Beppu Onsen Matsuri 2026 — The Ultimate Guide to Japan's Biggest Hot Spring Festival

Every spring, the city of Beppu — home to more hot springs than anywhere else in Japan — erupts into five days of celebration. The 112th Beppu Hatto Onsen Matsuri (別府八湯温泉まつり) runs from April 1 to 5, 2026, and this year is especially significant: the iconic Ogiyama Fire Festival marks its 50th anniversary.

The festival is a city-wide expression of gratitude for the blessings of hot spring water. Beppu officially designates April 1 as "Onsen Appreciation Day," and the events that follow bring together sacred Shinto ceremonies, explosive fire rituals, a hot spring marathon, Thai cultural festivities, and the legendary hot water splash battle on the city's main street.

Highlights You Can't Miss

Ogiyama Fire Festival — 50th Anniversary

On the evening of April 2, Ogiyama mountain is set ablaze in one of Beppu's most dramatic traditions. The controlled burn welcomes spring and symbolically awakens the onsen gods who have rested in the mountain during winter. The young grass that sprouts after the fire is offered to the gods.

This year's fire lighting marks the 50th anniversary since the festival expanded the traditional spring burn into a full-scale event in 1976. Fireworks follow at 19:00. In case of rain, the event is postponed (backup dates: April 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16).

Furo Marathon — 42.195 Baths in 4 Days

A playful take on the marathon concept: participants receive a stamp booklet and visit 42.195 local community onsen (jimo-sen) across Beppu between April 2 and 5. Entry costs ¥6,000 (covers all bathing fees), with a maximum of 200 participants. Completers receive an original T-shirt, and full marathon finishers enter a luxury prize lottery.

A half marathon course (21.195 baths) is also available. This is explicitly not a speed competition — go slowly and savor Beppu's bathing culture.

Yu-bukkake Matsuri — 213 Tons of Hot Spring Water

The festival's grand finale on April 5 fills the main street in front of Beppu Station with 213 tons of hot spring water. Mikoshi (portable shrines) parade down the street while crowds splash each other with buckets and ladles of warm onsen water. It's joyful, chaotic, and utterly unique. Buckets are provided along the route — come prepared to get wet.

Beppu Songkran Festival

Running alongside the traditional festival on April 4–5, the Beppu Songkran Festival at Tokiha department store brings Thai food, dance performances, a cooking class, and a cultural introduction from the Thai Consul General. A delightful cross-cultural addition that reflects Beppu's international character.

Full Schedule

See the complete detailed schedule with descriptions and maps.

Practical Info

A Festival with Deep Roots

The Onsen Matsuri traces its origins to 1910, when Beppu's commerce association organized an "Onsen City Big Sale" during the agricultural off-season. In 1919, the establishment of the Onsen Shrine added a sacred dimension, and by 1931 it had taken its current name and April 1–5 schedule. The addition of the Ogiyama fire in 1976 and the expansion to a city-wide "Beppu Hatto" celebration in 2001 transformed it into the multi-venue festival it is today.

For more details and updates, visit the official Onsen Matsuri website.