tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129894052011-09-12T14:24:19.371+09:00A tale of a man and his son and how they hit 88 hot springs in Beppu, Japan and were dubbed "Hot Spring Masters."Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.comBlogger1151100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-12287195281795281172009-01-13T09:10:00.003+09:002009-01-13T09:13:31.088+09:00

I had the pleasure of going back to Beppu on business and staying at the Nishitetsu Inn right downtown.Having just spent 3 weeks in the US, I thought, "I could really use an onsen" Then I got the call, and the job required me to spend the night.The onsen is clean and spacious and pretty good as far as low-end business hotels go. The faint whiff of chlorine was a turn-off, but the temperature was

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-67063109077493652342007-10-12T16:22:00.000+09:002007-10-12T16:26:30.855+09:00

After 3 years and 2 months in the hot spring capital of the world, we have decided to move on to some new and bigger challenges. Our new home: Fukuoka City! Thank you to everyone in Beppu and everyone who followed our blog. The soon to open official English language Beppu Tourism Bureau site, Beppu Navi, will be based on our very own onsen adventures. Tune in at BeppuNavifor a sleek new look at

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-14512263107583104282007-06-28T15:59:00.000+09:002007-06-28T16:00:32.844+09:00

World Hum | Travel Interview | Joel Henry: Dean of “Experimental Travel”In searching for Joel Henry, I found an interesting article on experimental travel. I think Beppu or some of its many NPOs could do something cool with this idea.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-27981060307650862912007-06-28T11:57:00.000+09:002007-06-28T12:02:14.696+09:00

My tour of duty at the uni is coming to a close, but it looks like I will be sticking around Beppu for 2 years doing freelance work. I will try to get son#2 to Master status in that time. Next stop: Hawaii, 2009-2010Anyone have some leads/connections in the PR or tourism indsutry there?

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-9421240582494193002007-04-30T06:50:00.001+09:002011-08-18T15:55:36.911+09:00

Well, I seem to have gained a reputation as the "onsen guy." Shhh! Don't tell anyone that we haven't onsened since January.... In any case, by popular demand I present to you my recommendations for family baths (In no particular order). These are places where you can either rent a separate family bath, or by virtue of their design, you get to hog the whole onsen until you are done. If you need

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-54431065741067949282007-02-13T16:59:00.000+09:002007-02-13T16:55:00.831+09:00

Greetings! I am still in Beppu doing my thing. Check out my latest media appearances!Sat, Feb 17 in the morning (check your newspaper)Channel: OBSShow: Kabosu TimeI will tour Kannawa with Mr. Kai and the student guides and the gaijin tarento at OBS.Check it out!-------------Tuesday, Feb. 20Show: Konnichi wa, Hachimaru-chan DesuChannel: NHK Dai 1 Radio (National broadcast)Time: 11:30 - 11:50 (for

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1167359841700140302006-12-29T11:36:00.000+09:002006-12-29T11:37:21.713+09:00

The NHK documentary that we "starred" in this summer is being re-broadcast by popular demand. If you missed it, don't miss it! 12/31/2006 5:10 AMNHK Sogo TV"Furusato Hatsu"

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1165473998348231812006-12-07T15:46:00.000+09:002006-12-07T15:46:38.380+09:00

My worldwide debut is now available for all to see in 6 different languages. If this link gives you trouble, try accessing from the front page here.This was produced by NHK International for the Japanese Foreign Ministry, who have distributed this to hundreds of Japanese embassies worldwide, in addition to providing the streaming link online. How cool is that?

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1161765252753894772006-10-25T17:33:00.000+09:002006-10-25T17:34:12.766+09:00

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1161609007617597472006-10-23T22:08:00.000+09:002006-10-23T22:10:07.653+09:00

JapanProbe has kindly posted some clips of my latest TV appearance doing guide work for the stars! Check out the YouTube clips!thanks James!

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1154074142932197372006-07-28T16:57:00.002+09:002011-08-18T15:55:00.756+09:00

Kakujusen takes the cake. It was clean and the water, full of sulphur and what have you, felt great on the skin(if not so nice to the eyes). The "secret onsen" up in the mountains are also pretty cool so I will give them an Honorable Mention here. Hebin-yu and Tsuru-no-yu Nabeyama no yu UPDATE: Access to these hot springs was suspended after a woman was murdered in one of them (Click here for

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1154073070520273512006-07-28T16:39:00.000+09:002007-04-10T11:06:25.912+09:00

Even though some of the nicest people you will meet run these places, some pools of hot water are better left alone...1.Tani no yuAncient cement structure with a spooky Amida Buddha statue and more mosquitos than you could shake a stick at.2.Sesseki OnsenCrusty bath inside a Shinto temple. This was probably the worst case of "floaties" that I can recall.3. Netsu-no-yu OnsenFree onsen, so I should

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1154072312484953772006-07-28T16:20:00.001+09:002011-08-18T15:49:27.013+09:00

Okay, I am going to start my rankings as they come to me. Nothing scientific or quantifiable here, just what I like (or don't). Some will be best 3, some best 5 and maybe some will be only one. 1. Kannawa-en Inn The traditional gardens and the rare color-changing outdoor bath pretty much sealed this for me. I went last fall, but nothing topped it since.UPDATE (2011): I am sad to hear that this

