In this post I'd like to show you my trip to Kyushu, Japan. Kyushu is the third of Japan's five main islands. My destination was Oita Prefecture which has hot springs in Beppu, Yufuin Onsen Resort, and other areas.
Beppu is located in Oita prefecture and it is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resort areas. It's about 30 minutes from Oita Station. You can relax by bathing in one of the many hot springs here. I recommend Takegawara Hot Spring, because I've been there before.
Takegawara Hot Spring is the oldest hot spring in Beppu and has been open since 1879. If you come here I recommand you try a hot sand bath. There are other similar facilities in Beppu, such as Beppu-Kaihama Sand Bath near the beach. The cost of taking a sand bath is 1,050 JPY for 15 minutes. It is a popular activity, so you might have to wait 1 or 2 hours during peak season because only eight people can take a sand bath at a time.
Hells of beppu includes eight hot springs: Umi Jigoku(Sea Hell), Oniyama Jugoku(Devil Mountain Hell), Shiraike Jugoku(White Pond Hell), Yama Jigoku (Mountain Hell), Oniishibozu Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku(Blood Pond Hell) and Tatsumaki Jigoku(Tornado Hell). Each hell of Beppu has a different feature such as one whcih has a blue pond, and another that has mud bubbles. The scariest one is Oniyama Jigoku, which has crocodiles in the pond.
In addition, don't miss trying the custard pudding made with natural hot spring steam.
Yufuin is a famous hot spring town located about ten kilometers from Beppu and surrounded by hills and mountians. There are various cafes, restaurants, and shops along the main Yunotsubo Street, and the ryokans and hotels are spread out around the town. The main landmark of Yufuin is Lake Kinrinko, a small lake beside Mount Yufu. Following the main street about 25 minutes from the station, Kinrinko is a picturesque spot with the mountains reflecting on the lake surface, and is the most beautiful in Autumn.
Yufuin Floral Village is a mini theme park inspired by the Cotswolds area of England from the Harry Potter movies. You can enjoy taking photos and strolling around shopping for souvenirs and gifts in this fantastic theme park.
If you have time, I recommend staying at a Japanese ryokan in Beppu or Yufuin and relaxing in a hot spring, with some Japanese cuisine afterward.
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