Page 175 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

152 Asia

people died in this pyroclastic flow (see Chapter 1). Brooke, 2005). Apart from enjoying the many
However, this has not stopped volcano tourists onsen facilities in Beppu the majority of visitors
from visiting the city of Shimabara to benefit from also engage in different types of volcano tourism
the many hot springs in the area and to drive up to by visiting Mt Tsurumi, Mt Yufu (Yufudake) and
Mt Unzen for walks and picnics on the Mt Garan (Garandake). The only volcano currently
mountain. showing outward signs of activity is Mt Garan,
With the final seal of approval by UNESCO classed as rather insignificant by the local experts
the new Unzen Volcanic Geopark has now an (pers. communication with a scientist from the
added status, which ranks high when it comes to Aso Volcano Observatory, 2007), but nevertheless
marketing strategies and will attract even more is popular with tourists, and although not
visitors to the area surrounding this potentially considered as dangerous, Mt Garan has active
dangerous mountain. However, volcanic sites in fumaroles on the flanks of the crater and a boiling
Japan are very closely monitored and the Japanese mud pool (which has recently dried out and at the
are trained to cope with disasters from an early time of writing was sporting a hissing steam vent
age. School children practise safe behaviour in case instead) and attracts increasing numbers of visitors.
of a volcanic crisis and the visitor information and Over the last two years a small entrance fee of
sign boards are usually in at least four different ¥ 200 is required to use the newly established
languages. Hazard maps and leaflets with essential concrete walkways to the crater. Before this
information are generally available for every active upgrade a short but steep climb on an undeveloped
volcano and can be found on the local council or path through shrubs and trees was required to
local government websites. These websites usually reach the crater. The road leading to the car park
also have English translations for foreign residents for crater visitors and hot spring patrons has been
and visitors. slightly upgraded as well, indicating that tourist
numbers are increasing. The locals however prefer
The Tsurumi dome complex the small onsen at the entrance to the crater for its
The city of Beppu is known as the hot springs special geothermal water quality which rises from
capital of Japan and is located on the flanks of the below the volcanic complex of Tsurumi and
Tsurumi dome complex, with over 2200 active Garandake.
hot springs (Erfurt-Cooper and Cooper, 2009). Beppu has some unique geothermal attractions
However, the figures vary greatly according to the in the middle of the city; ten Jigoku (Japanese for
data source with Beppu City (2009) listing 2832 ‘hell’) with geothermal springs at extreme
hot springs and other sources suggesting 3800 to temperatures have been developed into small,
4000 hot springs. The confusion may arise over independent geoparks with boiling lakes of
the actual source of the hot spring water, which is different colours, steam vents, boiling mud pools
then distributed to a number of users such as and geysers. Some of the Jigoku have hot spring
hotels, Ryokan, public bathhouses and domestic spas (onsen) onsite for visitors who want to
residences from each source. combine the visual with their favourite pastime
Nearly 12 million visitors come to Beppu (Erfurt-Cooper and Cooper, 2009). Tour groups
every year to enjoy the eight different hot spring usually arrive by the busload at the Jigoku, often
districts in town, each of them with a specific type covering more than one of the ten Jigoku between
of water, courtesy of the volcanoes surrounding breakfast and lunch. Sometimes it only takes 15 to
the town. In addition to Beppu’s hot springs the 20 minutes and the tour group has moved on, but
neighbouring small town of Yufuin has 859 hot not without having their photo taken in front of
springs (Beppu City, 2009), which supply a one of the boiling and hissing geothermal features.
number of hot spring resorts which are designed Due to the large tourist volumes some of the
as cosy getaways rather than catering for tour Jigoku have in recent years undergone renovations
groups and conventions (Seki and Heilman (e.g. enlargement of foot spas and retail outlets),

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