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153801830419509132006-07-25T13:30:00.000+09:002006-07-25T13:37:28.593+09:00

Today we took our Spaports, worn and torn Spaports that they are, down to the tourism bureau to become deemed Hot Spring Masters. (Onsen Meijin, in Japanese).After paying the fee (1500 yen per person, up from 500 yen last year. Should've done this faster...), we received the coveted Master's black and gold towel. Maybe I can take this to a Steelers game when we go home next.Here is's Jude's

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153783278852579052006-07-24T20:20:00.000+09:002006-07-25T13:17:58.003+09:00

WE decided to go out in style. I had been saving this onsen for last. It is the most expensive one on the tour at 2000 yen. The fact is, you can do 20 100-yen onsen for the same price, but I wanted 88 to be special. besides, Shiho won't come if I don't go somewhere nice. Dad drives with skill and speed to Suginoi Palace (and damn that flash. Thought is was a cop car!) I took the back way, which I

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153712001052029792006-07-24T12:31:00.000+09:002006-07-24T12:33:21.066+09:00

For those of you in Japan, you can still catch re-runs of the NHK documentary that I was on in Hi Vision.BS Hi-Vision TVMonday, July 24 15:00 - 15:49Wednesday, July 26 00:00 - 00:49 (in other words, late Tuesday)The regular NHK broadcast has been postponed untilSept. 3 (SUN) 10:00 - Please tune in!

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153654827294172542006-07-23T20:28:00.000+09:002006-07-23T20:40:27.313+09:00

It was a busy day today. We went down to Oita today to be on the radio again. This time my harmonica jam with the radio announcer was broadcast all over Oita Prefecture, well, at least to whoever was listening to AM radio between 11:00 and 11:50. It was fun. Then I took the family to lunch at a famous Beppu restaurant. It is famous for it's hibachi grills (the smoke from which fills the entire

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153654099193981542006-07-22T23:24:00.000+09:002006-07-23T20:28:19.206+09:00

This is an old ryokan (Japanese style inn) that dates way back to Beppu's heyday many, many years ago. The old dude at teh front desk was one of the most sincerely nice hotel guys I have met in a long time. The bath is nice, but not too hot with a giant stone where the onsen drips down. It is covered in onsen minerals from over the years. I guess it is famous.Jude had a good time in the bath

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153542660532693002006-07-22T13:21:00.000+09:002006-07-22T13:34:30.810+09:00

We had an appointment at 11:30 and the whole family decided to catch an onsen before that. Yamada Besso was the only hotel open from 10:00 so that's where we went. The buidling is over 80 years old, which in Japan is pretty old considering the war and its aftermath. It was the coolest buidling I've been in in a long time. There was a western style sitting room with a giant Japanese tatami room.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153349828085466792006-07-19T22:46:00.000+09:002006-07-20T08:00:54.506+09:00

Beppu is great because since it is the onsen capital of Japan, there are quite a few places that offer "X plus onsen." I have been to cafes with onsen and BBQ restaurants with onsen and candy stores with onsen. Tonight was ramen and onsen. We noticed this place right after we moved here and it always struck us as funny. Well, last night depsite the puring rain, we all went out (Dad's treat). Jude

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153230591206853972006-07-18T22:44:00.000+09:002006-07-18T22:49:51.226+09:00

With the amazing momentum of our 3-day weekend, we took to the streets of Kannawa once again. This time I actually plunked down more than 100 yen for an onsen (500 actually) and got a nice treat. Kanawa-so is tucked down a little side-street, so little that I didn't even realize it was a street. This is the 4th time I have tried to find it. 4th time's a charm. It was a Tuesday night so not very

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153140981114215502006-07-17T21:56:00.000+09:002006-07-17T22:00:27.606+09:00

It was our goal to hit 10 onsen this 3 day weekend and tonight's visit to the Beppu Community Center was the clincher.This a is a newish facility where the tourism bureau is. There is also some sort of martial arts dojo here. Very nice, by the looks of it.The wooden iterior of building was very relaxing. The onsen was nice and new with a view ofa Japanese sand/rock garden. C'est chic!The onsen

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153129031224447782006-07-17T18:27:00.000+09:002006-07-17T18:37:11.240+09:00

Kaimonji Onsen is next to a temple called, you guessed it, Kaimonji Temple just down the street from Beppu Station. I tried to go here once but got "busted" for illegal parking by the pachinko parlor parking lot attendant.This is a 100-yen city-run onsen. In fact, the lady at the counter recognized us from Saturday night (She was working at Tanoyu Onsen then). It is very retro with the old school

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153048606891443322006-07-16T20:12:00.000+09:002006-07-16T20:16:46.893+09:00

Well, the plan today was to do at least 4 onsen in the Kannawa area. But since it was a Sunday we got turned down at 3 different places. So I got wise and started calling . Got a couple noes but then Hotel Seikaisoh downtown said "come on in"So we did. I had to pump "We Will Rock You" to keep Jude awake (Yes, I am a terrible father but he will thank me when he gets older)They staff here was very

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153048341470393032006-07-16T20:07:00.000+09:002006-07-16T20:12:21.470+09:00

