A Day Among Cherry Blossoms and Tulips: Exploring Beppu Park

Tulips Add a Colorful Accent to Park's Cherry Blossom Display

Beppu Park exudes a sense of spacious tranquility, attracting those who seek a quieter, less touristy hanami experience. In spring, the cherry blossoms burst into a vibrant spectacle, creating an ideal setting for leisurely flower viewing. The park's charm extends beyond its blossoms, with wide green spaces, a jogging track, and a serene bamboo forest adding to its appeal.

A favorite among locals, Beppu Park invites visitors to experience cherry blossom viewing like a resident. Families and individuals alike can unwind here, bringing along lunch boxes to savor while basking in the fleeting beauty of the sakura. It’s a perfect retreat, especially after exploring Beppu’s famous hot springs.

Tulips and Cherry Blossoms at the Beppu Park (YouTube link)

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On my bus journey to Beppu's renowned hot springs, Beppu Park came into view, its vibrant cherry blossoms and tulips immediately capturing my attention from afar. The captivating sight lingered in my thoughts, prompting me to visit the park the following day, March 28, 2025, after completing the Seven Hells tour. The visit proved to be well worthwhile. The photographs that follow were taken on that beautiful day.

Green Spaces Enhance the Park's Beauty Beyond Blooms

Locals Savor Hanami with Outdoor Picnics

Global Tower Backdrop at Beppu Park's East Gate Square

A Journey to Kurokawa Onsen: Hot Springs and Traditional Charm

Rows of Illuminated Lanterns Adorn Township River

Kurokawa Onsen 黒川温泉 offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking a traditional Japanese hot spring town.

Here's why:

• Charming Atmosphere: Kurokawa is renowned for its traditional Japanese aesthetic. The town is free from large, modern hotels, and instead features charming ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) with wooden structures and natural materials.
• Exceptional Onsen Experience: Kurokawa boasts a variety of hot springs, many with outdoor baths (rotenburo) offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: The town has a peaceful and tranquil ambiance, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.
• Convenient Location: Kurokawa Onsen is located near Mount Aso, a magnificent active volcano, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
• Unique Experiences: Consider trying local specialties like jigoku mushi (steamed dishes cooked in volcanic steam) and enjoying the traditional onsen ryokan experience.

Rustic Beauty Illuminated: The Magic of Kurokawa Onsen (YouTube link)

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Kurokawa Onsen is a lesser-known hot spring town in Kyushu, Japan. When I first discovered that Oita Prefecture in Kyushu has the most onsen hotels in Japan, I decided to plan a trip through the area. Although there are other well-known tourist attractions like Beppu and Yufuin, Kurokawa Onsen is the most traditional onsen town I have experienced so far.

Due to limited public transportation, most local visitors reach Kurokawa Onsen by car, which is also the best way to visit, as the many onsen ryokans are spread across an expansive area. For example, the famous Sanga Ryokan (山河旅館), located in a remote area, even has its own dormitory housing for its staff near the facility.

At the ryokan where I stayed in Kurokawa Onsen for two nights, my breakfast and dinner were served in a dedicated tatami room by a personal maid. The hospitality, combined with the charming old town along the meandering river, gives Kurokawa Onsen a unique vibe that truly reflects Japan's distinct onsen culture.

 

Japanese Mostly Own Small Dogs, Yet This Giant Was at the Hotel

A Taste of Tradition: Delicious Kaiseki Ryori at the Hotel

"Nyuto Tegata": Kurokawa Onsen's Onsen-Hopping Pass

No Neon Here: Kurokawa Onsen's Stand Against Over-Commercialization

The Cozy Elegance of Kurokawaso Ryokan's Post-Onsen Space

References

1. 産交バス
2. 九州産交バス
• 別府→黒川～阿蘇→熊本駅前 (Timetable)
3. Downloadable map (pdf)

Where History Meets Hot Springs: Unveiling the Charms of Shimabara

Breathtaking Coastal Scenery Surrounding Shimabara Port

Exploring Shimabara is an effortless delight, with its attractions conveniently nestled close together, inviting visitors to discover multiple gems in a single day. At the heart of the city lies an enchanting trio: the imposing castle, the tranquil carp-filled canals, and the historic samurai houses, all within a leisurely walking distance of one another.

For those drawn to the island’s volcanic legacy, the Gamadasu Dome stands as an unmissable destination, showcasing the region's fiery past. Meanwhile, a short journey beyond the city reveals Unzen Onsen, a serene retreat where steaming hot springs offer a perfect escape.

Together, these attractions paint a vivid portrait of Shimabara—a city where history, natural beauty, and cultural richness converge. Its unique charm is deeply rooted in its volcanic heritage and abundant spring waters. 

Kumamoto Ferry: A Scenic Crossing (YouTube link)

Where Cherry Meets Yellow: The Floral Tapestry of Shimabara (YouTube link)

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The photographs taken on April 4, 2025, beautifully capture this essence, serving as a visual testament to the city's captivating allure.

Shimabara features koi-filled canals along streets like those near Seiryutei and Yuusui-Teien Shimeisō

A serene garden with crystal-clear spring water, featuring a tea house on stilts surrounded by koi-filled waters

Yuusui-Teien Shimeisōa: a peaceful spot for relaxation and reflection

Shimabara Castle: A reconstructed 17th-century castle, a symbol of Shimabara

Stepping Back in Time: Shimabara's Preserved Samurai Streets and Waterways

Samurai Houses: A preserved historical street with three samurai residences open to the public for free

Feel the Pulse of Shimabara at its Bustling Port