Experiencing Japanese onsen bath in Beppu and Yufuin

The main reason I wanted to visit Beppu and Yufuin is to experience Japanese onsen baths. Beppu is known for the best hot spring resorts and that can be justified looking at the city sky. The smoke from these resorts gives a different landscape view to any visitor.

After arriving in Beppu city I decided to go to Sand bath the next morning. There are two spots where you can experience a sand bath in Kyushu. Beppu and Ibusuki are famous spots but I decided to go to Beppu. The experience was unique as the whole body is covered with hot sand and feels like you were buried alive except the head. The sand burial only lasts for 15 minutes and I feel like it's 15 minutes long with super hot and humid outside. The sand bath cost me 1050 plus 350 for a towel. There are attendants who helped during the whole process including taking photographs. I would definitely recommend Beppu sand baths to anyone looking for a unique experience.

Evening I went to Jumonji view point to catch the sunset. It was located close to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific university, a bit far away from the city. There is a bus that runs from Beppu station to Jumonji viewpoint which takes about 34 minutes. The view point is ideal to capture sunset and the landscape is very beautiful around the area.

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After exploring Beppu I went to Yufuin for a day trip. Yufuin is another onsen town 1 hour ride from Beppu town. I took a bus from Beppu station and the return ticket costs around 1500yen.

One of the favourite spots in Yufuin is Yufuin floral village, a hidden treasure in the area. This recreational retail space sells a variety of cute souvenirs some are included with Japanese cartoon characters. My favorite shop is the Kiki’s bakery where cute merchandise of Jiji is everywhere.

Next I went to Musoen onsen which is a bit far from town. It took me 20 minutes to walk there passing beautiful paddy fields. The entrance to the onsen is quite relaxing and pleasing. The entrance ticket to the onsen cost 900 yen. Because of its good reviews I decided to go there no matter how far it was. This outdoor onsen was the most spectacular I have ever seen and just so beautiful. From the onsen mount Yufu can be seen. I strongly recommend this onsen to anyone coming for day trips to Yufuin town.

Before heading back to Beppu I checked into the Yufuin information center. Because its spectacular roof design attracted me to check the building and the design. ‘YUFUINFO’ designed by Shigeru Ban which is located to Yufuin station.

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I wish I had more time to spend a night in Yufuin. After leaving Yufuin my next plan was to visit Aso in the morning. I took a bus to Aso from Beppu station early in the morning. I was cycling around Aso town and didn't spend time on the main attraction on purpose. I don't have much interest in checking volcanic mountains and it's hot and humid to explore outdoors. Aso is a beautiful place covered with its mountain.

Next day I head to Kumamoto hoping to catch the bus to Takachiho. Read my post on day trip to Takachiho in Miyazaki prefecture.