This is an ancient little mom and pop store that is barely big enough for you and mom (or pop). They also happen to run an onsen/mud onsen. I was not prepared to bathe Jude in mud, then wash him off so I chose the bath instead. The corridor stunk of cats and the bath itself looked like it hadn't been remodeled since 1942. In fact there was a big plaque stating that the onsen was most effective on

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153047970232366162006-07-16T20:02:00.000+09:002006-07-16T20:06:10.233+09:00

A very nice inn and hot spring facility up on Route 11 just past where Route 500 turns. There is a big steaming pipe behind here. The hot spring was quite nice. very clear and a comfortable temperature. The front desk people were not very friendly, however. People don't like the cheapskate bath-only patrons on a 3-day weekend I guess.Jude liked this frog in the lobbyWhile we were bathing I looked

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153047230835593692006-07-16T19:42:00.000+09:002006-07-16T19:55:10.613+09:00

This is actually the second most expensive hot spring on the 88 tour because you have to pay to rent out the bath per hour. I know the owner, Ms. Goto from our walking tours. She is also the owner of the pork dumpling store on our tour. Luckily, I had a free ticket and Jude and took a dip in the nice little bath. It was not to hot and not too lukewarm, just right with a hint of iron (?) Just my

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1153006952609720142006-07-15T23:34:00.000+09:002006-07-16T08:42:33.220+09:00

Well, I made a promise somewhere on this blog to have 88 onsen done by Jude's birthday. Well, his bday is coming up very soon and I have a 3 day biz trip to Kyoto before that so these next 2 weekends are key in knocking off the remaining onsen.Saturday night, after dinner we hit the town. The Community Center was closed, so using my photographic memory of Beppu I quickly changed course for one of

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1152504575195718182006-07-08T13:04:00.000+09:002006-07-10T13:09:35.216+09:00

Well, Jude and I set out to use one of our free hotel passes, but the hotel turned us away from the parking lot because it was Saturday and they expected a lot full of guests. C'est la vie. Freeloaders get no respect.I quickly changed to Plan B, which was a 100 yen community bath next to which was a dirt lot that I knew I could park in with no fear of retribution.The hot spring was hot. You

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1151832375029188312006-07-02T18:20:00.000+09:002006-07-02T18:26:15.030+09:00

This is the grandaddy of all hotels in Beppu. There is a big water park and like 3 different hotel buidlings. Quite a complex, all overlooking Beppu from its mountainside peak. This is where I met Mr. Kai (walking guide mentor) at a swank party for Beppu's congressman, Mr Iwaya. Anyway, the whole family went out for lunch, then we dropped mom and Jeff at home. Jude and I went to the spring in

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1151832008705271012006-06-30T18:13:00.000+09:002006-07-02T18:20:08.726+09:00

Had the day off which means Jude and I could hit one of the hotels that close early. Seikai is right next to the ocean, I mean, right next to it. The outdoor bath is right above the cement breakwater! It isn't the best stretch of ocean to stare at, but it was still nice, especially since I was off work. (Technically, I was off cuz Jeff has the runs and I had to go to the hospital, but he seems

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1150584625182012862006-06-17T19:41:00.000+09:002006-07-10T16:04:23.773+09:00

Daikokuya is the jigoku-mushi joint we always stop by on my walking tour. This is where we took mom to enjoy an excellent lunch of hot spring-steamed goodies. I had never been in the onsen here, so I figured I should make an effort to stop by here. To top it off, NHK was here with cameras so my bare ass will be broadcast all over Japan next month! I brought my buddy Tres from APU along with me to

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1150021764868353462006-06-11T19:26:00.000+09:002006-06-11T19:29:25.090+09:00

We used our free tickets and hit the downtown hotel area. Every time I go there I realize how ugly it is. Must've been something back in the day, though.Went to Kouraku. I know the owner. The lobby is drab but it looks like they recently redid the onsen. It was hot so Jude chose to play beside it and not it in. There was no one there so we enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1149409308241977202006-06-04T17:12:00.000+09:002006-06-04T17:21:48.253+09:00

Trying to make up for lost time Jude and I hit 2 onsen today.The first was Hotel Pastoral, a nice new-ish hotel whose mainstay, it seems, is weddings. Their were people in the lobby al dressed up and some other couples getting an explanations about the wedding procedures (I think). It 's a big business when you consider that the average Japanese couple will spend upwards of $20,000 on a wedding!!

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1149374621724002652006-06-03T19:36:00.000+09:002006-06-04T07:44:29.970+09:00

I had promised Jude a train ride so we hopped on at Beppu Daigaku Station and did the one-stop jaunt into Beppu. He LOVES trains. We met a Buddha in the train station.Using our handy-dandy free tickets, we stopped in a Hotel Arthur. As you know Japanese can't pronounce r or th, so this hotel is pronounced "Aah-saah." and they even had a full suit of aah-maah in the robby. ( I 'll stop being mean

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1149373256012979672006-06-02T19:08:00.000+09:002006-06-04T07:20:56.106+09:00

This is a new addition to the pack. Not necessarily a new onsen, but they started let ting us wannabe masters come and soak. The inn itself looked a little old and rather simple. I handed over our free ticket and the lad said,"I'll show you to the annex."This was the onsen. Built just last year (out of cypress). It smelled wonderful! There was a nice big tub and no one there so Jude and I had a

