周辺

Sightseeing

The town of Kokonoe in Oita Prefecture is not only home to Sujiyu Onsen but is also part of Aso-Kuju National Park, a lush nature reserve that’s full of scenic spots. This page introduces the major sightseeing areas around Sujiyu Onsen. Please feel free to ask our staff for more information about the area during your visit.

 

Sujiyu Utaseyu Bathhouse

Among the many bathhouses in the area, Sujiyu Utaseyu has been long renowned for its 18 utaseyu—streams of spring water that fall from over two meters high into a large bath below. Being showered by an utaseyu is like getting a massage and helps to alleviate muscle soreness such as stiff shoulders and back pain, making this bathhouse a particularly popular stop for mountain climbers and skiers after braving the peaks and slopes of Kuju. Other popular shared baths include the outdoor Iwanyu bath Iwanyu, the Yakushiyu cypress wood bath, and the foot bath.

  • Entrance charge: ¥300
  • Open year round
  • Approx. 10 minutes from Kiyasuya on foot route
  • Check the official home page for more details on charges, hours of operation, etc.
  • Sujiyu Onsen Tourist Association

Komatsu Jigoku

A scenic site where steam rises and hot mud bubbles up from every surface in sight. Visitors can marvel at this roiling, harsh landscape from the safety of an elevated walkway. In some places, sediments in the spring water have stained the rocks and earth red, lending the place a truly hellish appearance. Bring along some eggs to hard-boil them in the steam! *As of 2021, this site is currently closed to visitors as the walkway undergoes construction.

  • Approx. 5 minutes from Kiyasuya by car route

Hatchōbaru Geothermal Power Plant

This, the largest geothermal power station in Japan, generates energy from the steam rising from the Kuju Mountain Range. Visitors can tour the power station and learn about geothermal power in the attached exhibition hall.

Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi

At 173 m high and 390 m long, this is the highest pedestrian-only suspension bridge in Japan. Bridge-crossers get not only the thrill of being so high off the ground, but also numerous views of nature’s majesty in the Shindo and Medaki Falls, both selected as among Japan’s 100 best waterfalls, the scenic beauty of the Kyusuikei valley, and the virgin forests of the Naruko River Gorge below them.

  • Approx. 15 minutes from Kiyasuya by car route
  • Check the official home page for more details on charges and the conditions on the bridge.
  • Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi

Tadewara Wetlands

The beautiful Tadewara Wetlands are the largest of any wetlands in Japan and are protected under the Ramsar Convention. Seated at the northern foot of the Kuju Mountain Range, the Chojabaru area is home to various plant varieties and living creatures, making it a perfect spot to observe a wetlands ecosystem in action and one of the places you should definitely visit while in Kokonoe.

Kuju Skiing Grounds

Kyushu’s largest skiing grounds with a total slope length of 2,500 m. The main slopes are manageable even for novice skiers, and the sled play area is fun for the whole family. During the off-season of April through November, this spot functions as the Kuju Forest Park, where visitors can see flowers like Kyushu azaleas in June.

Sujiyu Onsen Events

The Sujiyu Onsen Sightseeing Association holds various events throughout the year. Please check their official home page for details on upcoming events.