ground without joining a larger group. It uses private transportation and is set up for a small party, with pickup available from the port or lodging. The tour connects Beppu with Yufuin and can be adjusted around interests such as hot springs, crafts, cuisine, or scenic stops. Inclusions also cover bottled water, WiFi on board, parking fees, and a private guide. Not included are lunch, Beppu Ropeway, and Beppu Hell, so travelers should plan separately if those matter to them.
Beppu and Yufuin Scenic Private Tour
- Private transportation is included throughout the trip.
- Pickup is offered from Beppu International Port or your accommodation.
- The itinerary can be adjusted around interests such as hot springs, crafts, cuisine, or scenic stops.
Customized Beppu sightseeing
Beppu Guided Private City Tour with Transport
Best for: Travelers who want a customized Beppu sightseeing day with a private English-speaking guide
This option suits travelers who want a private, city-centered day with a strong degree of control over the route. The tour includes an English-speaking local guide and air-conditioned vehicle transport, and the itinerary can be tailored to your pace and interests. Confirmed inclusions also cover fuel, highway, and parking fees for the agreed plan. The listed stops range from the famous hot-spring areas and viewpoints to a zoological garden and optional onsen time, but entry fees for several places are not included, and meals and drinks are also excluded. It works well for visitors who prefer a flexible sightseeing format over a fixed group route.
Beppu Guided Private City Tour with Transport
- A dedicated English-speaking local guide is included.
- Private vehicle transport is provided for the tour.
- The plan can be customized to include up to a few attractions from the listed stops.
Local culture on foot
Become a Local! A Walking Tour of Arts, Crafts & Onsen Culture
Best for: Travelers who want a shorter, small-group walk focused on arts, crafts, and neighborhood culture
This is the most compact and local-feeling experience of the three. Instead of a vehicle-based sightseeing day, it uses a walking format through downtown Beppu and focuses on arts, crafts, and neighborhood culture. The tour is designed as a small-group experience and includes admission fees for each facility visited. Confirmed stops can include a local market, a bamboo craft workshop, artist spaces, and a century-old house with a gallery and history room. Food, beverages, bottled water, and souvenir costs are not included. The route may change depending on business opening times, so it suits travelers who are comfortable with some flexibility.
Become a Local! A Walking Tour of Arts, Crafts & Onsen Culture
- Admission fees for the visited facilities are included.
- The format is small-group and walk-based rather than car-based.
- It focuses on local cultural spaces instead of the more famous tourist spots.
Choosing the right Beppu itinerary style
Pick the scenic private tour if you want one relaxed outing that connects Beppu with Yufuin and includes port or hotel pickup. Choose the city tour if you want a private Beppu day with more control over the stops, or the walking tour if you prefer a shorter, more local experience on foot.
Beppu to Yufuin scenic route
A private, guided route that combines city views, mountain scenery, and time in Yufuin rather than focusing only on Beppu’s center.
Beppu city highlights by car
A private, adjustable driving tour centered on Beppu viewpoints, hot-spring areas, and selected attractions from the listed options.
Downtown Beppu walking route
A short, small-group walk through cultural streets, craft spaces, and neighborhood stops rather than the main tourist sights.
Travel planning tip
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Booking notes
- Check whether any attraction admissions are included before booking, since some stops require separate entry fees.
- If you want a fully private day, confirm the group size and vehicle arrangement shown for each option.
- For the walking tour, be prepared for route changes if a workshop or business is not available at the scheduled time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option is most suitable for a short stay in Beppu?
The walking tour is the shortest option and keeps the focus on local culture, so it can fit easily into a limited schedule.
Which experience is better for travelers who want private transportation?
Both the scenic Beppu-Yufuin tour and the private city tour include private transport, while the walking tour does not.
Do these tours include all admissions and food?
No. Inclusions vary by product, and several meals, drinks, and attraction admissions are excluded, so it is worth checking the details for the specific experience you want.