Beppu Tower

Beppu Tower: A Landmark of Japan's Hot Spring Capital

Rising proudly above the coastal cityscape of Beppu in Oita Prefecture, Beppu Tower has stood as the iconic symbol of one of Japan's most celebrated hot spring towns for nearly seven decades. Completed in 1957, this elegant observation tower was the third high-rise tower built in postwar Japan, predating even the famous Tokyo Tower by a full year. Designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2007, Beppu Tower represents a remarkable chapter in the nation's postwar architectural ambitions and continues to offer visitors breathtaking panoramic views of Beppu Bay, the surrounding mountains, and the steaming hot spring townscape below.

Historical Background

Beppu Tower was conceived as the signature attraction for the Beppu Hot Spring Tourism and Industry Exposition, which opened on March 20, 1957. Local business leaders established the Beppu Kanko Kaihatsu company and invested 280 million yen — a substantial sum at the time — to bring the tower to fruition. Although construction delays meant the tower was not completed in time for the exposition's opening, it was finished on May 10, 1957, and quickly became a sensation.

Originally named the Kanko Center Television Tower, the structure was renamed Beppu Tower in 1961. In its heyday, the tower attracted around 900,000 visitors annually, and during school excursion season, the on-site restaurants served up to 4,000 meals per day. The tower's job recruitment upon completion drew thousands of applicants who lined up along the streets near Beppu Station — a testament to the excitement the project generated in the community.

Over the decades, Beppu Tower weathered financial challenges, changing ownership, and the evolving tourism landscape. In 2021, Kaisei Chisho Trust Co., Ltd. acquired the tower, and after a major renovation beginning in May 2022, the tower reopened on January 27, 2023, with its height restored to the original 100 meters and its exterior repainted in the colors of its 1957 debut.

Why It Was Designated a Cultural Property

Beppu Tower was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) on October 2, 2007, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The designation recognizes several aspects of its cultural and architectural significance.

The tower was designed by Tachū Naitō (1886–1970), one of the most distinguished structural engineers in Japanese history. Known as the "Tower Doctor" and the "Father of Earthquake-Resistant Design," Naitō was a professor emeritus at Waseda University who pioneered seismic structural engineering in Japan. His designs survived the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, and he went on to design over 60 broadcasting and observation towers throughout his career.

Beppu Tower is one of six towers collectively known as the "Tower Six Brothers," all designed by Naitō during the 1950s and 1960s. The six towers, in order of construction, are: Nagoya TV Tower (1954), Tsūtenkaku in Osaka (1956), Beppu Tower (1957), Sapporo TV Tower (1957), Tokyo Tower (1958), and Hakata Port Tower (1964). As the third-born of these six siblings, Beppu Tower holds a special place in this remarkable architectural lineage.

The tower's structural design is notable for its cross-section that transitions from an octagonal shape at the base to a square in the middle and a triangular form at the top. The observation deck features inclined curtain walls specifically angled to optimize the downward viewing experience. Built atop a four-story reinforced concrete building, the steel tower was engineered to withstand typhoon winds of up to 160 meters per second — a remarkable feat of earthquake-resistant engineering for its era.

Highlights and Attractions

Observation Decks

The tower's main observation area, "Umi to Yama to Yu no Machi Tenbōdai" (Sea, Mountain, and Hot Spring Town Observatory), spans two floors — the 17th and 16th floors — at a height of 55 meters above ground. From here, visitors enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views encompassing Beppu Bay, the city's distinctive columns of hot spring steam, the verdant mountains behind the city, and on clear days, the distant shores of Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea.

The 17th floor features the "Tenkū Screen: Stage of Light," historical exhibits from the tower's original construction period, a souvenir shop, and the Tenbō Café Minato. The 16th floor offers "Space Fantasy Galaxy Walk," an immersive space-themed experience. Both floors provide unique perspectives on the Beppu panorama.

Kitahama Deck and Mid-Level Observatory

The 5th-floor rooftop terrace, called "Kitahama Deck: Sky and Light Terrace," provides a more intimate outdoor experience with artificial turf seating areas. An accessible mid-level observation deck offers exterior views from partway up the tower's structure, giving visitors an unusual perspective on the surrounding cityscape.

Nighttime Illumination

Following the 2023 renovation, Beppu Tower was equipped with Japan's first LED illumination system featuring seasonal gradient color changes. The tower's nighttime appearance transforms with the seasons and special events, creating a constantly evolving spectacle. This lighting system contributed to the tower's recognition as a Japan Night View Heritage site in August 2023.

Oita Onsen-za

On the first floor, the Oita Onsen-za Beppu Main Store offers local souvenirs, regional specialties, and a foot bath where visitors can relax while sampling local sake and hot spring-themed snacks. Popular items include hell-steamed eggs prepared using geothermal heat and hot spring hot dogs.

Visitor Information

Beppu Tower is conveniently located along National Route 10 in the Kitahama district of Beppu, within easy walking distance of JR Beppu Station. The observation deck operates from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the 16th-floor lounge CELINE remains open until 1:00 AM, offering an extended opportunity to enjoy the nighttime cityscape. Admission to the observation deck is 200 yen for high school students and adults, and 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Children under elementary school age enter free of charge. Parking is available on-site, and the tower is fully barrier-free with elevator access.

Surrounding Attractions

Beppu Tower's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the wider Beppu area. The Kitahama district itself is home to numerous hot spring inns and the bustling Gintenngai shopping arcade. A short walk away, Takegawara Onsen — another Registered Tangible Cultural Property — offers a historic bathing experience in a magnificent 1938 building featuring karahafu-style roofing. Visitors can enjoy the unique sand bath experience here, being buried in warm, naturally heated sand.

The nearby Kitahama Park and Matogahama Park are connected by a seaside promenade perfect for strolls along Beppu Bay. For a deeper dive into Beppu's famous "eight hot springs" (Beppu Hattō), each of the eight distinct hot spring districts offers its own character and mineral composition. The Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour), featuring dramatically colored boiling pools, is one of Beppu's most popular excursions. The city is also home to the Beppu Art Museum, located on the tower's second floor, showcasing a rotating collection of artworks.