Sep 19, 2013

The 54rd Kannawa Yuami Festival

The 54th Kannawa Yuami Festival is going to be held this weekend ( Sep. 21st 〜23rd) in Kannawa Onsen Area to thank 'Ippen Shonin', a notable Buddhist priest, for his dedication to the development of Kannawa Onsen. This area has flourished as an ONSEN resort, since 'Ippen Shonin' developed it in the 13th century.




 'Ippen Shonin' founded 'Onsenzan-Eifukuji'



During the festival,  the Kannawa locals wash and clean the wooden statue of 'Ippen Shonin', which is usually kept in 'Onsenzan-Eifukuji' Temple, in hot-spring facilities such as 'Mushiyu' and 'Shibunoyu'. This Buddhism ceremony called as 'Yuami-Houyou'  is  held on Sep.23.


▼Other events on Sep. 21st〜 23rd
● Rice cake making : Sep 21 11:00〜
● Flea market : Sep. 22  10:00〜17:00
● Dedicatory dances : Sep. 22 19:00〜20:30
● Free admission to Mushiyu : Sep 23 6:30〜20:00
● The chigo Parade : Sep. 23 11:30〜

See Beppu Navi for photos taken in the last year event.. 
Please visit FTIO Kannawa Office for more information.

(AW)

Aug 31, 2013

Best shot by a visitor from Ireland


Futuristic transport - 'Steam' bike

Zigzag your way across the hills from Beppu to Kannawa by bike, enjoy the hot spring mountain and sea views and when you run out of steam, rest & recuperate in a natural hot bath.

Caroline Fahey
West of Ireland.
Sent from my Sony Ericsson Xperia ray





Dear Ms. Fahey



Thank you very much for sending us the impressive photo. We are so sorry for posting it too late. 
We hope you had a great time in Beppu. Please come back again!!

                                                                                                                        From FTIO staff


(AW)

Aug 29, 2013

Hamawaki Yakushi Festival

Hamawaki Yakushi Matsuri, a local community festival in Beppu, is going to take place in Hamawaki Onsen area this weekend  (8/30〜9/1). This will hold a service for Hamawaki Yakushi Nyorai (Healing Budda).




Major events:

● 'Oiran' parade:  8 p.m., August 31th
People wearing  kimono will parade throughout the town. 
In case of rain, this parade will be postponed to the following day.

● Admission Free for Hamawaki Onsen:  August 30th 〜 September 1st



● 'Furyuu Mitate Zaiku' display:  August 26th 〜 September 1st.
More than 20 works made of bamboo, plastic and other matelials by local residents are displayed.  These works are designated as a Beppu City's intangible folklore cultural asset.








▼ Beppu Navi  Last year's photos are on this site.


(AW)

Aug 5, 2013

Resumption of the normal operation on the Houhi Main Line

The JR Houhi Main Line, which had been suspended between MIYAJI station and BUNGO TAKETA due to the train track damage by heavy rain last year, resumed on the 4th of August.


●  Kyushu Odan Tokkyu              4 services / day  

 
 BEPPU Station               ASO Station

     7:52                  →          9:57     
   11:44                  →        13:44
   14:46                  →        16:47
   18:30                  →        20:28
  
 (AW)

Jul 27, 2013

An exhibition of works by woodblock artist, "Mr. Ezaki Mitsuru"


Open: 7/20(Sat.) - 7/28(Sun.) 
Time : 10:00 - 17:00 everyday  / last day 7/28(Sun.) until 15:00
Entrance fee : Free
Place : Fujiya Gallery "Hanayamomo" at Kannawa Onsen area, 
           about 20-minute bus ride from Beppu station

Further information of this exhibition is available at three FTIO offices in Beppu city.


A poster of this exhibition

At the entrance of Gallery
His works at 2F

(TG)

Jul 21, 2013

Drop-by Onsen in Beppu (3)

This is located at Kannawa Onsen area (one of Beppu Hatto) --only a few minutes walk from Kannawa bus stop.  "Iroha ryokan (Japanese inn)" runs this drop-by Onsen. You can feel relax and comfortable. 

Entrance of Iroha Ryokan 

Entrance of Onsen

Take off your clothes here

Dressing place

Inside washing place

Inside bath tab 

Look over an open-air bath tab from the inside one

Outside washing place

Open-air bath surrounded with seasonal plants

You can get further information about this Onsen at Kannawa FTIO Office.

