Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Beppu, Japan

Today Bob and I went to Hell and back!!!  It was certainly a frightening description for a place with its magnificent and dazzling display of  lantern-lit hot springs.  Beppu is found in a particularly actively volcanic part of Japan, which is why there is an abundance of hot springs, or in Japanese, onsens.  The viewing pools have evocative names, such as Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell and Tornado Hell.  The views are stunning and the sulfur-laced air and vast spectrums of blues and reds add a supernatural, somewhat frightening aura to the surroundings.  

We spent some time walking around the Blood Pond Hell, named for its deep-red, bloody-looking waters which is the result of their high concentration of iron oxide, magnesium oxide, and other minerals.  The water temperature is extremely high so it is not suitable for a full-body bath, but we enjoyed viewing the fascinating water and lovely vegetation surrounding the hot springs. 

Next, we headed to another hot spring named Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) due to its amazing cobalt-blue boiling waters.  Surrounding the pond there was an abundant amount of vegetation, including small orange-colored ones.  As we strolled through the area there was another pond with clear water, we found delicate lotus flowers floating on the top.  We were told that in August to early November, their enormous leaves can support the weight of a small child!!!  The leaves were still relatively small at this time of year.  

At the foot of one of the ponds we had the opportunity to soak our feet in the hot springs, although Bob and I declined to do so, since there were many people with their feet in the water, and it was looking a bit mucky.  

We continued our tour by vising Myoban Yunosato, which is a hot spring village, and sulfur springs. This area is famous for its cloudy-colored sulfur springs, renowned for its power to remove dirt from the skin.  Its relaxing waters have a healing, relaxing effect on the body.  We did have the opportunity to submerge our hands in the steamy water, just to get an idea of how the healing waters feel on the skin.  

Afterwards, we walked over to the Myoban Onsen to learn abut the traditional medicinal techniques for using these waters.  We walked through the unique traditional-looking buildings which have remained unchanged over three hundred years.  Once we walked through the buildings, we were led into the gift shop (of course) and had the opportunity to purchase many products made from the hot springs. 

As of the gorgeous palette of colors at the onsen were not enough, Beppu is also world famous for its Sakura or cherry blossom season.  More than 2,000 cherry trees near the base of the rope-way to Mount Tsurumi provide a beautiful viewing place for viewing the blooms.   Although we didn't have the opportunity to climb to the top of Mt. Tsurumi, we did go to a viewing point which allowed us to see the impressive 4500 feet volcano with its impressive plumes spewing out the top it was still a magnificent sight.  

Once we had visited the hot springs and volcano we headed back to the ship. It has been an interesting, informative day and now we look forward to more adventures in the beautiful country of Japan.