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1147686027251467362006-05-15T18:39:00.000+09:002006-05-15T18:40:27.270+09:00

Well, looks like Dad got another ear infection. No hot springs for the time being.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1147603175956575442006-05-14T19:37:00.000+09:002006-05-14T19:39:35.970+09:00

6th floor hotel onsen with a view of the yacht harbor (okay, the definition of yacht in Japanese is more like plain old sailboat). WE had the hot spring all to ourselves. Jude likes the hotels because he can play with the shower heads. There is also a sauna here. Better than most mid-line hotels, I would say

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1147439952909767892006-05-12T22:12:00.000+09:002006-05-12T22:19:12.933+09:00

Using our free hotel tickets, the whole damn family went downtown to the onsen today. This is one of the many old hotels squished in the Kitahama area. The theme of the hotel is "art" and their are antique statues and scrolls and such all over the place. It makes for a cool atmosphere.The bath was also themed with little trinkets and things tucked away in the corners. These frogs greeted us as we

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1147296140792641582006-05-10T21:14:00.000+09:002006-05-11T06:22:20.810+09:00

So after a few days of a cold, I decided that I was healed and took Jude out so we could start using our free onsen tickets. We went to Fujikan Hotel which is right on the bay overlooking a not too scenic cement breakwater. The guys at the front desk were very friendly, but the onsen was full of non-Japanese Asians who were not the most well-mannered folks. We entered to see 5 guys just kind of

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1147162821181225332006-05-09T17:13:00.000+09:002006-05-09T17:20:21.183+09:00

Today marks one year since Jude and I began our onsen odyssey.We have cleared 58 hot springs and just got some free tickets which will put us within striking distance of our goal. Watch out, Beppu! 2 new masters will soon be crowned!See our first post here

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1146827354342918782006-05-05T20:03:00.000+09:002006-05-05T20:09:14.363+09:00

Today, we all went to an old-school amusement park called Rakutenchi. It reminded me of Conneaut Lake with the old 60s and 70s styled buidlings and faded paint. There was a lot more than I expected. Shiho had to ride with Jude though, cuz I can't handle spiny things.After our naps, Jude, Jeff, Grandma and I went to the onsen. We tried to go to Kamegawa but the onsen was closed. Today is a holiday

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1146728346280866152006-05-04T16:01:00.000+09:002006-05-04T16:39:06.316+09:00

It's Golden Week in Japan, and boy were the roads packed! It took us 20 minutes to get to the onsen when it should only take 5 at most.Shiho's mom is in town and Jude and I took her out to Oni-Ishi, a gorgeous onsen run by the folks who run the Oni-Ishi Bozu Hell (bubbling mud hell).The tub had giant citrus fruits floating in it. Nice touch. There was a "look-out" bath upstairs and I actually saw

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1146707384735432882006-05-03T22:49:00.000+09:002006-05-04T10:56:19.630+09:00

This is probably the onsen closest to our house, a few neighborhoods away...except of course for the onsen on the apartment grounds, but that doesn't count towards our quest for the 88.Anyway, we scoped this place out a while back. On a real narrow backstreet and OLD! The owner, in fact, proudly informed us that it was the 2nd oldest onsen in Beppu. The inside was run-down and kind of gross in

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1146605671836611202006-05-02T18:33:00.000+09:002006-05-04T10:56:52.870+09:00

I'd rather not talk about this one...

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1146531454001444192006-05-01T21:48:00.000+09:002006-05-02T09:57:34.003+09:00

Today is very exciting because I get to use the word "velodrome." Yes, Beppu has its very own Velodrome and the velodrome even has a hot spring on the grounds. Gotta love Beppu. Jude and I had tried to go to another onsen in the Kamegawa area that was listed as open till 7 PM. The price was listed as "spare change." These places usually prove pretty rustic and this was no exception. It is on the

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1146530898709278512006-04-30T21:23:00.000+09:002006-05-02T09:48:18.756+09:00

Tsukahara OnsenSince today was Sunday and since Jude woke up from his nap early (3:30PM) we decided to go on an extended onsen adventure. I scanned for hot springs that close at 4PM and called one in the area but they said that since it is Golden Week, that they are are not letting hot spring-only guests in. bummer. So I scanned for hot springs that close at 5 PM and found one called Tsukahara

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1146350883169148732006-04-29T19:40:00.000+09:002006-04-30T07:48:40.990+09:00

50th hot spring hit!! Today was a milestone in our journey. We did hot spring # 50.Kannawa Suji-YuThis onsen is on the Kannawa Walking Tour I do. It is good for your tendons (suji in Japanese). So I figured I should check it out. Jude put the 100 yen coin in the box and no sooner had we heard it plunk than we turned to see a sign that said: "There is no cold water at Suji-Yu so you cannot use

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1145884116846607552006-04-24T22:03:00.000+09:002006-04-25T09:39:44.753+09:00

I alloted time for getting lost tonight.And I did. But then I called and got directions.And I wondered why a 60 yen onsen would have a phone and it turns out that it is part of a giant complex for disabled folks. Some very friendly folks helped up navigate the walkways to the hot spring, and the bath itself was quite new and modern. It didn't have the "hot spring" mineral type of feel, it was

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1145829278747418932006-04-23T21:53:00.000+09:002006-04-24T07:00:32.916+09:00

