1.
Travelers visiting Yufuincho Kawakami's Kinrin Lake in Yufu, Japan, can look forward to a peaceful, scenic experience centered around this enchanting hot spring-fed lake, where mist often rises, creating a mystical view, especially at dawn. Visitors can stroll along the lake’s paths, enjoy the reflections of nearby Mt. Yufu on the water, and relax in traditional Japanese hot spring baths (onsen) nearby. The lake is surrounded by quaint shops, local cafes, and art galleries, offering a charming blend of nature and local culture. The experience is ideal for photography, reflection, and savoring Japan’s serene landscapes.
Admission to Yufuin Onsen Fee (Adults: 4.53$/person; Children aged 4-12: 2.59$/person)
2 hours 30 minutes
2.
In the Kyushu Natural Zoo, travelers can immerse themselves in a unique wildlife experience that blends natural beauty with close animal encounters. Set in a lush, expansive environment, the zoo offers safari-style tours where visitors can see lions, elephants, and zebras roaming in open habitats. Guests can also feed friendly animals like kangaroos and alpacas in interactive zones. There are scenic walking trails and observation points, perfect for taking in the surrounding mountains and forests. With its blend of nature and wildlife, the zoo offers a memorable, family-friendly adventure in Kyushu's scenic countryside.
Kyushu Zoo admission ticket (around 17$/adult & 10$ Child)
1 hour 50 minutes
3.
Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku) is one of the most famous hot spring attractions in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan. Part of the "Beppu Hells" (Jigoku Meguri), it offers visitors a chance to witness the dramatic power of geothermal activity in a striking and unique setting.
The highlight of Sea Hell is its vivid cobalt-blue pool, created by natural hot spring water heated to over 98°C (208°F). The intense blue hue comes from dissolved minerals in the water, giving it an otherworldly appearance. Surrounding the hot spring is a beautifully landscaped garden, complete with a lotus pond where giant lotus leaves flourish.
Visitors can enjoy foot baths using the thermal waters and sample dishes like steamed pudding or eggs cooked using the natural heat of the spring. Sea Hell is not only a feast for the eyes but also an immersive cultural experience, combining natural wonder with local traditions.
40 minutes
4.
Stove Hell (Kamado Jigoku) is another one of the famous "Hells of Beppu" located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan. This geothermal attraction is named after the stove (kamado) depicted on-site, symbolized by a statue of a demon chef cooking atop the hot springs.
Kamado Jigoku features several boiling ponds of different colors and temperatures, with vibrant hues caused by the mineral-rich water. Visitors can witness bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and even sample the geothermal waters (cooled down for drinking). Footbaths, steam-based cooking demonstrations, and snacks cooked using the hot spring steam make the experience interactive and enjoyable.
40 minutes