Beppu isn’t just Japan’s hot spring capital — it’s also a paradise for coffee lovers seeking the perfect blend of caffeine and steam-kissed atmosphere. With over 2,900 hot spring sources bubbling throughout the city, many cafés embrace the onsen spirit. Expect everything from coffee brewed with hot spring water to footbaths where you can soak while sipping your latte.
The combination of volcanic energy and cozy café culture creates an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re looking for panoramic bay views, traditional Japanese architecture, or the unique experience of enjoying desserts steamed with natural hot spring power, Beppu’s café scene delivers on all fronts.
Here is a list of 15 cafés that perfectly capture the city’s onsen charm while serving up memorable views and unforgettable flavors.
Morihan Bettei
Hidden away on a mountainside along a peaceful stream, Morihan Bettei offers one of the unique café experiences in Japan. This onsen tearoom sits on the grounds of the Sarabio Hot Spring Microbiology Research Institute, where the beneficial microorganisms from local hot springs are used to enrich the soil and grow nutritious ingredients.
The café’s footbath coffee space lets you soak your feet in mineral-rich hot spring water as you enjoy handmade treats and serene forest views. Their signature herbal tea is made by steaming Japanese mountain ginseng leaves with hot spring steam, creating a mellow flavor that’s said to boost circulation and immunity.
Okamotoya Shop
Perched on Beppu’s magnificent mountainside near the entrance to a wooded valley, Okamotoya Shop has been perfecting the art of ‘jigokumushi’ (hell-steaming) since 1988. Their famous pudding, steamed with hot spring water, absorbs mineral notes for a distinctive taste you can’t find anywhere else. The restaurant’s windows offer panoramic views stretching from the nearby Myoban Bridge all the way to the deep blue expanse of Beppu Bay.
Their yunohana manju (steamed buns) are made fluffy and light using the natural power of hot spring steam, making them perfect treats to enjoy while gazing at the spectacular scenery below.
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Kissa Natsume
Located in the heart of Beppu Station’s Sol Paseo shopping district, Kissa Natsume brings the onsen experience directly to your coffee cup. This charming retro cafe serves unique onsen coffee brewed using the region’s famous hot spring water, creating a smooth, mineral-rich flavor that regular coffee can’t match.
The vintage decor and tranquil atmosphere make it the perfect place to unwind after exploring the city’s steamy streets. Their menu features light meals like savory curry and ogura toast, all complemented by that distinctive hot spring water taste that makes every sip a reminder of Beppu’s geothermal wonders.
Coffee Mumm
Just a five-minute walk from Beppu Station, Coffee Mumm gets its name from the three mountains of the Kujyu range where the owner’s parents live. This cozy spot has been carefully restored from a 40-year-old establishment, combining old-school charm with modern café comfort.
The café is famous for its perfectly crafted cappuccino and traditional Neapolitan pasta served on a hot griddle with a fluffy fried egg on top. Their retro atmosphere and skilled baristas make it a favorite among locals who appreciate the mountain views and the warm, welcoming vibe that feels like visiting family.
Teabo Shinanoya
Housed in a historic building over 100 years old, Teabo Shinanoya offers a journey back in time with its wonderful nostalgic atmosphere. This charming café specializes in Beppu’s famous dango soup, served with plenty of fresh vegetables and homemade side dishes that showcase local flavors.
The antique furniture and traditional decor create the perfect backdrop for enjoying Japanese sweets like anmitsu and yaseuma, an Oita specialty confection. The friendly staff and authentic tea service in proper teacups make every visit feel special, while the historic ambiance connects you to Beppu’s rich cultural heritage.
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Galleria Midobaru’s HOT SPRING BAR
This contemporary café inside the art-focused Galleria Midobaru hotel brings together hot springs, modern design, and creative beverages in one stunning space. The award-winning architecture by DABURA.m creates a gallery-like atmosphere where you can enjoy Oita’s local beer, original cocktails, and non-alcoholic options like coffee and chai lattes.
The terrace offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, while counter seats with power outlets make it perfect for digital nomads. Even non-hotel guests can enjoy this sophisticated space that perfectly blends Beppu’s onsen culture with cutting-edge design and contemporary art.
Yohachiro Café & Sweets
Nestled in the steamy Kannawa area, Yohachiro Café & Sweets provides the perfect rest stop after exploring the famous Hells of Beppu. This cozy café specializes in handmade cakes and sweets that provide a sweet contrast to the sulfurous atmosphere of the surrounding hot springs.
The location puts you right in the heart of Beppu’s most geothermally active district, where you can watch white steam rising from the ground while enjoying dessert. Their cake selection rotates regularly, ensuring there’s always something new to try alongside your coffee as you take in the unique landscape that makes Kannawa so special.
