Page 176 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

Volcano and Geothermal Tourism in Kyushu, Japan 153

Figure 9.11 At the Kamado Jigoku (Oven Hell) the hot spring fed foot spas are popular with visitors, especially during
the cooler months

Note: The ‘speciality of the house’ are onsen tamago, which are eggs cooked for 24 hours over a steam vent until they acquire a brown colour and a
unique flavour, and are eaten with salt and soy sauce either on site or as a ‘take away’ snack.

reconstruction (Chino-ike Jigoku) or added Conclusion
features (steam inhalation, foot treatments and
mineral water drinking stations) to their existing Despite the continuous activity of Kyushu’s
attractions (e.g. Kamado Jigoku, Figure 9.11). It volcanoes all of them are main attractions for
can be safely assumed that most of the hot spring visitors. The attractions and activities of volcanic
tourists coming to Beppu will visit at least some areas in Japan are very similar to those in other parts
of these geothermal curiosities, which are a of the world, with the difference that for millions of
reminder of the volcanic activity that is still Japanese people natural hot springs play a large role
ongoing underground. in their everyday life. The tourism infrastructure in
The Tsurumi dome complex which surrounds active volcanic areas generally includes typical
the city of Beppu and is part of the Aso-Kuju Onsen Ryokan or hot spring resorts as well as
National Park is used by the residents as well as historical sites, shrines and temples and restaurants.
visitors for recreational purposes all year round. As Chapter 10 notes, Japan is very well
Activities such as hiking, climbing and taking the organized when it comes to safety issues in public
ropeway to the summit to enjoy the views over places including national parks and from now on,
Beppu Bay are independent of the time of the global geoparks. However, with the growing
year. The four seasons are actually one of the numbers of foreign tourists in rural areas as well as
attractions of these volcanoes, as they change their the big cities more volcanic areas need to include
scenery several times throughout the year and thus signage in languages other than Japanese to warn
encourage repeat visits. visitors of any potential danger.

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