Many people think of barley shochu when they think of Oita’s liquor. The nationally famous barley shochu brands, such as Iichiko and Nikaido, are, of course, made in Oita. Here are three barley shochus made by Minami Shuzo that are loved by the locals! What is shochu? Shochu is a traditional, Japanese distilled hard liquor. It can be made from
There are many delicious foods in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, but one of the most beloved among them is Dango-jiru (Dango soup, it is usually called “Dago”-jiru in Kyushu area). In Beppu City, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy this prefectural food. This time, I went to Bungochaya, a popular diner inside Beppu Station, which is known for its
When you visit Beppu, you should definitely check out the souvenirs that are full of local charm. Beppu is famous for Jigokumushi Pudding (hell-steamed pudding), but there is a great variation of souvenirs to be found!This time, I went to Beppu’s downtown area to look for some great souvenirs. Beppu’s Famous Zabon-Zuke Shop Have you ever heard of zabon-zuke or
This time, I would like to introduce you to Onishi-Bozu Jigoku or Hell, one of the most popular hells in Beppu! Onishi-Bozu Jigoku translates as ‘Hell of the Monk’s Head’ and is named after the bubbles that form in the hot mud, causing it to swell up like a shaved head. Tourism here started after the Meiji Era (1868-1912) but
In December 2020, the concept hotel, Galleria Midobaru, opened on a quiet hill overlooking Beppu Bay. The hotel is dotted with contemporary artworks themed on Beppu. It offers a completely new lodging experience that lets you see yourself in a way you didn’t know was possible, see the world differently, and feel like you are sharing ideas with an artist.
Beppu is a city of gastronomy; however, it is still somewhat unknown. There are many delicious restaurants in the city offering everything from cold noodles to Italian dishes. Today, I would like to introduce Noodle Factory Life, one of Beppu’s best ramen restaurants. Noodle Factory Life is located in a corner of Umezono Dori, a retro-style alley lined with many
In Beppu, a city of hot springs, there are many jigoku or hells where the water that gushes out creates a breathtaking sight. Jigoku meguri or hell tours have become a standard tourist activity. The most famous of these are the Blood Pond Hell and the Oniishi Bozu Hell, but the largest of these is the Umi-Jigoku or Sea Hell.
Beppu Park, located in the center of Beppu City, is a large park in Beppu. The area where Beppu Park is located was laid out in 1907 in conjunction with the visit of Emperor Taisho, and the pine trees planted at that time are over 100 years old and still alive today. The park is lush with trees and has
Galleria Midobaru, which just opened in December 2020, is a new type of concept hotel that combines contemporary art and architecture with Beppu’s beautiful natural environment. Following the first part of this article, I would like to share with you my experience of staying at the hotel. At six o’clock in the evening, when it was getting dark, I went
Today I would like to introduce Mugen no Sato: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, a one-day hot spring facility located in a mountain village a little ways from the city center. The open-air baths are set in a lush green environment, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can enjoy a relaxing soak in Beppu’s famous