【Must-Visit Spots in Japan】One-Day Trip in Kyushu: Beppu Ropeway / Jigoku (Hell) Hot Springs / Yufuin Town / Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, who is revered in Japan as the "God of Learning" and the "God of Calligraphy." With a history spanning over 1100 years, it is respected throughout the country.

This shrine is a sacred place for those seeking academic success, attracting many devoted parents and high school students preparing for exams who come to seek blessings. Each year, up to 7 million visitors come to pay their respects and write their hopes for success on small wooden plaques. In front of the main hall, there is a plum tree that blooms earliest in spring, famously known as the "Flying Plum," which is said to have flown here from Kyoto. In contrast, there is another plum tree, gifted by a former empress, known as the "Empress Plum." The shrine is divided into several areas by over 6,000 cherry trees, featuring numerous tourist attractions, such as the main hall built in the Momoyama period style, which also serves as the burial site of Sugawara no Michizane, the sacred "Flying Plum" tree, and the treasure hall that houses national-level cultural relics, all blooming with flowers throughout the seasons. Additionally, the shrine hosts many ceremonial events each year, including the Umebana Festival in January, the Oni Art Festival, the Spring Quasi-River Banquet, and the Autumn Shinto Festival.

Yufuin is located in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Japan. This charming mountain town was originally known as Yufuin. In 1955, it merged with Yuhira Village and adopted the name "Yufuin." However, the train station and the basin still retain the name "Yufuin." Yufuin Onsen is renowned as one of Kyushu's premier hot spring destinations and a popular summer retreat, ranking third in Japan for its hot spring water output.

The Beppu area is renowned for its numerous hot springs, many of which bear the name "hell." Among these, the most famous are the eight hells of Beppu, which include: Sea Hell, Oniishi Bozu Hell, Mountain Hell, Kamado Hell, Oniyama Hell, Shiraike Hell, Blood Pond Hell, and Tornado Hell. Kamado Hell is one of these attractions. It is said that for many years, during the spring and autumn festivals at the Kamado Shrine, the temperature from the hell's hot springs was utilized to prepare offerings. This tradition is what led to its name, "Kamado Hell." The intense steam and the high-temperature springs can reach up to 90 degrees Celsius.

Experience breathtaking panoramic views and the vibrant colors of the four seasons on Kyushu's largest cable car, which accommodates 101 passengers! In just 10 minutes, ascend to an altitude of 1,300 meters to explore a world atop the mountains! From this vantage point, you can marvel at the majestic and distinctly seasonal natural beauty, allowing yourself to be completely immersed in the stunning scenery.

08:20 Please wait in front of the LAWSON convenience store at the Oriental Hotel.

08:30 Depart from the Chikushi Exit of Hakata Station, Fukuoka JR (Please be on time).

09:30 Arrive at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Stay for approximately 80 minutes).

11:00 Depart for Yufuin (Travel time is 90 minutes).

12:30 Arrive in Yufuin, where you can fully enjoy the tranquil and serene town scenery (Total stay time is 120 minutes).

15:10 Beppu Ropeway (Stay for approximately 60 minutes, including round-trip cable car fees).

16:30 Arrive at the Hell of Boiling (Stay for approximately 30 minutes).

19:00 Dissolve at Hakata Station, Fukuoka JR.