(TG)

Jul 18, 2013

Beppu Today, 2013 July 16th , at the sun rise in Beppu city

It's been terribly hot here in Beppu since the rainy season was over. Taking a walk early in the morning, however, and touching the cool air on the cheeks just before the sunrise is comfortable. The following photos will give you such a nice feeling.


A fantastic sunrise view with the shimmering sunlight upon Beppu bay.

Mt. Takasaki, famous for wild monkeys, in the morning haze is on the left.

The alluvial fan feature of Beppu

The mountain surface in the sunlight

Mt. Tsurumi (1375 m), in the center, is the highest peak in Beppu. The green and lower  
   mountain in the center is Mt. Ohgi. The main area of the famous hot spring steam is on its 
   right.

(TG)

Jun 30, 2013

Kannawa Mushiyu (Steam Bath)

"Kannawa Mushiyu" is a Japanese style sauna run by the city of Beppu. It is located at Kannawa Onsen area 20-minute bus ride away from Beppu station. No other hot spring areas in Japan have such a unique spa.  


"Mushiyu" house 

Buy tickets for bathing and renting a yukata at this ticketing machine.
(You don't need to rent a yukata if you bring your own T-shirt and pants.) 
After buying tickets,  go to the reception counter.

Rinse your body first in this bath and wear a rental yukata before taking Mushiyu.  

Door to Mushiyu

The temperature of the steam is 70-80 degrees in Mushiyu. Lie down on 'sekisho' , the herb grass, spread over the floor in the stone room. 
The steam will make your entire body sweat in 8 to 10 minutes.
After Mushiyu, take an ordinary hot spring bath to relax your body and soul.


※ Don't forget to drink some water before and after taking Mushiyu.
※ You are not allowed to take Mushiyu under the following conditions:
                 1)Drunk  
                 2)High Blood Pressure  
                 3)Heart Trouble
                 4)Hardening of the Arteries  
                 5)Pregnancy

(TG)

Jun 25, 2013

Gallery shop in Fujiya Gallery Hanayamomo

Fujiya Gallery Hanayamomo is one of the historic buildings in Kannawa. It is designated as a tangible cultural asset and worth visiting. Special events are occasionally held there.




A gallery shop with a small cafe is newly open there.  Gift items including simple tableware, fruits jams steamed at low temperature are sold at the cafe.

  

 
 
                                                      
Having a coffee break while looking at the beautiful Japanese garden makes you feel relaxed and peaceful. 
   ● Shop hours : from 10a.m. to 5p.m.
   ● Closed on Monday and Tuesday

              
 Free Kannawa walking map is available at FTIO Kannawa office.

(AW)
 



Jun 19, 2013

Beppu Hatto Walk(5) Yamanote Nostalgic Walk


Yamanote is the district spreading over the east of Beppu Onsen area, one of the Beppu Hatto (8 major hot spring areas of Beppu). This area was developed as summer resort. A number of good, old architectures remain everywhere in the town. That's why it was once said "Karuizawa (a famous summer resort area for Tokyoites) in Kyushu". You can feel the nostalgic air in there. This walk starts at 10:00 a.m. on every Sunday.
"Global Tower" (7-minute bus ride from JR Beppu station.)   

The panoramic view of Beppu city from the top of the tower.

Kyoto University geothermal power research (just next door to the tower)
A poster of "Beppu Argerich Music Festival". World famous pianist Martha Argerich has been the General Director of the Festival since 1996.
 B-con Plaza (Beppu Convention Center); Main site of the festival held in  May every year.    
Monument dedicated to Mr. Aburaya Kumahach, the founder of Beppu tourism.
 A photo of Mr. Aburaya Kumahachi    
  

Beppu park; the oasis of Beppu citizens near JR Beppu station










"Sato Kei"is a poet and painter (1918~1960). His works are on display.

The house built in 1929 by Mr. Takahashi who was VIP in Oita pref.
All the sophisticated furniture in the room will be attractive to you.
It is appointed as a "National Registered Tangible Cultural Property".
Beautiful Japanese garden; a cup of coffee is served here at the cafe.
 Dango-jiru, a typical local food of Oita-pref, or
sandwiches is available for lunch.
(TG)