Next station after Okinawa was Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Beppu is famous for his Onsen, a group of hot spring system, 2nd large in volume, direct behind Yellowstone’s hydrothermal system. In the city you will find some of the most spectacular hot springs for viewing, the Jigokus (Hells, see video clips below)

Japanese love their hot springs. Onsen means hot spring but also the resort that has developed around. Therefore Beppu is one of the hot spots for bathing culture. Where else but here should you want to get boiled, but beware there are some strict rules how to onsen.

I also stayed in the excellent Yokoso Ryokan, I absolutely recommend this specific and very basic ryokan, located in the Kannawa district. It is an absolutely fantastic, authentic and unfiltered feeling. Enjoy the self service kitchen, the hotel is basically build around the outlet of a hot spring, so it easy to enjoy jigoku steamed food. Collecting the ingredients in the corner stores around is part of the fun.

Beside bathing, eating and the Jigokus, what to do? I suggest to climb Mount Tsuriumi if you want. But I take the Beppu Ropeway for most of the 1375m. From summit you have a fantastic view of the Beppu Bay and Mount Yufu / Yufu Dake with his impressive cut on its flank (get some geological facts)

Need to see movie? Watch this wonderful show from NHK about Beppu (Beppu Bathhouse  – OITA).

Next stop: Hiroshima.

Jigoku “Hell” – Videos, remember, there is a ~50MW geothermic Powerplant near this place. 2nd large after Yellow Stone in the US