We have driven past the entrance to this one for nearly 2 years now. It was 7 PM and this joint closes at 8 so I said to Jude "Let's do it." It's time to stop slacking and hurry up and become masters... I can't leave Beppu in good conscience before we hit 88 hot springs...I did not realize that this was on of the real nice snazzed up city-run onsens. It is very nice and clean with "regular" and a

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1145775855534651942006-04-08T16:02:00.000+09:002006-04-23T16:04:46.703+09:00

I figured I had to put one on here of Mom in her snazzy T shirt. It says "everyday is hell." I must admit, I like living so close to hell.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1144408885235679962006-04-07T20:17:00.000+09:002006-04-07T20:21:25.250+09:00

This sand bath is right on Beppu Bay in Shoninga-hama Park. We often take Jude here to play, but this is the first time I' ve been in. I talked mom into going since "you can't do this back home in PA." She actually really enjoyed it. The sand it hot and you can feel your blood coursing through your body as you sweat a pound of sweat. I love it.I am reading the PITT Magazine. If I send this photo

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1144067060478961782006-04-01T14:21:00.000+09:002006-04-03T21:24:58.510+09:00

Here is another jigoku foot bath that counted toward our 88 goal. This one was full of Korean tourists and the English sign said "Hot Spring of a Leg." That is poor, poor translation and embarrasing. Beppu, if you need a real translator please call me.The Hot Spring festival guys came through with their drums and dragon costumes. It was cool. Mom really dug it. Good timing indeed

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1144066527932819552006-04-01T14:10:00.000+09:002006-04-03T21:15:27.950+09:00

Mom is in town from the U.S. and we took her to the standard Beppu tourist trap, "Jigoku Meguri." That is where you walk around all the bubbling hells saying "ooh" and "Ahh" and trying not to pay 3 bucks for ice cream. Several have foot baths, like Oni-bozu Jigoku featured here.And these foot baths count toward our 88 onsen goal. Entrance fees are 400 yen for most jigoku or you buy a book of 8

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1143705382693700882006-03-26T15:34:00.000+09:002006-03-30T16:56:23.733+09:00

This is another hot spring on my walking tour that I figured I should check out. The buidling is nice and only a few years old. In fact it was some architectural award from the city. The hot spring was one of the many in the area originally founded by the monk Ippen Shonin way back in 1276. The water was hot, but the nice guy in the tub didn't mind me putting some cold water in. Actually, Jude

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1142809572296899172006-03-18T20:02:00.000+09:002006-03-24T14:50:09.706+09:00

This is a free municipal hot spring in the Kannawa district, one right on my walking tour course. I figured I had better check it out. Jude and went on a slightly rainy Saturday afternoon. It was nice and warm and a bit salty like most hot springs in this area. It was pretty well kept for a free, unmannned onsen and it just plain felt good on the skin. Some people don't like the salty slightly

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1142045372102706292006-03-11T11:45:00.000+09:002006-03-11T11:49:32.116+09:00

Today we broke down and used our free hot spring coupon. We went to Oniyama Hotel, one of the biggest hotels in the Kannawa area and one of the stops on my volunteer guided tour.The hot spring was trademark Kannawa, slightly yellow and a hint salty. Feels great on the skin. I thought the drains were a little dangerous for the litte one because they were kind of loose. Other than than, we loved

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1141549024660064012006-03-05T17:49:00.000+09:002006-03-05T17:57:04.676+09:00

Well, after a cold winter full of colds and infections, and more colds and general blues, the sun started shining brighter and longer and we decided to get back on the mission. Our goal, as states over live AM radio in Januray, is to finish the 88 onsen mark by the end of 2006. That is 5 to 6 onsen per month, considering that we have now completed 41.Sakura-tei was a modern looking inn. Clean

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1136508714522358742006-01-06T09:50:00.000+09:002006-01-06T09:51:54.533+09:00

Jude and I have ear infections. No hot springs for a while. We did however get our red towels for Level 5 (40 hot springs) over Xmas break.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1134970034845666242005-12-19T14:19:00.000+09:002006-03-05T18:06:29.566+09:00

Mom was in town from Kagoshima with her middle shcool reunion. They chose the fanciest hotel in Beppu and invited us too! WE had a super full course meal with everything from fresh mackeral sashimi, to blow fish (fugu) prepared every which way! Fried, raw, and don't forget the sperm! After an absolute feast, Jude and grandma and I hit the big bath. I had always wanted to use the bath here, but

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1133938080088621802005-11-26T22:42:00.000+09:002005-12-07T15:48:00.820+09:00

Kakujusenis a free city-run hot spring in the Myoban district. Most city-run joints are clean. This one passed my test. Like most hot springs up here it is hot! And it is salty and milky. Great for the skin, bad for the eyes. They often say you can take a dip in this area for the great effects on the skin, then stop down in Kannawa for a rinse off in the clear hot springs down there. We may want

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1132041546606198692005-11-13T16:55:00.000+09:002005-12-07T09:36:17.750+09:00

This was another one of those community baths that you wouldn't normally include in your itinerary unless you were one of those crazy people trying to hit up 88 hot springs to get a special black and gold towel and 15 seconds of near-notariety.The water was hot but not too hot and I don't know if it was someone's cologne or some element in the water itself but it reminded me of holy water. You

