1. Who are we?
Welcome to “Enjoy Onsen Blog”! We are second-year internship students at WANDER COMPASS BEPPU (WCB), the tourist information hub at Beppu Station. Our dedicated mission is to tackle the challenges faced by tourism in Beppu, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors to Japan. Let’s take a look at what we were doing in WCB!
Self-introduction
Ren: こんにちは! I’m Ren from Japan. I am a 4th-year student at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU). I have been living in Beppu for about 2 years. My favorite thing about Beppu is definitely the hot spring (Onsen). There are various hot springs in Beppu, and “Furo-sen” is one of my favorites because I can feel the local and traditional atmosphere. I joined this internship because I want to try something new and spread the charm of my favorite hot spring in Beppu through different activities. I will do my best with my wonderful teammates for six months!
Seohyun: 안녕하세요! I am Seohyun from South Korea! I am a 4th year student at APU. My favorite food is Ryukyu which is famous in Beppu! Ryukyu is a raw fish, which is pickled in soy sauce. We can also eat it with rice (Ryukyu-don). I highly recommend it if you visit Beppu. Since my major is hospitality, I want to use what I learned at APU in WCB and build up experience in the travel industry.
Yuzu: 哩賀！！I am Yuzu, a 3rd year student at APU. As a big fan of boba milk tea, guess where I come from!!! The answer is…… Taiwan!
My favorite place in Beppu is Hamacho Kirameki Coast (浜町きらめき海岸). Whenever you are bored or want to relax after a tiring day, go to Hamacho Kirameki Coast! I was attracted to WCB because I’m obsessed with helping tourists fix their worries while traveling in Beppu. Through my unique perspective and experience of living in Beppu for 2 years,I hope every tourist who visits Beppu leaves with a sense of satisfaction at the end of their trip.
2. The first trip of intern life
2.1 Stepping into Our Internship: Life at WCB
We mainly work at WANDER COMPASS BEPPU (WCB) during our internship. Let’s take a closer look at our daily activities at WCB!
Timo: Hi! My name is Timo and I am the head-manager at WANDER COMPASS BEPPU(WCB). I am also the mentor of these interns. Let’s ask them some questions! First, Seohyun! What do you do in WCB?
Seohyun: I often listen to what confuses tourists and provide solutions for them. Also, we are making several plans for international tourists to feel more satisfied in Beppu!
Timo：For example?
Seohyun: For example, I made a map for Koreans and took a video introducing beautiful tourist spots in Beppu. Although I am still considering the initiatives to be implemented by the team during this internship, I am acting on the small things that I can do.
Yuzu: And also, as part of our mission, we take part in having conversations with tourists to understand the reasons behind their visit to Beppu. I enjoy recommending my favorite spots in Beppu, providing them with various options to explore Beppu.
Timo: So you guys give tourist information about Beppu. By the way, what kind of mission do you have?
Ren: Our mission is to find a solution or create a project to improve Beppu’s tourism. Our mission is not limited to the tourists alone. We are also committed to the residents of Beppu. Our goal is to improve and sustain tourism in Beppu for the long term!
Seohyun: That’s why it’s important for us to ask tourists from overseas why they decided to visit Beppu and what they expect to experience in Beppu. Since people come to Beppu for different purposes, we can find many interesting stories through conversations with the tourists!
Timo: I see. Have you met any tourists with interesting stories so far?
Ren: I met a family from Brazil who had never heard of Beppu before coming to Japan. They said that they learned about Beppu during their stay in Japan and decided to come for the “ 7 Hells”. They had seen pictures of the “7 Hells” on the internet and wanted to see it by themselves.
Yuzu: While working at WCB, I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely elderly couple from Chiba. They are both nearly 80 years old and came to Beppu primarily for its renowned hot springs. Beppu’s hot springs hold an unique status in Japan; they are ranked number one in terms of the quality of materials and the greatest number of hot springs. Seeing these two elders take on a journey from Tokyo to Beppu only for the hot springs touched my heart deeply. It also filled me with pride for Beppu’s exceptional hot spring heritage. During our conversation, he mentioned that he had visited Taiwan 40 years ago and shared many unique experiences from his time there. We even sang a classic folk song, ‘Rainy Night Flowers.’ together. I was about to cry!! Through this tourist, it felt like I had a connection to Taiwan from four decades ago. It was a conversation that bridged generations, eras, and countries. This is just one of my memorable stories at WCB.
