Walking Beppu Tower: Sunset Views and Showa-Era Charm from the Observation Deck

Beppu Tower at Dusk: Exploring the Retro Showa-Era Observation Deck

Beppu Tower is the iconic symbol of Beppu’s hot spring district. Built in 1957 (Showa 32), it continues to watch over the town of Beppu to this day.

I visited around 5 PM in the evening. Here’s what it was like taking in views of Beppu Bay and Mt. Takasaki from the 17th and 16th floor observation decks while enjoying the retro Showa-era displays.

This article follows my journey from arrival to the observation deck experience. For discount information and access details about Beppu Tower, check out the article below.

Arriving at Beppu Tower

I arrived at the base of the tower. Let’s head inside through the 1st floor entrance hall.

Looking straight up from the entrance, you can catch a glimpse of the observation deck. Seeing where you’re headed builds the anticipation.

There’s a ticket machine next to the elevator. This is where you purchase tickets for the observation deck.

QR code payment is also available. If you prefer to pay by QR code instead of cash, you can skip the machine and head straight to the 17th floor to pay at the reception desk.

Ticket in hand, I took the elevator up to the 17th floor observation deck.

Views from the 17th Floor Observation Deck

After exiting the elevator, you’ll find the reception desk right away where you present your ticket. And beyond that… a grand panorama of Beppu’s cityscape!

This is the view from the 17th floor, 55 meters above ground. You can see all of Beppu’s cityscape and mountain range in one sweeping view. The space is surprisingly expansive.

Mt. Takasaki to the south, Beppu Bay to the east. Sea, mountains, and cityscape—everything is visible in a single view.

You can see all the way to the horizon of Beppu Bay. It really brings home just how close the hot spring town is to the sea.

Chairs line the windows. Binoculars are also available, making it a space where you can take your time enjoying the scenery.

Perhaps because it was late afternoon, the deck wasn’t crowded and I enjoyed a peaceful moment. Depending on the day and time, it has the calm atmosphere of a hidden gem.

Beppu Bay as the sun began to set. Watching the sea and city become bathed in the evening light, time seemed to stand still.

Relaxing Time on the 16th Floor

Beppu Tower’s observation deck spans two floors: the 17th and 16th. I took the stairs down from the 17th to the 16th floor.

At the bottom of the stairs, you arrive at the 16th floor.

The 16th floor has counter seating along the windows. It’s a relaxing space where you can unwind while gazing at the sea.

These counter seats are equipped with USB charging ports. Phone battery life is always a concern when traveling, so being able to recharge while enjoying the view is a thoughtful touch.

Views of the sea, mountains, and city, plus phone charging. It was a surprisingly comfortable space.

Soaking in the Showa Retro Atmosphere

The observation deck also has a souvenir corner. There’s a nostalgic atmosphere throughout.

As you’d expect from a tower built in 1957, retro electrical equipment panels are on display. These artifacts from another era catch the eye.

Photos from when the tower was built are also exhibited. They show Beppu’s cityscape as it was then, quite different from today, giving you a sense of history.

The town before the tower existed. Seeing displays like these, you really feel how this place has been watching over Beppu for 68 years.

Evening light streaming into the observation deck. The silhouettes of chairs and the cityscape through the windows create a somehow nostalgic atmosphere.

Even as the town continues to change, time seems to stand still in this observation deck space. It has the unique charm of a Showa-era tower.

Quiet Moments at the Sunset Observation Deck

The time I spent at Beppu Tower’s observation deck was more peaceful than I expected.

Looking out over Beppu from the 17th floor, relaxing at the counter seats on the 16th floor, admiring the retro Showa-era displays—all without crowds, enjoying the scenery at my own pace.

An observation deck where you can see the sea, mountains, and city all at once. Gazing at the full panorama of Beppu’s hot spring town in the soft evening light was truly a luxurious experience.

If you visit Beppu, I highly recommend stopping by Beppu Tower.