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1131680166373798722005-11-11T12:33:00.000+09:002005-11-11T12:36:06.373+09:00

Well, my initial goal was to be a hot spring master within the year, but we have stalled out on our quest. I have a whole list of excuses, but mainly it's because we have been going to sleep earlier. We still hit the hot spring in the apartment building almost every night, so we are quite clean. We are only 3 away from level 5. We will get that before we go home for winter break for sure. Keep

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1128522314553116192005-10-05T23:12:00.000+09:002005-10-05T23:25:14.560+09:00

Went back to the Hamawaki area because the owner of the last place said I could use his parking lot. Hit up Yamada onsen. Can't be beat for a 100 yen, as long as you don't look at the moldy ceiling or the green goo oozing from behind the wall mirror. The water was nice and the best part was how friendly everyone (all 3 dudes) were. I haven't met such nice people since our trip tp Shinoyu Onsen.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1128290717137203942005-10-02T18:58:00.000+09:002005-10-03T07:05:17.143+09:00

Got real lost on some incredibly narrow roads but managed to find this place which actually had Parking (very rare in Beppu). It was a little stone bath attached to someone's house. If you bought a drink at the cafe (someone's house), you could use the bath for free. So we had a bath, out first in the Hamawaki area and it was HOT. Then we came out and had a nice big bowl of shaved ice. Yummy! It

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1128121534140591852005-09-29T19:59:00.000+09:002005-10-01T08:05:34.150+09:00

A little mom and pop inn in the Myoban district. This hot spring was a cloudy brown color. Yes, it sounds gross but it was the high concentration of minerals: calcium, salt, alum and copper. You have to keep it out of your eyes because it burns, and it is pretty hot. The Myoban district is way up on the mountain and the closest to its source so it is naturally pretty damn hot. Luckily there was a

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1127507736632156792005-09-23T22:13:00.000+09:002005-09-24T05:35:36.690+09:00

Mom is back in Kagoshima so it's just Jude and dad for 3 days. We started our 3 day weekend off with a trip to the "secret onsens" up in the mountains.Hebin YuThis is the "secret" all-natural onsen furthest back in the woods. It is right next to a crytsal clear brook. In fact, I think Jude liked playing in the river, more than sitting in the hot spring. It was very clear for being out in the "

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1127508977554487412005-09-22T22:54:00.000+09:002005-09-24T05:56:17.560+09:00

A very simple concrete hole in the fround with hot water in it. Not your average tourist attraction. What can I say, the book hailed it as the king of the B- class hot springs.The buidling (aka shack)Post-bath JudeAn old billboard (perhaps for fermented soy beans)

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1127170757400416582005-09-18T22:49:00.000+09:002005-09-20T07:59:17.470+09:00

A 150 yen onsen on the grounds of an old shrine. Kinda spooky at night with fox statues (conniving shape changers in Japanese mythology)and stray cats, and even spookier when you go in. Put your money inthe box. There is no one there. There was a navy calendar. Shinto was the state-sponsored religion during Japan's imperial times, still a very nationalistic bent to it. Kinda scary. Then the

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1126971385330193162005-09-18T00:25:00.000+09:002005-09-18T00:36:25.336+09:00

Today Jude woke up from his PM nap early so we set out to catch an onsen that closes early, one we couldnt normally hit in the evening after dinner.I drove to one place but the parking lot was full and we missed closing time. It was a little inn that specializes in food steamed with the hot spring steam (super hot steam full of mineral. Delcious and healthy). Called the next joint, Kannawa-en. We

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1126792282909348742005-09-15T22:47:00.000+09:002005-09-15T22:51:22.913+09:00

This is th biggest, most famous onsen in the Myoban area. Myoban is on the mountain near the actual source of the hot springs. Very sulfury and very hot. The outdoor bath was cool enough due to the chilly night air. Very nice water. Smooth on the skin and people will wonder why I smell like sulfur tomorrow at the graduation ceremony. We had a 100 yen off coupon so me and Jude got in for 500 yen.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1126733517586270612005-09-15T06:30:00.000+09:002005-09-15T06:31:57.586+09:00

I've been getting a lot of spam comments so I turned on verification. this means you have to type in one of those goofy codes to properly post a comment. Sorry, but nowhere on the Net is safe anymore. Your cooperation is greatly appreciatedFuture Onsen MasterJoel

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1126733254563451952005-09-15T06:21:00.000+09:002006-07-28T16:27:41.310+09:00

So, Jude and I tried to go to the el-cheapo onsen right across the road from the dumpy hotel we went to last time. I parked in some other hotel's lot and immediately a crusty old guy comes motoring up on a moped, "You can't park here." I feigned ignorance of the sign, but quickly left. Winding through the narrow streets behind the station, I tried to find another el-cheapo onsen I had passed once

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1126732833299103392005-09-12T06:17:00.000+09:002005-09-15T06:20:33.303+09:00

Looking for a place open late, Jude and I went here. In Japan "business hotels" are the equivalent of an American motel. Bare essentials. So for a motel it had a nice natural hot spring. The faucet was shaped like a lions head and Jude thought that was cool. Never mind the mildew on the ceiling or the broken showerhead that scalded me. But on the road to onsen mastery, not all is pretty. It

