Oita Travel / Oita Tour

The "Hell Zone" of Beppu Onsen is now a popular tourist destination. It is known as the "Beppu Hell Tour" and is a popular tourist route, but it was once a place that was hated. In addition to spewing steam, hot mud, and boiling water, the area has a unique landscape that seems to reject people. Today it is considered "unusual" and "beautiful," but it must have been frightening to people in the past.
For example, this beautiful cobalt blue "Umi Jigoku" spring is said to be close to 100 degrees Celsius despite its oasis-like appearance, with its large lotus flowers native to the Amazon, Amazonia amazonii, thriving.
Apparently, hot spring eggs are made in the clear, blue spring water. You can buy some at the gift shop and enjoy eating them as you walk around the hells.
Another place we would like to introduce is Oniishi Bozu Jigoku. It may be less well known than the nationally designated Places of Scenic Beauty such as Sea Hell, Pond of Blood Hell, Tatsumaki Hell, and White Pond Hell, but it has been affectionately known as Monk's Hell since the Meiji period, and although it was once closed, it has been revived under the current name of Oniishi Bozu Jigoku.
The sight of the grey hot mud bubbling and boiling is quite eerie. It feels like a monster might pop out of the mud.
There is a foot bath and hot spring nearby that uses the hot spring water from Onishibozu Jigoku, so you can soothe your fatigue from your walk around hell before heading back.

Usuki City in Oita Prefecture is known for its national treasure, the Usuki Stone Buddhas. The stone Buddhas are said to be among the best in Japan in terms of size, quantity, and quality, and are associated with a love story that has been passed down among them. Every Nov., a beautiful festival is held in which the castle town is lit up with beautiful bamboo lanterns.
Evening festivals using bamboo lanterns are held all over the country, but this "Usuki Takeyoi" is a traditional festival that is said to be the forerunner of these.
Including the impressive objects and lanterns set up in 30 historical buildings in the city, such as "Usuki Castle (ruins)" and "Ryugenji Temple," bamboo lanterns are also set up in small alleys. The total number of lanterns is said to be as much as 20,000. With the cooperation of volunteer groups, the variety of works is increasing every year.
Among the fantastical scenery lit by bamboo lanterns, the one that attracts the most attention every year is the procession that reenacts the "Legend of Manano Choja," an ancient love story that has been passed down in Usuki City since ancient times.
A princess falls in love with a prince, but dies in a storm on her journey to meet him. The National Treasure "Usuki Stone Buddha" was carved in memory of her. This love story between prince and princess has been passed down since ancient times. As the sun sets, the spirit of the princess returns home in a procession of imperial messengers, and the villagers welcome her with bamboo lanterns. The sight of the procession of the princess's spirit vividly brought to life by the colorful bamboo lanterns is a spectacular sight.
The beautiful Takeyoi Festival takes place throughout the castle town of Usuki. It's not something you want to miss.