The classic Beppu tourism: Beppu Jigoku tour. With steam rising here and there throughout the city, Beppu has the most hot spring sources in the world. The name Jigoku (“Hell”) describes a hot spring sprout, named for the way its hot water and fumes, which could not be approached as they can today, invoked a hellish image underground.
The Bungo Fudoki compiled in the Nara period already contained such references, and “Jigoku tours” had begun in the Edo period. There are eight Jigoku with different characteristics to enjoy, from the boiling bright red mud of “Blood Pond Jigoku” and mysterious cool blue of “Sea Jigoku” to others with names such as “Oniishibozu”, “Mountain,” “Kamado,” “Tornado,” and “Shiraike.” In addition to the Jigoku scenery, don’t forget to try some hot spring-boiled eggs, local pudding, or other gourmet. Lotion made from the hot springs is also a a delightful souvenir.

Shirakawa Springs is a fountainhead surrounded by beautiful greenery and a main representative of Minamiaso area, the town of famous water. Aiming for the faraway Ariake Sea, the fountainhead boasts a soothing sound of flowing water, echoing between the trees.
The transparency of the water is very high, so much that you can see the water gushing from the sand underground, and the rich spring produces more than 90,000 tons of water per day at a cool 14 degrees centigrade throughout the year. Selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Waters”, the water may of course be enjoyed on the spot or taken home with a container. From mineral water to local sake and manju confections, there are many famous water souvenirs from which you may choose.

Discover the “blue mystery” in the refreshing world that stays 16-17 degrees centigrade all year. Normally, water in limestone caves comes from dissolving by rainwater, but the Inazumi Underwater Limestone Cave, formed 300 million years ago and submerged by a major eruption of Mt. Aso, is an underwater cave that is rare anywhere in the world.
With a depth of more than one thousand meters, the underwater cave is the largest of its kind in Japan. The countless stalactites and deep pools invoke a world of fantasy. Springs from the limestone cave connect to the Shirakawa Springs, selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Waters”, and nearby you can sample coffee from the famous water. Water droplets fall when in the cave, so a raincoat or appropriate clothing is recommended.

Takachiho is believed to be a place where Gods first descended from the heavens, and well known as one of the most spiritual sites in Japan. The mysterious　gorge called ‘Takachiho-kyo,’ in particular, engulfs its visitors completely with a feeling of refreshing energy. Takachiho-kyo was formed when the lava from Mt. Aso eruption cooled and hardened, and after a period of time the rock eroded into a V-shaped gorge of approximately 7 kilometers in length. Walking along the promenade enables you to fully enjoy the gorge beauty, including Manai no Taki, one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls and a popular highlight of the site. This 17-meter-high waterfall can also be experienced from rental boats available, allowing visitors to look up and gaze at this spectacularly stunning wonder. It is said that ‘Nagashi somen,’ flowing noodles idea originated in Takachiho-kyo area and several restaurants serve the noodle dish. Why don’t you try it, too?

Ureshino Onsen is famous for an ample supply of slimy water, and designated one of the　best three “skin-beautification” onsen in Japan together with Hinokami onsen in Shimane and Kitsuregawa onsen in Tochigi. Sodium bicarbonate spring is said to be effective in skin care as it contains lots of sodium which emulsifies sebum and washes it away. When coming out of the hot spring, you’ll be surprised to find your skin became silky smooth as if it was reborn. And it has also the effect of activating gastro enteric function if drunk. The spring water makes you beautiful from both inside and outside. In the Ureshino onsen resort area, big and small inns are lined on both sides of the Ureshino River which runs across the town. The landscape makes an atmosphere which reminds us of old days. The onsen has long history, going back to Edo Period (1603-1868), the onsen town flourished as a post town of Nagasaki-kaido trip road, where many tourists stayed to heal fatigue of the trip. There are also free foot bath areas in the town where you can casually enjoy onsen anytime. Why don’t you spend relaxing time there?

Amakusa is an area consisting of about 120 large and small islands. Sakitsu village is a fishing village located in the bottom part of the Amakusa islands, and its landscape is designated as an important national cultural landscape along with its neighbor, Imatomi village. Christianity flourished after the 16 century in the Amakusa area. Christians used to hide in certain villages such as Sakitsu after the Shimabara/Amakusa rebellion and continued to propagate their message under circumstances of strict oppression as an underground Christian community. The Gothic architecture of Sakitsu church built in the village is a symbol of the town and is said to have been built in 1934 or around that time. Although no photo taking is allowed inside, the tatami mat flooring of the church is rare indeed. The church stands as if it is watching over Sakitsu seaport, so it is referred to as the “Catholic church of the sea.” Even today, it has attracted many people.

Kitakyushu city is known as a representative industrial city of Japan, however it is also well known for its history, culture and food. The area has a number of spots that are worth visiting, and Japan’s foremost karst plateau in Hiraodai is one of them. This spot is designated as a natural monument in Japan. It is a plateau formed by limestones. These rocks in the grassland look like a group of sheep eating weeds, and people call the view “Yogunbaru (sheep crowded in a field).” You can’t help but feel the mysteries of the great earth and its topographical beauty that spreads out in front of you. There are a lot of caves under the ground, some of which can be entered and viewed. They also have some workshops at “Hiraodai Countryside Park.”

This hot spring is located in the ideal spot where you can have a panoramic view of the Aso area. The history is not too long, as it was founded in 1897 and developed as an accommodation for climbers on Mt. Aso. The spot has been frequently visited by many celebrities, such as Soseki Natsume who actually wrote about this hot spring in his novel “Nihyakutoka (The 210th day),” Tekkan and Akiko Yosano, and Santoka Taneda. While we recommend you take time to enjoy soaking in the hot springs at a hotel or ryokan, you can also casually go around the “town baths.” Unfortunately, some facilities might be under repair work because of the earthquakes. Please enjoy a retro atmosphere of the hot springs.

Located in the northwest in Kagoshima prefecture, Akune is a town where beautiful nature and people live together. The city has a lot of different aspects that entertains visitors throughout the year, such as a satoyama village with its fireflies, Akune’s fish port with its plentiful landings, and fresh farm produce utilizing the warm weather. The Kuronoseto Strait, widely known as one of Japan’s three great rapid tides, is a scenic place mentioned in the ancient Manyoshu poetry and is also perfect as a fishing spot. Depending on the time of day, you may be able to see a tidal whirlpool. Situated in the middle of beautiful nature, the 500-meter length of the Kuronoseto Bridge connecting Akune city and Nagashima-cho offers a scenic view of the area.

Tanabata (the Star Festival) which is also called “the Bamboo Festival” is one of the oldest festivals handed down from the old days in Japan. Ten representatives from countries at Miss International changed into Kimono and made a wish upon a star by hanging strips of paper that carry their wishes and ornaments on a bamboo tree. What are their wishes?