This series is our collection of selected locations (machi) from all around Japan – places with various different cultures and local specialties, and those with novel customs of some sort. In the last volume we went to Gifu, in volume 3 we feature Oita!

Oita is home to 4,538 hot springs and has a population of just under 1.2 million people. It boasts the most hot springs in Japan, and has many visitors who come to be healed in the natural baths. With historical shrines and traditional samurai houses, it’s a great spot to enjoy strolling around. Admired all around Japan as a gourmet masterpiece, Seki Saba (mackerel) and Seki Aji (jack mackerel) are caught one fish at a time using fishing rods. For the insect fans, chestnut tiger butterflies fly in to Himejima from May until June.

 

 

Yukemuri Observatory; Look out over the hot springs

Beppu is Japan’s number one place for both the number of hot springs and the volume of hot water that flows from them. Especially well known is Beppu Hatto, a collection of 8 hot spring areas each with their own uniqueness. Various hot spring types can be enjoyed within the one city – but the Yukemuri Observatory looking out over the “kannawa” hot springs is a hidden gem. The view from the platform boasts extra-ordinary views – such as the hot spring steam rising from the town around Mount Tsurumi and Ogiyama with their abundance of wild nature. After dark the steam from the hot springs is illuminated, creating a fantastic mood.

 

 

Furenshonyudo; A most beautiful natural treasure

Take National Highway 10 that goes to Saiki City. From the city center, a small distance away there are signs to Furenshonyudo Caves. These limestone caves have only one entrance/exit and are about 500m deep. With limited ventilation, the caves are not easily weathered, making their brilliant pure whiteness semi-permanent. The caves have natural air conditioning, and so are a comfortable temperature year round. Many believe these are Japan’s most beautiful limestone caves and are designated as a “natural monument”.

 

 

Takasakiyama Nature Zoo; where wild Japanese monkeys frolic

Elevated 628m above sea level, located between Beppu and Oita cities, Takasakiyama is home to over 1500 wild Japanese monkeys. These monkeys can be seen with one’s own eyes at Takasakiyama Nature Zoo. Watching a troop of monkeys descend together when it’s feeding time is a most impressive sight. You’re sure to be delighted just by walking around the zoo, which changes appearances with the seasons. It’s especially well known for its autumn hues in fall.

“Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago” – a large aquarium is also nearby. An extra-large circular fish tank recreates the indented coast line (located in the south of the prefecture) – here you can see the vibrant movements of the fish.

 

Takasakiyama Nature Zoo
Website：https://www.takasakiyama.jp/

 

 

Beppu Onsen: 1 day isn’t enough to experience the abundant variety of hot springs

Beppu is undisputedly Japan’s best place for hot springs. The hot spring area spreads out around Beppu station and is easily accessible – this might explain its popularity. Beppu Hattou includes famous hot springs like Kankaiji, Horita and Hamawaki, but we recommend Kamegawa Hot Spring, located along the coast. One unique experience is the sand bath – a “sunakakesan” buries you in sand which is geothermally heated. Bask in the sea breeze while the hot sand heats your body to the core inducing a curious, yet refreshing sensation

 

 

Yufuin Onsen; Picturesque and popular hot springs that rival Beppu

Yufuin is known not only for hot springs, but also for the superb interwoven scenery of Mount Yufu and Kinrin Lake. With hot springs flowing into the bottom of Kinrin Lake, from autumn to winter in the early morning the lake is covered with a mist which gives the scene a fairy-tale like feel.

There are many tasteful accommodation options adding to the area’s attractiveness. We love the ryokan with open air baths. It’s really something else to be totally immersed in high quality hot spring water while gazing out at Mount Yufu.

A point to note about this area is the spelling in Japanese – “由布院” and”湯布院”, which are both read as Yufuin and are the same area. The train station uses 由布院, but guidebooks mostly use湯布院. We’re told that when Yunohira Town is included, the correct spelling is湯布院; without Yunohira Town the area is called由布院.

 

 

This article was on Oita – a prefecture with hot springs wherever you go. Probably not just Japan, as far as density is concerned, this is probably one of the leading locations for hot springs in the world. Other parts of Oita like the famous Kumano Magaibutsu and Usa Jingu, as well as local foods like toriten (chicken tempura) and hamo (fish) cannot be overlooked. When you visit, be sure to check out other spots that appeal particularly to you, as well as visiting the hot springs!

 

Oita Prefecture’s Official Sightseeing Information Site
Website：https://www.visit-oita.jp

 

 

Edit & Text：K. Sachio

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