I am looking forward to anticipating every new connection with tourists in Beppu, knowing that each encounter has the potential to create lasting memories and bridges between cultures.”
Timo: I am glad to hear that story. By the way, I guess you’ve talked to a lot of people so far, what have you discovered or realized?
Yuzu: Through many conversations with tourists from different countries, I found that there are not only tourist spots that could make tourists happy but also the people they meet during their trip! WCB as a first spot that tourists might come to start their trip, I believe that WCB can play a significant role in creating a positive and memorable beginning to their journey. In my daily life, I’ve observed numerous tourists facing moments of confusion, whether it’s figuring out how to pay on the bus or navigating through language barriers. My sincere desire is to provide them with as much information and assistance as possible. I aspire to help every tourist enjoy a more enriching travel experience in Beppu.
Seohyun: Tourists visit Beppu for many reasons such as enjoying hot springs, visiting the countryside, or having Japanese traditional food. I think WCB is the place that provides every solution. For international tourists, I want to welcome them with a big smile, and with all my abilities, I want to give them a good memory in Beppu. I hope the memories of Beppu will be remembered not only as a hot spring village but also as a place with delicious food and friendly people.
Ren: Many people come here to visit the 7 hells and to enjoy Beppu hot springs. But, it also could be said that they only know about onsen. We have been to many places in Beppu and discovered many attractions and activities such as hot springs, food, and other sightseeing spots, so I want to share Beppu’s hidden charms with the tourists who visit WCB and help plan their journey in Beppu together!
Timo: That’s great! Learning through practice for creating something helpful for the travelers and the people in Beppu is very essential! Let’s work together and try to do our best during six months!
2.2 An Immersive Natural Retreat in “Yuyama no Sato”
We usually provide tourist information to travelers at WCB, but there is still much we do not know about Beppu. We explore Beppu with the purpose of experiencing its hidden charms, sharing them with tourists, and discovering clues to accomplish our mission. In this chapter, we will share our experiences from our one-day exploration in Beppu.
Guess which activity we enjoyed the most in this month? It was “Yuyama no Sato” hot spring! Located near the “Yuyama” bus stop, it takes around 30 minutes from Beppu Station by bus. No. 5, 24 or 41. The owner, Mr. Tsunematsu, built this hot spring for many people to enjoy! After retiring, he decided to pursue happiness by realizing his dream, and the result is these breathtaking hot springs.
Mrs.Tsunematsu welcomed us with a warm smile. To reach the hot spring, we walk through a beautiful bamboo forest. Just take a look at those photos of the bamboo forest! Aren’t they stunning and refreshing? It was an incredibly immersive experience, connecting us with the natural beauty of Beppu!
Yuyama no Sato includes five outdoor hot springs (600 yen per person), all of which are mixed baths, requiring guests to wear swimming suits. But don’t worry if you don’t have one, you can purchase it (150 yen for women, 100 yen for men). One of the unique experiences here is the mud bath, where we submerged ourselves in the sulfur stream filled with incredibly soft mud that felt like a cushion. It’s rare that Yuyama no Sato has both transparent and milky-colored hot springs! Additionally, there’s a small waterfall just in the hot spring area. Relaxing in these hot springs while listening to the soothing sound of the stream, at the same time surrounded by the most natural of environments, was truly the best experience I’ve ever had!
Isn’t it an enduring truth that meals after a bath are the most delicious? You can try “Jigoku-mushi” at Youyama no sato (Usage fee: 300 yen for 30 minutes or less, 500 yen for 30 minutes or more). Jigoku Mushi is a compound word of “Jjigoku” (Hell) and “Mushi” (steam). It is a cooking method that uses the natural steam from hot springs to steam various foods such as vegetables and meat. By using the pure steam from the natural hot spring, you can taste the original flavor of the food. Go to steam whenever you want!
Let’s go for lunch!
This time we went to “Yuyama no Sato” to try the steam by ourselves. Here is one of the places where you can experience Jigoku-mushi. Before we went there, we shopped for ingredients in the supermarket. If you want to try the steam by yourself, we recommend the supermarket because you can get everything you need! We purchased a variety of ingredients ranging from the standard ingredients for Jigoku-mushi such as Chinese cabbage, pork, corn, etc. to zucchini, beef, and other ingredients that we were interested in. Perhaps one of the advantages of doing it by yourself is that you can experiment with the ingredients you are interested in!
When we got to ‘Yuyama no Sato,’ we started prepping the ingredients. After chopping and washing them, we placed them on a plate and then into the steamer. The mouthwatering aroma filled the kitchen, and in just 12 minutes, our meal was ready!
