Beppu Rakutenchi, Oita
Founded in 1929, Beppu Rakutenchi is the oldest amusement park in Kyushu and holds the distinction of being Beppu's most historic entertainment venue. Located on top of Mount Tateishi, the park offers commanding panoramic views of the entire city of Beppu, making it both an amusement destination and scenic overlook in one unique package.
The park has maintained its vintage charm through nearly a century of operation, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to multiple generations of visitors. Among its most notable attractions is Japan's only double-decker Ferris wheel, known as the Flower Ferris Wheel, which serves as the park's signature ride. Additional popular features include the long-standing Duck Race and Animal Land, where visitors can interact with small animals in a petting zoo setting.
What sets Beppu Rakutenchi apart from typical amusement parks is its integration with Beppu's famous hot spring culture, offering visitors a unique combination of rides and therapeutic bathing facilities. Admission includes free access to day-use hot spring baths and foot baths, providing an authentic onsen experience alongside traditional amusement park activities. During certain seasons, visitors can also enjoy the Onsen Spring Water Pool, adding another dimension to the hot spring experience.
The park features two separate entrances: the Main Gate and Otobaru Gate. To reach the Main Gate, take a bus from JR Beppu Station's east exit bound for Kannawa via Yamanote, disembarking at the Nagarekawa 12-chome bus stop after a 12-minute journey. From the Main Gate, visitors must take the Beppu Rakutenchi Cable Line, a funicular railway that opened in 1929 alongside the park, which climbs one of Japan's steepest slopes at a 30-degree angle. The Otobaru Gate is designed for visitors arriving by private vehicle and is not accessible via public transportation.
Admission fees vary by entrance point: Main Gate entry costs ¥1,300 for adults (junior high school students and older) and ¥600 for children (ages 3 to elementary school), with the cable car ticket included in these prices. Otobaru Gate admission is slightly lower at ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children, as it does not include cable car transportation. Children under 2 years old enter free of charge. The park typically closes on Tuesdays and may have occasional closures during winter months.
