Beppu can into existence 17th century.  It instantaneously became a famous spot because of the thousands of hot springs (pronounced onsen in Japanese).  These spots are considered scared.

Besides enthralling visitors from around the world, Beppu ranks as the hot springs capital of Japan as it possesses the largest volume of hot water in the world besides Yellowstone.  Beppu has 2,849 springs and 9 types of water, a world record.  Additionally, Beppu is famous for some spectacular hot springs called Hells of Beppu, which are for only viewing purposes.

Beppu is split into the nine hells of Beppu.  Some major hot spring areas include Beppu, Hamawaki, Horita, Myoban, Kannawa, Shibaseki, Kamegawa and Kitahama.

Beppu has pioneered research activities for medical treatment using these natural resources.  Some facilities include health care, homes for the elderly and day care centers for rehabilitation processes.  The results are slowly showing that the hot springs are a positive step towards a healthy lifestyle devoid of any diseases.

Japan is famous for a safe and efficient high-speed rail network and commuting to Beppu is best advised on these trains.  The spot is easily accessible from Kokura Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen. One can then travel via the two direct express limited trains to Beppu. The tourist desk at station provides visitors with lists of pubic baths and other general information.

Once in Beppu, a visitor is spoilt for choice of hot spring resorts.  The geysers and colorful hot pools at the geothermal sites are a delight to the human eye.  The colors range from aquamarine to blood red.  For bathing purposes, one is provided with waterslides, pools and indoor hot spring playgrounds.  All the water in question here comes from natural hot springs.  Once, a person is out of the water, it is believed that he must be cured of at least some minor defect.  However, the best feature of a dip in these waters is that one feels relaxed like never before.

Takegawara is among the most famous bath houses in the area.  Built in 1879, it boasts of the original architecture.  Hamawaki is another must visit resort, famous for the rising hot water from under the sand on the beach, where it was built.

One of the reasons for the popularity of Beppu is the ideal location.  Set up on a narrow strip and surrounded by the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other along with the ever rising pillars of steam, the place is a beauty to one’s eyes.

The local people of Beppu have not changed much over the decades.   People still continue to use the public facilities of Beppu instead of their own bathrooms.  This goes to show the value of the place in the hearts of the locals.

The height of the Daibutsu statue is around 13.35m where as the weight of the statue is about 93 000 kilograms. The statue of the Great Buddha is the considered as the largest Buddha monument after Todaiji which is located in Nara. Many people believe that the Daibutsu is the most impressive Buddha monument present in Japan.

As in Nara, initially the Diabutsu statue was placed inside a temple. The statue was been created in the year 1252 AD during the Kamakura period. The temple was a huge wooden structure. A tsunami took place in the region in the late fifteen century. In this tsunami the temple was completely washed out. As a result the statue was found standing in the open air. Later no temple was been constructed around the statue.

The statue of the Great Buddha is placed in the seated position of Lotus. Also a Dhyani Mudra is formed with his hand. The Dhyani Mudra is the gesticulation of contemplation. The expressions of the Great Buddha are very peaceful. The statue has a fine-looking background of a thick forested hill. With all this wonderful sites theb statue of the Great Buddha is surely a impressive scene.

The statue of the Great Buddha is a Amidha Buddha and is considered as the center of the Pure Land Buddhism. This section originally belongs to China but with the passing time it has gained a huge importance since the early twelve century even in Japan. The popularity is the same even today and is increasing with the single passing day. The fundamental lessons are that in the course of dedication to Amida Buddha, which are articulated during the various mantras and the genuineness of heart, the individual will make his way to the Pure Land or “Western Paradise” after his death. It is considered as a lovely dominion through which it becomes easy to achieve nirvana.

The Daibutsu is positioned in the open atmosphere. The head of the statue is alarming on top of the numerous pine trees. The face of the statue is placed in the direction of the calm water of the deep oceans of the imaginary Nirnava. The figurine of Buddha is a hodgepodge of sections of bronze, also the exterior is being done up with the help of the file. There are many distinguishing uniqueness in the various parts of the statue’s body.

The eyes of the Great Buddha are horizontal in shape, where as the eyebrows are having semi-circular shape. On the forehead of the Great Buddha you will see a white colored curl. It is believed that the curl produces numerous light rays to the various worlds in the universe. The white curl is made up of around 13.5 kilograms of pure quality silver.  The face of the Great Buddha shows a Ionian smile. The edge of the nose has its beginning from the brow which maintains amazing of Greek-Art. The legs of the statue of the Great Buddha are crossed also they are slightly disposed in the forward direction. The statue is posed in the normal meditating way. This position for meditation was basically used by the Indians but was later adopted and still is in used by the Japanese Buddha. Mostly the position is highly adopted by the Buddhist followers of Zen. The visitors feel very much close to the Great Buddha when they approach the statue as the eyes direction form a right angle when it faces the ground.

Getting there

The airport that is located close to the Great Buddha is Kansai Airport. Hase Station is the nearest located Railway station from the Great Buddha. Hase Station is an important station on the Enoden Railway route. On the Enoden Railway route the Hase station is the 3rd station after the main station Kamakura. When you get out of the Hase station you are required to walk hardly for around 5-10 minutes to reach the Great Buddha.

Opening Timings

The Great Buddha is open for the public visits from seven in the morning up to six in the evenings. During the winter season the public visits are closed by 5:30 in the evening.

Entrance Cost

Every adult visiting the Great Buddha are required to pay ¥200 at the entrance booth where as the entrance cost for the children is ¥150. If you are willing to go in the interior of the statue you are required to pay additional amount of ¥20.

Photography

Photography is permitted in the interior as well as in the exterior of the Great Buddha.