Global Tower

Invite yourself to see the famous resort city from a bird's-eye view at Beppu Tower (also known as the Global Tower)—one of the most striking modern architectural landmarks in Oita Prefecture. This futuristic structure, located within the B-Con Plaza complex, stands out for its bold design: a glass "box" perched at the top of the tower, providing an unobstructed view of the surroundings.

Beppu Tower. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main highlight of this location is the 360-degree panoramic view. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking vista of Beppu, where thick white plumes of steam rise from rooftops everywhere—a telltale sign of the hundreds of active onsens. The majestic mountains rise on the horizon, while the endless sea stretches out on the other side, creating a unique nature-meets-city landscape.

For many travelers, Japan is synonymous with contrasts, and this tower is a perfect example. Its minimalist design of glass and metal sits alongside traditional Japanese neighborhoods, highlighting the city's unique character. A visit here is very affordable (around 300 yen), making the observation deck an accessible and essential stop for all photography enthusiasts.

To confirm the current opening hours of the observation deck or check for events at the complex, you can use the official communication channels.

The main pleasure of the visit is the opportunity to step inside the "floating" glass cube. Visitors can move freely between the two levels of the observation deck, choosing the best angles for photos. Thanks to the absence of heavy frames or partitions, it creates a feeling of total immersion in the surrounding space.

Be sure to witness the "earth's breath"—a phenomenon unique to Beppu, where steam from thermal springs blankets the city streets. On a clear day, visibility allows you to see the smallest details of the coastline and distant mountain ranges. For those seeking solitude, comfortable chairs are provided where you can spend time in silence, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

If you're looking for romance, we recommend timing your visit for dusk. As night falls over the city, Beppu transforms into a sea of lights, and the Global Tower becomes the perfect spot to witness this glow without the hustle and bustle of large tourist crowds. It's a quiet and stylish location that will leave pleasant memories of the region's modern face.

The easiest way to reach this architectural landmark is on foot from the central Beppu Station. The walk takes about 25 minutes and allows you to leisurely explore the city's modern residential neighborhoods. The route is intuitive, and the tall structure of the tower serves as an excellent landmark.

If you prefer comfort or are short on time, you can take a taxi from the city center—the trip takes only 5–10 minutes. Public transport in this direction is not very frequent (about once an hour), so bus No. 10 should only be considered if you have checked the current schedule in advance.

For those traveling by rental car or using a navigator, the address 12-1 Yamanotechō or the B-Con Plaza complex, of which the tower is a part, can be used as a destination. Parking spaces are available nearby, making the visit as convenient as possible.

Unlike its famous "older sister"—the city's classic TV tower built back in 1957—the Global Tower is a prime example of modern Japanese architecture. It was created as part of the large-scale B-Con Plaza cultural center, designed to highlight the city's status as an innovative resort destination.

Interestingly, the tower's design is intentionally minimalist. Instead of a traditional spire, it utilizes a "glass box" concept that appears to float in the air. This design choice allowed the high-rise structure to blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape without overwhelming the low-rise character of the neighborhood.

Today, the tower plays a key role in the tourism infrastructure, offering guests a chance to look at the traditional city life through a modern lens. It has become a symbol of how Japan masterfully combines its natural riches, such as thermal springs, with cutting-edge engineering solutions.

To fully enjoy the panoramas and take memorable photos, 30 to 60 minutes is sufficient for most travelers. This makes the tower an ideal short stop between visiting the famous hot springs or having lunch in the city center.

This timeframe includes purchasing a ticket at the base, the high-speed elevator ride, and leisurely taking in the views from the two levels of the observation deck. If you plan to meditatively watch the sunset, it is worth setting aside a bit more time to catch the transition from daylight to the evening lights.

The observation deck is open to visitors daily, making it easy to include in any travel itinerary. The schedule is consistent throughout the week:

Monday — Sunday: from 09:00 to 21:00.

Please note that the ticket office may close slightly earlier than the official closing time, so it's best to arrive at least half an hour before closing.

A visit to the observation deck can easily be combined with trips to other interesting spots in the city. The surrounding area offers active recreation for the whole family as well as encounters with the region's unique fauna.