If you’re in Beppu, I’d suggest making your way to the following places as well if
you have the time.


Getting up close and personal with Mount Naka, one of five peaks of Mount Aso (阿蘇山), the largest active volcano in Japan. It’s about an hour’s train ride from Beppu and from the train station you need to take a bus to get to Mount Naka’s peak. I must say it is pretty cool to be able to come so close to an active volcano.


If you haven’t seen a Japanese castle before, it’s definitely worth going to Kumamoto (熊本) to have a look at the castle there. Kumamoto Castle is a reconstruction of the original that was completed in 1607. You can climb to the top floor of the tower to get a good view of the city. Kumamoto is only a short train ride away from Mount Aso and it’s also linked to many major cities in Kyushu by express trains.


Usuki (臼杵市), a small town about an hour away from Beppu by a local train, is famous for its Stone Buddhas that are believed to be carved in the 12th century. There are 59 carved stone buddhas in the temple and the temple grounds are very peaceful and tranquil in a way that’s beautifully subtle.


Me tying my written wish to a shrub, in the hope that the deities will grant my wishes one day. Still keeping my fingers crossed!