Beppu: Custom Private Tour with English Speaking Guide

When visiting Japan’s Kyushu region, Beppu is a must-see for its famous hot springs and unique geothermal attractions. This private tour, offered at $370 for up to two people, gives you a flexible, personalized way to explore the city and its surroundings. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this experience is designed to match your interests and pace, providing a level of intimacy and customization that larger group tours simply can’t match.

What we particularly appreciate is how this tour allows for total flexibility—whether you want to focus on the iconic hot springs, explore lesser-known spots accessible only by car, or combine sightseeing with cultural or culinary interests. The fact that your guide drives a private, air-conditioned car means you can relax and focus on the sights, rather than navigating confusing bus routes or crowded groups.

One potential consideration is that the tour isn’t guaranteed until your guide contacts you within about a week of booking. This ensures a personalized experience, but it does require some planning ahead. Also, since the tour doesn’t include entrance fees or meals, you’ll want to budget extra for admissions and snacks.

This experience suits travelers who value privacy, flexibility, and authentic local insights. If you’re traveling with a partner or a friend and want to craft a day around your specific interests—be it hot springs, local culture, or scenic drives—this could be your ideal way to see Beppu.

Key Points

Flexible, personalized itinerary tailored to your interests and pace.
Private vehicle provided, ensuring comfort and convenience.
Expert English-speaking guide offers insider knowledge and local insights.
Stops accessible only by car provide unique and less crowded experiences.
All driving costs covered, including fuel, parking, and tolls—no hidden fees.
Not suitable for young children or travelers with mobility issues, due to vehicle and site access considerations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at What to Expect on Your Beppu Private Tour

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A Truly Custom Experience

Unlike cookie-cutter group tours, this private experience is all about you. When you book, you specify your interests—whether hot springs, cultural sites, or scenic drives—and your guide, often a local expert, creates an itinerary that reflects those preferences. This means you can spend more time at the places you love and skip those that don’t catch your eye.

The Personal Touch

Your guide, who speaks fluent English, isn’t just a driver but also a storyteller and cultural interpreter. We loved the way guides seem genuinely eager to showcase hidden gems and share local stories that you won’t find in guidebooks. According to reviews, guides like Mia or others typically make contact within a week of booking to confirm your plans, so open communication is a key part of the process.

Comfortable Transportation

Having a private, air-conditioned car means you’ll travel in comfort, shielded from the elements and crowds. The vehicle is spacious enough for two people and packed with a driver who knows the roads and parking spots well. This convenience is especially valuable since some points of interest are only accessible by car, making this tour a smooth journey.

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Highlights of the Tour

While the exact stops depend on your preferences, you might visit Beppu’s famous hot springs—perhaps the Jigoku Meguri (Hell Springs)—or explore lesser-known geothermal sites. Since entrance fees aren’t included, you can choose where to spend your budget, and your guide can advise on popular or lesser-crowded spots.

The tour also offers a chance to see local neighborhoods, explore scenic viewpoints, or include cultural sites like shrines or temples. Some reviewers mention that the flexibility to customize keeps the experience fresh and personal, avoiding the feeling of being herded around.

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Authentic Experiences Beyond the Tourist Spots

One of the best parts? You can request stops at spots accessible only by car, which often means fewer travelers and more authentic moments. For instance, you might stop for a quiet moment at a scenic overlook or visit a local shop not on the usual route. This approach allows you to craft a truly personalized experience that reflects your travel style.

The Practical Side

The fee covers all driving costs—fuel, parking, tolls—so no surprises there. However, remember that meals, entrance fees, and personal expenses are not included, so plan accordingly. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to allocate some extra for admission fees or snacks.

Authenticity and Local Insights

Travelers have praised guides for their local knowledge and willingness to adapt on the fly. Whether you want to spend more time soaking in hot springs or exploring a hidden shrine, your guide can accommodate. This level of attention ensures you get more than just a sightseeing checklist—you get a meaningful, curated experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private, customized tour is perfect for couples or small groups wanting an intimate, flexible adventure in Beppu. If you prefer personalized attention, dislike large crowds, or want to explore beyond the standard tourist trail, this experience will suit your style. It’s especially good if you’re comfortable with a bit of planning and want the peace of mind knowing everything is arranged around your interests.

It’s less suitable for families with very young children or travelers with mobility challenges, as some sites or vehicle access points might be difficult for wheelchairs or strollers.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a tailor-made day in Beppu, this private tour offers unmatched flexibility and comfort. The presence of an English-speaking guide ensures you get local insights, while the private vehicle allows you to explore hidden corners and scenic viewpoints that larger tours can’t access.

We love how this experience balances personalization with convenience—you’re in control of your itinerary, yet supported by a knowledgeable local. It’s an excellent choice for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want to truly experience Beppu on their own terms.

While it comes at a premium compared to group tours, the value is clear in the level of customization, comfort, and insider access you gain. If your goal is an authentic, relaxed, and deeply personal experience in Japan’s geothermal capital, this private tour checks all the boxes.

FAQ

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is fully customizable. You can share your interests beforehand, and your guide will craft a route tailored to your preferences.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years, and mobility or wheelchair constraints might limit access to certain sites.

What is included in the price?
The $370 fee covers the guide’s services, private car with air conditioning, all fuel, parking, and tolls for city sightseeing areas. Entrance fees and food are not included.

How do I confirm the booking?
Most guides will contact you within 7 days of booking to confirm your itinerary and details. Your reservation is not finalized until this contact is made.

Can I pay on the day of the tour?
You can reserve and pay later, which offers flexibility if your plans change or you want to finalize details closer to your trip.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans shift unexpectedly.

This private tour through Beppu offers a genuine and flexible way to experience one of Japan’s most fascinating geothermal towns. Whether you’re after natural hot springs, cultural insights, or scenic drives, this personalized approach makes your visit memorable and authentic.