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1126334204721725662005-09-10T15:32:00.000+09:002005-09-10T15:36:44.726+09:00

A small public bath with a long name. It wa 100 yen and very nicely kept up. I think the local municipal volunteers run it. right next to a shrine to a famous guy called Yakushi something. I need to figure what he did cuz his name is everywhere.There was no stamp at the onsen so I went to the litle shop donwn the street where it was housed. A nice old lady came out and talked to us and gave Jude

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1125847325570467662005-09-05T00:17:00.000+09:002005-09-05T00:22:05.570+09:00

This is the hotel run by my friend Mr. Kai. Been meaning to go here for ages now, but it is only open until 8:30 PM to the general public. Used my 100 yen off ticket to get in for 400 yen. Jude and I had the tub to ourselves. Slightly hot but Jude liked getting out of the hot water and into the cold bath over and over. I like the push-button vibra-bath. Tonight we met Ms. Kim, the Korean intern

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1125847025532066272005-08-28T00:06:00.000+09:002005-09-10T15:47:10.060+09:00

Well, theses onsens won't count toward our 88 goal because they are the places we frequented when we went back to mom's hometown. But just to let you know that we were still enjoying the wonders of hot water there too.OkinayuLocated directly behind Kirishima Onsen Station just over the Makizono border in Yokogawa town. They will all merge in Nov. so it doesn't matter. Jude went here twice with

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1123767586927257552005-08-11T22:31:00.000+09:002005-08-11T22:39:46.933+09:00

Drove all over the Kannawa district trying to find an onsen open past 8:30 PM. Called one place and got detailed directions only to get lost on a road that barely held my car. It was dark and Jude had fallen asleep so I drove aimlessly down the main road until I came across a place with an actual parking lot: Miyuki-ya. This place was a traditional Japanese style inn. Lots of wood, rustic. There

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1123054291195117612005-08-03T16:24:00.000+09:002005-08-03T16:31:31.200+09:00

Jude is back in town so we did our first onsen in a month. The Hyotan Onsen just reopend after rennovations. I had always meant to go there and since I heard it had been refurbished I figured now was better than ever. I checked the prices and prepared a pocket full of change to cover the 700 yen fee for me and the 200 fee for children under five. When I entered I found that adults are 550 after 6

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1123054622827185362005-07-27T16:33:00.000+09:002005-08-03T16:37:02.826+09:00

While Jude was away, I sent our Spaports to the Tourism Bureau to certify our bathing adventures thus far. By the end of July we had hit 21 onsens which qualifies us for Level 2, the white towel. We also got official stamps in our spaports and official looking certificates. Each level authorization costs 500 yen (4.50) in postage stamps, so it's not much for something so fun. I figure we won't

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1122120210093726662005-07-23T21:02:00.000+09:002005-07-23T21:03:30.096+09:00

Jude is at grandma's for the summer. We're just gonna have to wait until it cools down to enjoy any more hot springs. We'll have to do some catching up this winter :)

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1121263307286440102005-07-07T22:55:00.000+09:002005-07-13T23:01:47.293+09:00

Our first onsen in a while. The rain cooled things off tonite so we decided to go out for a change (and give Shiho a break)! This is a little inn just off the highway, but you'd never know it. Very quiet. It's actually right next to the Kyushu University Botanical Research Labs where they use hot spring water to grow exotic plants. You can see the steam rising from the greenhouses.Anyway, this

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1120551193797946882005-07-05T17:12:00.000+09:002005-07-05T17:13:13.803+09:00

I must apologize, but it is just too damn hot to go in the hot springs lately. We had some rain cool things down today, so maybe we'll go tonight. It all depends on if I get my butt out of the recliner after I sit in it...

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1119113811059639162005-06-19T01:56:00.000+09:002005-06-19T01:58:23.936+09:00

We were tired and stayed home. Jude didnt seem to mind the "boring" old bathtub.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1118962729067467682005-06-16T07:55:00.000+09:002005-06-19T01:49:13.533+09:00

Ok, I should have been more wary of a place that calls itself "Heat Hot Spring," but we got lost looking for a different onsen and the road dumped me off int the neighborhood... It was hot, yes! And we ran out of soap (bummer). I had enough to do Jude but I could't put him in the tub. Very hot! And slippery. All said, it was 100% free so I shouldn't complain. It was very popular with the locals,

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1118757305199490432005-06-14T22:43:00.000+09:002005-06-14T22:55:05.210+09:00

This was a hotel/restaurant/onsen in one. It was founded by a former Oseki (that's 3rd after Yokozuna and something else)sumo wresteler whose name I could not decipher. The restaurant serves "chanko," the food of sumo wrestlers. It is basically a hodge-podge of anything and everything from veggies to seafood. I've never actually had it because t is full of things I can't eat, namely shrimp. But

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1118494463730950762005-06-11T21:46:00.000+09:002005-06-11T21:54:23.733+09:00

Grandma U. was up from Kagoshima and Jude was so psyched. We did lunch and went a got some mountain spring water (My fave place around here, will blog more in detail with pix later). After some heavy-duty playing at the house, we went downtown to the hotel district and used a 100 yen off coupon to get in.The clerk said all are rooms are full so the bath is bound to be busy. It was on the 8th

