・【Oita Tourism Beppu Station】Beppu Station Onsen in front of the station Beppu Shopping Street Takegawara Onsen • 【Oita Tourism Beppu Station】Beppu Station Onsen in front of the station Beppu Shopping Street Takegawara Onsen This time, we took a stroll around Kannawa Onsen, one of the eight hot springs in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, which is shrouded in steam. Kannawa Onsen boasts abundant water and a unique hot spring therapy culture, and its history dates back to the Nara period. According to legend, Kannawa Onsen was opened by the Nara period monk Gyoki. Gyoki is said to have spread the benefits of Beppu's hot springs and built the foundation for it as a hot spring resort. In the Heian period, the hot spring steam and hot water gushed out so much that Kannawa was called "Hell," and its powerful hot spring resources have long inspired people to revere it. During the Kamakura period, samurai began to visit Kannawa Onsen for therapeutic baths, and Kannawa Onsen gradually developed as a therapeutic bathing spot. In the Edo period, hot spring therapy became widespread, and Kannawa Onsen began to be used by ordinary people as well. At that time, Kannawa Onsen was loved by many people seeking healing from illness and fatigue, and hot spring inns were built one after another. Kannawa Onsen was also known for the sight of high-temperature steam rising from the hot springs, called "Hell," and a cooking method called "Hell Steaming" was developed locally. This cooking method, which uses the steam from the hot springs to steam ingredients and eat them, is a traditional Kannawa Onsen cooking method that is still very popular with tourists today. During the Meiji period, the opening of the railway improved access to Kannawa Onsen, accelerating its development as a tourist destination. From the Taisho period to the Showa period, it became widely known as one of the eight hot springs in Beppu, and hot spring visitors began to visit from all over the country. Even today, Kannawa Onsen continues to preserve its abundant hot spring resources and unique hot spring therapy culture, making it one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Beppu Onsen. While preserving its traditions, efforts are being made to further increase its appeal as a tourist destination, and many tourists from Japan and abroad visit. Kannawa Onsen is characterized by the fact that the waters of the onsen can be enjoyed in a variety of spring types, including sulfur springs, chloride springs, and sulfate springs, and the unique sulfur scent creates a nice atmosphere unique to this hot spring area. In addition, many of the springs are acidic, which is expected to have antibacterial and skin-beautifying effects. The "Hell Tour" that can be enjoyed at Kannawa Onsen is a tourist activity that represents Beppu City, and the Kannawa Onsen area, one of the eight hot springs in Beppu, is dotted with several famous hells. On this hell tour, you can experience the power of nature and experience hot spring culture. The sea hell is characterized by its beautiful cobalt blue water surface, which is as blue as the sea. The water temperature reaches about 98 degrees, and you can feel the power of the hot springs. There is also a tropical botanical garden on the premises, where you can enjoy tropical plants grown using the heat of the hot springs. Onishibozu hell is a unique hell with gray mud bubbling up and down. The mud was named after the mud's resemblance to a shaved head. Mud hot springs are popular with tourists as they are said to be good for the skin. Shiraike Jigoku is a hot spring with a whitish blue color, as its name suggests. The water is so hot that no fish can live there, so tropical fish such as piranhas are kept in the hot spring pond. There are also exhibits that use the steam from the hot spring, making it a spot that can be enjoyed from a scientific perspective. Chinoike Jigoku is one of the oldest natural hells in Japan and is characterized by its red color. This color is due to the iron and magnesium oxide contained in the hot spring, and it has been used as a medicine since ancient times. Ointments made from the ingredients of this hell are still sold today. Tatsumaki Jigoku is a natural geyser where you can enjoy watching hot water erupt every 30 to 40 minutes. The hot spring water reaches a height of several tens of meters.