By: Naransuvd Bazarsad
Edited by: Abid Aziz Neel
The first half of this semester is already coming to an end and the quarter break is just around the corner! Since there are many newcomers to Beppu this semester, they are probably curious about what to do during the quarter break. It has been a long while since classes started and it was also the first time for some students to have taken classes on-campus. Thus, after a long quarter of studying, it's time to finally revive ourselves before the next one begins. Here are some recommendations to guide you on what you can do during the quarter break in Beppu.
Places to go
Since it has not been long since some students have arrived, the quarter break is a good time to visit the most touristy spots in Beppu that you haven’t had a chance to visit yet. Here are the most notable places you should cross off your bucket list:
Hachiman Kamado Shrine
Hachiman Kamado Shrine, located on Mt. Kameyama, is definitely a place to visit. The shrine was built in 727 and is home to a 500-year-old oak tree named Tamayori-no-ki, as well as the shrine of the god of Inari. Hachiman Kamado Shrine has also been gaining attraction because of its interesting connections with the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Last but not least, you can also enjoy a great view of Beppu Bay from the shrine.
Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri)
You could say the most famous tourist spot in Beppu is, of course, the Hells of Beppu. Located around the Shibaseki district, there are a total of 7 hells (“Jiigoku”) scattered around within walking distance of each other. These “hells” are onsens that have very high temperatures that prevent people from soaking in safely but looks very alluring. You can tour each of them and even enjoy some onsen steamed foods along the way.
Lake Shidaka-ko
This lake is located in the southwest area of Beppu city, near Mt. Tsurumi. It is famous for its beautiful scenery during spring and fall. You can take a stroll along the lake and do some bird-watching during the day but you can also enjoy camping and barbecuing at the lake’s campsite.
Location: 4380 Beppu, Oita 874-000
Opening Hours: Everyday 8:30 am-5:00 pm
Kifune Castle
If you want to see an amazing view of Beppu bay, you can also visit the Kifune Castle. Located in Kannawa, this castle is famous for its Great White Snake which symbolizes good luck and fortune. People often visit the castle to touch the snake in the belief that it will attract money and wealth. You can tour the castle and walk around the grounds freely with an entrance fee of only 300 yen!
Location: 926 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0000
Opening Hours: Everyday 8:00 am -5:00 pm
Oita Prefectural Art Museum (OPAM)
Oita Prefectural Art Museum (OPAM) is a museum located in Oita city. Along with the aesthetically pleasing interior, the museum offers a general exhibition of the collection of Oita’s modern art, including Japanese and western-style paintings, sculptures and crafts. Exhibitions of independent artists and collectors are also announced every season, which you can check out on their website.
Location: 2-１ Kotobukimachi, Oita, 870-0036
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 – 20:00
Yufuin
Yufuin is a small town located not too far from Beppu, in the valley of Mount Yufu. It’s also a small onsen resort that has a variety of shops, cafés, and museums. The main shopping street and the Yufuin Floral Village are the most visited areas, where you can stroll around, take pictures and discover local products.
Yufuin Main Street
Umitamago & Takasakiyama Monkey park
Umitamago is a marine park located just outside Beppu. The park offers performances and shows with sea animals like dolphins, seals, otters, penguins and other various fish everyday. The Takasakiyama Monkey park is also located nearby, which you can also tour on your itinerary. It is a popular monkey reserve that is inhabited by 1500 macaque monkeys. “The Monkey Marine Ticket”, which you can purchase from the Beppu Station tourist office, consists of a round trip from Beppu Station to the Takasakiyama Monkey Park, as well as the admission to both parks.
Location: 〒870-0802 Oita, Kanzaki, 字ウト3078番地の22
Opening hours:
Umitamago: March-October / 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Things to do
If you have already visited these places, there are still a lot of things you can do during your break in Beppu. Taking this break as a chance to catch up on socializing with your friends and doing activities together, here are some ideas that might interest you:
Picnics
Beppu Park
Picnics are a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends while eating some delicious food. Luckily, Beppu is filled with many picnic-friendly spots and parks such as Beppu park. Beppu park is probably the most famous picnic spot in Beppu because of its beautiful scenery and large lawn surrounded by trees. Mochigaham beach and Shoningahama park are also equally suitable for a picnic on a sunny day.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to exercise while you explore the nature of Beppu. Famous hiking destinations in Beppu include Mt. Ogiyama, Mt. Yufu, Mt. Tsurumi, etc. Mt. Tsurumi is probably the most popular among the hiking destinations because it is the source of most of Beppu’s hot springs. There is an impressive view from Mt. Tsurumi after your hike and you can also enjoy a ride on the famous Beppu Ropeway on the way down.
Onsens
Since you are already in the onsen-central of Japan, why not get the full experience?
After a long quarter of studying, students can now take the opportunity to relax in onsens before the second quarter begins. Since onsens are also a big part of Japanese culture, it is important to experience and appreciate these customs. There are countless numbers of onsens you can try in Beppu. If you want some ideas as to which Onsen
onsens to go, you can check out APU Times’
Onsen Recommendations in Beppu on Instagram.
All in all, this article is intended to help students on how they can spend their time during the quarter break more consciously and effectively by trying and experiencing as many things and visiting as many places as they can. But most importantly, the quarter break is also a time of rest and relaxation before the next load of studying begins!
Hachiman Kamado Shrine
Chinoike Jigoku
Kifune Castle
Beppu Park
View from Mt. Tsurumi
Mt. Yufu
Onsen
OPAM
Yufuin Main Street
Takasakiyama Monkey Park
Umitamago