How to experience “Jigoku-Mushi”
For those who wants to enjoy the same cooking experience we had at Yuyama no Sato,
- Find a place that offers steam facilities for Jigoku-mushi. For some places like Yuyama no Sato, you can bring your own ingredients there, or at some restaurants, you can buy the ingredients from their store! There are many inns in the Kannawa area that are equipped with steam facilities. If you want to relax and experience the special way of cooking, go check them out!
- Prepare the ingredients you wish to steam. In Yuyama no Sato, you can bring ingredients that you want to steam, such as fresh vegetables and meat, etc. There are two ways to prepare ingredients: you can buy them yourself at a supermarket and bring them with you, or you can go to a store empty-handed and buy them directly on the spot. (*Rules differ from restaurant to restaurant, so please check in advance).
- When you arrive at the steam facility, you’ll have access to the natural hot spring steam. Cut the ingredients into bite-size pieces and place them on a tray. Put the tray into the steaming kiln and steam the food with steam from the natural hot spring. (The steaming time varies depending on the ingredients.)
- Once your ingredients are steamed well, you can savor your self-cooked Jigoku-mushi dish, relishing the flavors and aromas that the hot spring steam has preserved. You can eat it as it is, or dip it in seasonings such as salt or ponzu (Japanese citrus juice). Try it the way you like to eat it!
With these steps, you can experience Jigoku-mushi! It is a very healthy meal, and since you can choose your own ingredients, it is highly recommended for vegans as well. You will find many places to experience it in Beppu City, especially in the Kannawa area. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit WCB! Please also refer to this website. Also, here is a webpage where you can find the one.
What To Eat In Beppu: Let’s Experience Hell-Steamed Cuisine! – Enjoy Onsen
2.3 Worries melt away at Tsukahara volcanic hot spring
This time we also went to a spot outside of Beppu City. At WCB, we are often asked about tourist attractions in Beppu City. However, there are many beautiful places near Beppu city that we have never been to. We are excited to discover more hidden attractions for you to explore!
“Tsukahara Onsen” is located in Yufu City, takes about 35 minutes by car from Beppu Station. This is a natural hot spring area that boasts the nation’s highest iron ion content and second-highest acidity, but we would also like to highlight the beautiful volcanic landscape that adorns this area. Tsukahara Onsen, located up in the mountains, provides a perfect escape from the summer heat in downtown Beppu. The cooler mountain air is incredibly refreshing and offers a pleasant contrast to the warmth below. The scenic beauty of the mountains and the open sky create a peaceful atmosphere that allows you to unwind completely. Tsukahara ONsen is a place where you can relax, take in the beautiful views, and leave feeling refreshed and renewed.
While Tsukahara is a truly remarkable place to explore in Yufu, it’s important to note that it can only be accessed by car. Unfortunately, there’s no bus or public transportation from Beppu City to reach this place. However, it can be reached by taxi from Yufuin in about 20 minutes. If possible, consider renting a car to fully experience the wonders of Beppu. Don’t forget to include Tsukahara Hot Spring in your journey!
We provide not only tourist information within Beppu City but also details about tourist attractions and the best routes to reach them. In addition, we are here to assist in recommending attractions when traveling from Beppu to other destinations. So, if you’re planning to venture beyond Beppu City and need guidance on your route, don’t hesitate to visit WCB.
3. Beyond Internship: Nurturing Beppu’s Tourism and Memories
Our adventure as interns at WCB is just beginning, and in just one month, we’ve already had the pleasure of connecting with so many wonderful tourists. We’re eagerly looking forward to hearing more stories from travelers who choose to explore this small but beautiful town, Beppu. Whether it’s solving their problems or making their experiences more special, we’ve come to realize that Beppu’s magic goes beyond its natural beauty.
And speaking of magic, there’s more to Beppu than just the Tsukahara volcanic hot springs. There are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and during our six-month internship at WCB, we’re determined to explore as many of them as we can. Be sure to follow us to catch more of the unforgettable stories we’ll uncover in Beppu!
Who could forget the Jigoku Mushi? Cooking with natural steam and fresh ingredients was an adventure in itself.
Our mission isn’t just about helping tourists; it’s about the well-being of Beppu’s residents and the future of its tourism. We hope that our experiences inspire you to embark on your own unique journey to this remarkable destination.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible adventure. Here’s to creating your own unforgettable memories in Beppu and beyond!
