Beppu and Yufuin Hot Springs and Nature Tour

Legend has it that before the tunnel was built, people had to climb over the cliffs through which the tunnel is built to reach an important local shrine. During the Edo period (1603 to 1867), a Monk named Zenkai, who had committed a murder in his earlier life, decided to build a safe passage for worshipers in order to atone for his crime. Beginning at the age of 49, he dedicated 30 years of his life to digging the 185 meter tunnel by hand, using only a hammer and chisel. The tunnel was opened for use in 1763 and it is still in use today. Talk about longevity!

One of the largest Hachiman Shrines in Japan.
Usa Jingu is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan with a history that spans close to 1300 years. Its main deity is Hachiman, who is worshipped as a guardian of the country and the imperial family. Shrines dedicated to Hachiman are among the most numerous in Japan and Usa Jingu serves as their head shrine. As you can guess, this holds the Shrine as one of the most important in Japan and rightly so.

The Blood Hell Ponds called Chinoike Jigoku in Japanese, in the hot spring town of Beppu, Oita Prefecture is a spring that is blood red. It has existed for over 1300 years and its color is said to be a result of some chemical reaction occurring underground. The color has remained this way ever since the beginning except for a 6 month period in the 1970's. The nearby Aso Volcano in neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture, had a very unstable period which affected the coloring of the water.

An incredible lookout! The view from here and nearby vantage points are spectacular. The view far below of the plumes of smoke rising from all that Volcanic activity underground is what makes Beppu such a popular attraction.

An excellent lunch experience where you will have the opportunity to steam your own foods the healthiest and most natural way of cooking. Many Western and Japanese options are available and the natural saltiness of the thermal activity will naturally infuse and flavor the meal at hand.

I remember clearly the first time I came to Yufuin. It was a sleepy, tranquil and pristine location that attracted the elite and top end travelers with people coming here for a relaxing weekend or having a holiday house/ cabin in the region. It wasn't particularly set up for the younger, backpacker, type of traveler at all.

Over the decades a huge change has transpired. Of course there is still the high end resorts and Michelin starred restaurants but the younger generation has forced a major change on this sleepy town, with out of the ordinary, trendy and pop culture speciality shops popping up all over. Now, I might be a little on the traditional side now that I am older but a small part of me wishes the Instagrammable culture of this current generation had not found this special area of Oita Prefecture.

The bridge is designed to hold 1,800 people at once, which may seem like a lot until you consider that 300,000 crossed it during the first month it was open in 2006. Views from this bridge are impressive year-round, however the best time to visit is between April and early December, particularly from mid-April to May to see the lush green spring foliage, and in November for the fiery autumn colors. However be advised that every Tom, Dick and Keiko will be here too enjoyed all those yellows, reds and orange hues. It could be an extended wait in peak times.

An excellent finish to the day for Beer lovers. Come and see how beer is made in Japan and of course there will be a glass or 2 at the end of the tour to sample to see which one is your favorite. If beer is not your thing then we have to option of skipping this attraction and heading instead to...........

Generally we will spend about 60 to 90 minutes here, but those hardcore shoppers can extend this period of time and 120 to 150 minutes is not unheard of. However we may have to eliminate a previous attraction on the itinerary to get this option available to us.
The Outlet mall is conveniently located (approx. 45 minute drive from Fukuoka City) with its late closing time makes it a perfect last destination on our private tour together.