CONTENTS
Kannawa Onsen
Ideyu Slope
The Idayu Slope, located in the heart of Beppu’s Kannawa Onsen area, is a charming stone-paved hill that captures the essence of an onsen town. The slope is about 385 meters long and has a gentle incline of 45 meters. On both sides of the street are traditional inns, restaurants, and shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Walking along the smoke-filled streets, you can experience the unique atmosphere of the onsen town, which marks the start of a memorable trip.
Notable Sights in Kannawa Onsen
Suji-yu Onsen: Located along Suji-yu Street, this historic public bathhouse, established in the early Showa period, is a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.
“Yukake Jōnin-sama” Statue
This statue of Ippen, a monk from the Kamakura period, is located near the Kannawa Mushi-yu Onsen. Ippen is associated with the discovery of therapeutic hot springs in the area, which led to the creation of the steam bath experience.
Eifuku-ji Temple
A temple of the Jishu sect in Beppu, linked to Ippen’s life and work. It is known for its annual “Yukake” (bath ritual) where water is poured over Ippen’s statue for blessings.
Hot Spring Experiences
In Beppu City’s Kannawa Onsen area, there are several historic public baths, with “Shibu no Yu” and “Jigoku Hara Yu” being particularly popular among both locals and tourists.
At “Jigoku Steam Workshop Kannawa,” visitors can enjoy free foot baths, foot steaming, and a drinking fountain. Additionally, a regular market (marché) is held on the premises.
Abe Kan Shoten
At the marché, local specialties, handmade goods, and sweets are sold, allowing visitors to experience the charm of the region.
A specialty store based in Oita City, Oita Prefecture, that focuses on providing healthy and body-friendly products. They offer dried fruits and healthy snacks free from additives and artificial colors. The store features a wide variety of dried fruits, from common fruits like oranges, kiwis, tomatoes, and mangoes to more unusual ones, and I had the chance to try many of them!
They also offer healthy snacks made from dried seafood, such as “tororo chiri men” and “kisu no hone senbei.” These are rich in calcium, making them perfect for a snack or as an accompaniment to drinks. I purchased two types shown in the photo.
Beppu Hell Tour
Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell)
Part of the Beppu Hell Tour, this attraction is a nationally designated scenic spot. It features a garden with colorless hot spring water that turns pale blue when exposed to lower temperature and pressure, giving it its name.
The facility includes a tropical fish exhibit, showcasing about 20 species of tropical fish, including the massive Amazon fish, Arapaima, piranhas, and arowanas.
Kannawa Ginza Street
Kannawa Ginza Street is lined with unique gourmet spots that make use of the hell-steamed (jigoku-mushi) method. Notably, shops offering chiffon cakes and pork buns have become particularly popular.
Sally Garden’s Inn, Toji Yanagiya
Sally Garden’s Inn, Toji Yanagiya, is a traditional hot spring inn that has been operating since the Meiji period. It offers facilities where guests can experience the famous hell-steaming (jigoku-mushi) of the area, and it is home to the Italian restaurant “Otto e Sette Oita.”
Otto e Sette Oita
At this restaurant, “Otto e Sette Oita,” they serve “Hell Italian” cuisine, utilizing local ingredients from Oita Prefecture and the steam from the hot springs. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood and mountain produce from the region, cooked using methods such as hell-steaming.
Details of Otto e Sette Oita can be found here.
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