What other travelers are saying about Beppu Rakutenchi
[ANIMAL ABUSE]
The Park itself is very Cute, a Bit rundown but i dont mind that, very nostalgic and beautiful view other than that nothing special.
But DO NOT GO if you love Animals or at least are capable of feeling the bare Minimum of empathy Torwards them.
For no reason at all they not only have domesticated animals (but in very horrible condition), but WILD ANIMALS (capibaras, lemurs, Monkeys, penguins, meercats, chimpanzee) in tiny, nasty cages. There is a voulture that is held in a Cage to small to fly at all, so he just sits on a stick and looks at the Wall, a meercat that runs from left to Right in its Bathtub small cage completely psychotic. The capibara just chews on its prison bar the whole time. The penguin cage is disgusting and Moldy. They probably have to feed the chimpanzee antidepressants to keep it from comitting suicide. And Even the ducks Look Dirty and sickly, with clipped wings and then they just sit in a tiny concrete square with a hose and waist away.
I Wish i would have known before going there and paying them money, because it is nothing but unethical and so so utterly, completely senseless. It would be a Fine Amusement park without the Animals. If the Sight of those Animals in their little Cages does not depress you, please try to grow a Heart that can feel.
It is an old amusement park, but the equipment are very well maintained.
Some tips:
Place is not accessible at all. You can get a taxi in from beppu station, but leaving is another issue as it is 15 mins walk to the nearest bus stop. The walk has no shelter. The park itself also has little shelter from the elements. I won't recommend going to the park if there's any chance of rain. Also, some rides will shut down due to rain.
Tickets: buy the free pass for the kids to allow them to play everything they want. Adults can get the 1500 yen for 5 rides to join the kids as required
Overall, it is a very fun park... when the weather is cooperative. It's just not very accessible if you're not driving
Family friendly, reasonably priced amusement park located in Beppu. It had a really nice view of the Bay of Beppu and surrounds. For the basic entry fee of ¥1300 for Adults, which includes a free cable car ride to and from the park and a free entry to the scenic hot spring bath. (You can do other rides like rollercoasters etc at extra cost)
Facilities and rides were a bit outdated but somehow adds the nice retro feel to the place.
I recommend this place, it's like visiting a scenic lookout with extra perks.
I went with the family during Hanami and they boast to have over 3000 Sakura trees. It was really beautiful because we had a really great day of Sun and warm weather. A cable car takes you up to the site which was fun. The rides were okay but great for little kids. Getting a ride pass might be worth it if you plan to go on a lot of rides.
Great place to enjoy with family. Went their during cherry blossom “Sakura” season, with a wonderful views. It is an amusement park with a lot of wonderful activities for kids. There are different type go merry-go-rounds located in the top of the mountain hill, which provides extra enjoyment while riding them.
Beppu Rakutenchi is unique because it combines traditional amusement park rides with authentic hot spring experiences. Your admission ticket includes free access to day-use hot spring baths and foot baths, allowing you to relax in therapeutic onsen waters after enjoying the rides. The park also features Japan's only double-decker Ferris wheel and offers spectacular panoramic views of Beppu city from its mountaintop location.
From JR Beppu Station's east exit, take a bus bound for Kannawa via Yamanote and get off at Nagarekawa 12-chome bus stop (12-minute ride). From there, you'll need to take the historic Beppu Rakutenchi Cable Line, which climbs up the mountain at a steep 30-degree angle. The cable car ride is included in your Main Gate admission ticket. Note that the Otobaru Gate is only accessible by private vehicle.
Main Gate admission costs ¥1,300 for adults (junior high and older) and ¥600 for children (ages 3-12), which includes the cable car ride and access to hot spring facilities. Otobaru Gate admission is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children, but doesn't include cable car transportation since you're driving directly to the park. Children under 2 enter free. All admission tickets include access to the rides and onsen facilities.
Beppu Rakutenchi typically closes on Tuesdays and may have occasional closures during winter months. The park has been operating since 1929, so it's well-established, but it's always best to check their schedule before visiting, especially during winter. During certain seasons, you can also enjoy the special Onsen Spring Water Pool in addition to the regular hot spring baths.
The park's signature attraction is the Flower Ferris Wheel, Japan's only double-decker Ferris wheel, which offers stunning views of Beppu. Other popular attractions include the Duck Race, Animal Land petting zoo, and various traditional rides. Beyond the amusement rides, you can enjoy the included hot spring baths, foot baths, and seasonal spring water pool. The vintage atmosphere and nearly century-old charm make it a nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages.