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1118182318879028632005-06-08T07:10:00.001+09:002005-06-08T07:15:32.600+09:00

dooooｎ4444444aaaa cxb

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1118182238416886582005-06-08T07:06:00.000+09:002005-06-08T07:10:38.420+09:00

I went here because Jude couldnt make it last time. It has been bothering me actually. I went to the bath and he ended up waking up crying for Daddy. this time around we got to go in the other bath (they rotate the men's and the women's baths). It is a mirror image, but feels like you've come to a whole new onsen. I like places that rotate their baths. Jude thought the inside bath was a wee bit

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1118098088670494342005-06-07T07:45:00.000+09:002006-07-28T17:07:42.493+09:00

Got lost trying to find the onsen furthest away from the house. Tried to be adventuresome... But found a nice old fashioned wooden bathhouse. Brazenly parked illegally in front of the onsen and got an earful from the lady working the counter when we got out of the bath. Needless to say, there is no parking. But it was a nice "historic" bath. 100 yen. Then onsens on the other side of town are

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1117876188344800732005-06-04T17:46:00.000+09:002005-08-03T16:33:17.566+09:00

Secret Hot Spring Volume 1When we first started this onsen tour, I began looking for the cheap onsens. I came across 3 that were listed as free and 24 hrs. Upon closer inspection, I came to find out why: these were "secret onsens." Not all that secret, but off the beaten path, I guess a better term would be "all-natural." It just sounded so intriguing.So it was nice Saturday afternoon, not too

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1117803745199366352005-06-03T21:59:00.000+09:002005-06-03T22:02:25.203+09:00

Another HOT Kamegawa onsen. This one is right across the road from Shiho's fave Japanese sweets store. I park in their lot when I'm in this area and always buy something for Mommy on the way home. Nice people in the tub tonite. A very local joint. tonite really made me realize that before tourism, Beppu's onsen are really a local resource. you can tell these people come here every day. It's that

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1117550450123604852005-05-31T23:26:00.000+09:002005-05-31T23:40:50.126+09:00

Onsens Entered:Joel 14Jude 13Onsens Left:Joel 74Jude 75Best 3: Mugen no Sato, Takegawara Onsen, Shinoyu Onsen(But I might change my mind)

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1117549234766942132005-05-31T23:10:00.000+09:002005-05-31T23:20:34.766+09:00

Literally translated this is the "in front of the station high quality hot spring." It is, as you may have guessed, right down the road from Beppu station. It is old and historic. All the parades go down this street, and a lot of Beppu walking events start here (and perhaps end here with a nice bath). The changing room was a little room, then a steep flight of stairs led down to the bath. There

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1117548543206862932005-05-30T22:59:00.000+09:002005-05-31T23:09:03.216+09:00

Shiho was here earlier in the day to hear a speech my a fitness guru named Duke something. Here is a pic of Jude by the pool.Later that night we used tickets Shiho's friend gave us to experience the bath. Like many big hotels, the indoor bath was a bath (not a natural spring). It was and very clean, if perhaps a bit chlorine stinky. If you are really into clean, then this is the joint for you.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1117405939081345462005-05-30T07:29:00.000+09:002005-05-30T07:32:19.083+09:00

Not sure if it is onsen related, but Jude caught a little cold and we are on onsen hiatus. It's Monday and I'm off to work and I must say my throat is scratchy and I think I got what Jude had. In any case, we have achieved our quota for May (11 onsens). I have set our goal for December of this year.

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1117179598339836302005-05-27T16:35:00.000+09:002005-05-27T16:39:58.340+09:00

Jude and I went to Yama-no-Yu last night. It was not as sulfur-y and stinky, or as hot, as I thought it may be. But is was nice. We were the only ones there. I guess everyone else hit the hotels for 260 yen baths. It was rustic, log cabin type of place with a balcony and a gorgeous view of the city. It was a bit chilly up on the hill, but hey, that doesn't really matter when you're in a tub full

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1117179312889116732005-05-27T16:19:00.000+09:002005-05-27T16:43:43.370+09:00

Last night was Furo-no-hi, that is to say it was the 26th day of the month. By reading the characters differently, i.e., furo, it has the same pronunciation as the word for, get this "bath." AS such, a group of hotels in Beppu got together to do a Furo-no-hi campaign. On the 26th day of every month, you can enter the baths at a variety of hotels for a mere 260 yen ($2.50). The lower average price

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1117037857250735352005-05-26T01:10:00.000+09:002005-05-26T01:18:42.063+09:00

For those of you who aren't familiar with Japan, you often find signs like these at nicer baths.Literal translation(for the 'funny' effect): "People with tattoos, very drunk persons, and gang members may cause an inconvenience to the other customers and shall be refused entry."Traditional organized crime in Japan is called the yakuza. They often have full back tattoos that easily set them apart

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12989405.post-1117037429628649722005-05-26T00:58:00.000+09:002005-05-26T01:21:59.326+09:00

Tonight Jude and I aimed for Hotel Fugetsu because it is near the house and I know the owner. Met him at a shindig for a local politician. But when we showed up, the staff said "If you don't have a ticket, please use the hot spring next door." Same owners but aimed toward the onsen-only crowd. So we went.And it was quite nice. The bath was spacious with several options: jet bath, vibra bath (like

Joelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03840771466952215464noreply@blogger.com0