Highlights Summary.
Kyushu is a region where mountains and water converge. This article will take you on a day trip, allowing you to glimpse Kyushu's classic attractions in a short amount of time and experience its diverse charms!
It includes Beppu Cable Car/Jigokudani/Yufuin Town/Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. In just one day, you can enjoy multiple important sights, bringing you unforgettable memories of your Japanese journey.
－ Attractions Introduction －
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Tenmangu Shrine worships Sugawara no Michizane, revered in Japan as the "God of Learning" and "God of Calligraphy," with a history spanning 1,100 years. It enjoys widespread respect throughout Japan.
This site is considered sacred for seeking success on examinations. Many parents and high school students preparing for the college entrance exams come here to seek blessings. Each year, over 7 million people visit Tenmangu Shrine to pay their respects and offer prayers. They write down their aspirations for success on wooden plaques. To the right front of the main hall stands a plum tree that blooms earliest each spring. Legend has it that it flew from Kyoto to this location, hence its name "Flying Plum." Opposite the "Flying Plum" is another plum tree gifted by the Empress at that time, known as the "Empress Plum."
Over 6,000 apricot trees divide Tenmangu Shrine into various areas, offering numerous sightseeing attractions. These include the main hall in the Momoyama style, which also serves as Sugawara no Michizane's tomb, the revered "Flying Plum" tree, and the Treasure Hall housing national treasures. The shrine boasts beautiful flowers year-round. Numerous festivals are held annually, such as the Ebi Festival during New Year's, the Obon Festival, the Kuruishi Banquet in spring, and the grand procession known as Shin-kōshi in autumn.
Yunokuni (湯布院)
Yunomori, located in Oita Prefecture on Japan's Kyushu Island, was originally called Yubuin. In 1955, it merged with nearby Yuppin village to become "Yunomori," though the train station and basin still retain the name "Yubuin." Yunomori hot springs are a top spa destination in Kyushu and a renowned summer resort, boasting the third-largest volume of spring water in Japan.
Beppu Jigokudani (Hells of Beppu)
Beppu boasts numerous hot springs, many of which are known as "hells." The most famous are Beppu's Eight Hells, including: Sea Hell, Oniishibōzu Hell, Yama Hell, Kamado Hell, Jigoku Mountain Hell, White Pond Hell, Blood Pool Hell (also called Chinoike Jigoku), and Dragon's Mouth Hell.
Kamado Hell is one of these "hells." Legend has it that during the spring and autumn festivals held at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine since ancient times, offerings were cooked using the heat from the hot spring. This practice gave rise to the name "Kamado Hell." The intense geysers and highly heated springs are evidence of the extremely high temperature reaching 90 degrees Celsius (194 degrees Fahrenheit) within this hell.
Beppu Aerial Tramway
Breathtaking panoramic views and vibrant colors throughout the four seasons. The largest cable car in the Nine States, accommodating 101 passengers! A 10-minute ride takes you to a world at an elevation of 1300 meters. From atop the mountain, enjoy magnificent vistas and the distinct beauty of nature across the changing seasons – a truly immersive experience.
--- Itinerary Introduction ---
8:20 Please wait at LAWSON convenience store in Oriental Hotel.
8:30 Departure from Hakata Station (Chikushi Exit) on JR Fukuoka Line (departing without waiting for late arrivals).
9:30 Arrival at Taizafuji Tenmangu Shrine (approximately 80 minutes stay).
11:00 Departure for Yufuin (travel time 90 minutes).
12:30 Arrival in Yufuin, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this charming town (total stay 120 minutes).
15:10 Beppu Cable Car (approximately 60 minutes stay, including round-trip cable car fare).
16:30 Arrival at Jigokudani (approximately 30 minutes stay).
19:00 Disbandment at Hakata Station (JR Fukuoka Line).
