Mt. Tsurumi

Mount Tsurumi (Tsurumidake, 1,375 m) is an active volcano in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, and is one of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains.
Rising behind the Beppu hot springs, its summit offers a 360-degree view over Beppu Bay, Mount Yufu, the Kujū range and the Kunisaki Peninsula. The Beppu Ropeway carries you straight up to the summit station at 1,300 m, leaving an easy walk of about 15 minutes to the top.
For public-transport access, take a Kamenoi Bus from JR Beppu Station to the Beppu Ropeway (base station).

The trailhead is the Beppu Ropeway base station (about 500 m), with parking, toilets and a shop. Take the ropeway up to the summit station (about 1,300 m), then summit station → promenade → summit of Mount Tsurumi (1,375 m) and back, a beginner route of about 30–40 minutes. The summit area has well-kept promenades, and the summit gives wide views of Beppu Bay, Mount Yufu and the Kujū range.
The best season is all year (with rime ice on the summit in winter). To climb on foot, there is also a direct route from the south trailhead. Always check the latest ropeway operation and bus times before you go.

*Last checked: June 6, 2026

1. [Outbound] Beppu Station → Beppu Ropeway (Kamenoi Bus + Ropeway)

Beppu Station on the JR Nippō Main Line is your base. From the station’s west exit, take a Kamenoi Bus to the Beppu Ropeway base station, then ride the ropeway straight up.

Bus timetable ①: Beppu Sta. West Exit → Beppu Ropeway (Kamenoi Bus route 36)

Beppu Ropeway (base station → summit station): runs continuously at about 10-minute intervals, taking about 10 minutes. Round trip 1,800 yen for adults. Hours are summer (Mar 15–Nov 14) 9:00–17:30 (last up 17:00), winter (Nov 15–Mar 14) 9:00–17:00 (last up 16:30). It may stop in strong winds.

Taxi: to avoid waiting for the bus, a taxi from Beppu Station is also an option (about 15 minutes; Kamenoi Taxi 0977-22-2236).

By car: the Beppu Ropeway base station has a free car park.

References: [Beppu Ropeway] ／ [Kamenoi Bus timetable]

2. [Return] Beppu Ropeway → Beppu Station (Kamenoi Bus)

After the hike, ride the ropeway down to the base station, then take a Kamenoi Bus from in front of Beppu Ropeway back to Beppu Station West Exit.

Bus timetable ②: Beppu Ropeway → Beppu Sta. West Exit (Kamenoi Bus route 36)

References: [Beppu Ropeway] ／ [Kamenoi Bus timetable]

Trail Guide and Safety Notes

Route: Ropeway summit station → promenade → summit of Mount Tsurumi (1,375 m) and back. The standard time is about 30–40 minutes, a beginner route. The summit area has a Seven Lucky Gods promenade, and the summit gives wide views of Beppu Bay, Mount Yufu, the Kujū range and the Kunisaki Peninsula. To climb on foot, there is also a direct route from the south trailhead (about 3–4 hours).

Active volcano and weather notes: Mount Tsurumi is an active volcano, but is currently open for hiking with no restrictions (check volcano information with the JMA). The summit is windy, with rime ice and freezing in winter. Watch for sudden weather changes.

Views and seasons: the summit gives a 360-degree panorama. Highlights are Miyama-kirishima azaleas in spring and rime ice in winter. The ropeway may stop in strong winds.

Equipment and emergencies: carry rain gear, warm clothing, a headlamp, a map/GPS and plenty of food. In an accident or emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance).
・Beppu Police Station 0977-21-2131

Photo by Miya.m / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0