Bars & Nightlife · Kitahama / Motomachi

Kitahama Showa Back Alleys 北浜・竹瓦界隈の路地裏

Web of narrow lanes between Beppu Station and the seafront packed with snack bars, tiny izakaya, retro neon and public bathhouses: Beppu's after-dark soul.

About

Beppu's mid-century boom left the Kitahama and Motomachi districts riddled with lanes too narrow for cars: crooked alleys lined with Showa-era snack bars behind padded doors, yakitori counters, hole-in-the-wall izakaya and the occasional modern bar or art space from the Beppu Project. Between them, neighbourhood bathhouses such as Takegawara Onsen keep the steam rising. Walk them after dark when the paper lanterns and old neon flicker on; many places seat only six to ten people, and the best are found by peeking through doors. It's safe, slightly faded and very photogenic.

Highlights

• Showa-era lanes lined with snack bars and neon
• Tiny counter izakaya and yakitori joints
• Public bathhouses tucked between bars
• Excellent night street photography

Tips

• Snack bars often have a cover charge: ask before sitting down
• Start with a soak at Takegawara Onsen, then wander
• Most counters fill up by 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays
• Be respectful taking photos of people and doorways

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Solpaseo Ginza ArcadePhoto Spot · 50 m away
• Bungo Beef Steak Somuri (Beppu Honten)Restaurant · 70 m away
• Snack Art DecoBars & Nightlife · 100 m away
• ChoromatsuIzakaya · 100 m away
• Takegawara OnsenOnsen & Sento · 110 m away
• Gyoza KogetsuRestaurant · 110 m away
• Noodle Factory LifeRamen & Noodles · 120 m away
• Kurume Ramen (Beppu Ekimae)Ramen & Noodles · 130 m away