Space Beppu
This traditional house-turned-cafe offers an authentic glimpse into old Beppu while serving coffee made with genuine onsen water. The historic building maintains its original charm while providing modern comfort, creating a bridge between Beppu’s past and present.
Their onsen coffee showcases how the mineral-rich hot spring water enhances the flavor profile of carefully selected beans, creating a cup that tastes distinctly of place. The traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for travelers wanting to experience the authentic side of Beppu’s café culture while enjoying the unique taste of hot spring-brewed coffee.
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Wakura
This Japanese-style shop and café has become a local favorite and popular spot for couples seeking a romantic atmosphere with a natural setting. The beautiful location emphasizes harmony with nature, offering a serene escape from the bustling tourist areas.
The café serves traditional Japanese refreshments in a setting that feels like a peaceful garden retreat, where the sound of flowing water and rustling leaves creates a meditative atmosphere. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients prepared with care, making it perfect for those who appreciate the quieter, more contemplative side of Beppu’s café scene.
Ao no Jikan
— Photo by maheenafzalkhan
Located on a quiet mountainside, Ao no Jikan combines authentic Italian cuisine with spectacular views of Beppu Bay. This popular restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizza made with traditional techniques, while its elevated position provides diners with sweeping panoramic views that stretch across the city to the ocean.
The mountain location offers a cooler, more refreshing atmosphere compared to the steamy city center, making it perfect for lunch or dinner with a view. Their authentic Italian approach to cooking creates an interesting contrast with the distinctly Japanese onsen landscape visible through their windows.
Kokochi Cafe Musubino
This hideaway-style café embodies the peaceful spirit that makes Beppu so special for relaxation and reflection. The carefully designed interior creates a cozy atmosphere where time seems to slow down, perfect for enjoying a quiet coffee break.
Large windows flood the space with natural light, while the location in a residential area near Beppu City Hall provides easy parking and a more local feel. The café’s decoration features various lighting fixtures and dried flowers that create a warm, inviting atmosphere where you can truly unwind and enjoy the simple pleasure of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.
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Sally Garden
Famous throughout the region for its exceptional chiffon cakes and baked goods, Sally Garden has built a reputation for simple yet sophisticated sweets. While technically located in nearby Oita City, this café is beloved by Beppu visitors for its light, airy chiffon cakes made with premium ingredients.
The concept of ‘simple yet sophisticated’ shows in every aspect of their menu, from the carefully selected ingredients to the elegant presentation. Their baked goods make perfect souvenirs or treats to enjoy while taking in the scenic countryside views that connect Beppu to the broader Oita region.
DIG Coffee
A short hike up the hill from Beppu Daigaku Station leads to this quaint café known for its incredible latte art and rich, full-bodied coffee. The skilled barista can create almost any design you request in the foam, from cats to intricate patterns, making each cup a work of art.
The cozy interior often attracts college students and couples who appreciate the personalized service and high-quality coffee made with beans sourced from Green Spot, a respected local roaster. The peaceful location and artistic atmosphere make it a hidden gem worth seeking out for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate both visual beauty and exceptional taste.
Bokai Hotel’s Scenic Café
While primarily known as a hotel, Bokai Hotel’s café area offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of Beppu. The elevated position provides unobstructed panoramic views of Beppu Bay and the Kunisaki Peninsula, creating a stunning backdrop for enjoying coffee and light meals.
The clear hot spring water used throughout the facility creates a pure, clean taste that enhances every beverage served. The combination of spectacular scenery and the peaceful atmosphere makes this an unforgettable spot for watching the sunrise or sunset over the bay while enjoying the benefits of Beppu’s renowned hot spring culture.
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Traditional Jigokumushi Pudding Spots
Several cafés throughout Beppu specialize in the city’s famous hell-steamed pudding, a dessert that can only be truly experienced here. These establishments use the natural steam from hot springs to create custard puddings with unique mineral flavors that reflect the geothermal character of the region.
The bittersweet taste comes from the mineral-rich steam used in the cooking process, creating a flavor profile that’s distinctly different from regular custard. Many of these spots offer scenic locations where you can watch the steam rising from the ground while enjoying this signature Beppu delicacy that perfectly represents the fusion of culinary tradition and natural geothermal power.
Where Steam Meets Flavor
Beppu’s café culture represents something truly special — a perfect marriage of Japan’s coffee appreciation and the city’s extraordinary geothermal gifts. These cafés don’t just serve drinks; they offer experiences that connect you to the volcanic energy that has shaped this region for centuries.
From coffee brewed with mineral-rich hot spring water to desserts steamed with natural geothermal power, each establishment tells the story of a city that has learned to live in harmony with its bubbling, steaming landscape. Whether you’re seeking panoramic bay views, mountain vistas, or simply the unique taste of onsen-enhanced beverages, Beppu’s cafés deliver experiences that warm both body and soul in ways that only this remarkable city can provide.
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