This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks
The action you just performed triggered the security solution
There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase
You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked
Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page
<a href="/articles/s41599-024-04226-4/metrics" data-track="click" data-track-action="view metrics" data-track-label="link" rel="nofollow">Metrics details</a>
This study examined the fluctuation of customer sentiment regarding hotel experiences in Beppu City
A total of 4004 reviews in English and Japanese
contributed by both international and domestic customers
were collected from 233 hotels in Beppu between April 1st
The Google Cloud Natural Language Processing API was utilized for sentiment extraction
This study employed spatio-temporal analysis to investigate the variation of sentiment over time and across different areas
as well as to explore differences in sentiment between international and domestic customers
The research results underscore a notable regional disparity in hotel satisfaction
particularly in the Kitahama and Cyuou Area of Beppu
and transportation inject substantial financial resources into the local economic landscape
stimulating commercial activities and directly contributing to economic growth
thereby fostering economic vitality in tourist destinations
A comprehensive understanding of the importance of reviews and their impact can help companies and researchers utilize this valuable resource to improve customer experience and drive industry progress
These studies highlight the variations in customer satisfaction influenced by the pandemic
yet there is a notable gap in understanding these variations in the context of Japan
particularly in renowned resort cities like Beppu
The global nature of this crisis necessitates a comprehensive
region-specific analysis to better understand its impacts on tourism satisfaction
most of these studies have analyzed hotel satisfaction and location under the assumption that the association between them remains constant over time
without considering the potential impact of temporal dynamics
the variation in satisfaction in the interaction between time and space has not been revealed
This presents an opportunity to explore how the relationship between hotel location and customer satisfaction may evolve over time
particularly in the context of major disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic
This study addresses existing research gaps by analyzing customer satisfaction with hotels through sentiment analysis of reviews written in English and Japanese
it examines the spatio-temporal variation of customer satisfaction with city hotel experiences in Beppu City
focusing on changes over time and across different areas
The study pays particular attention to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on customer reviews and satisfaction
To summarize the key literature and highlight the relevant studies, we present Table <a data-track="click" data-track-label="link" data-track-action="table anchor" href="/articles/s41599-024-04226-4#Tab1">1</a> below:
The rating classification used to differentiate between positive
and negative reviews followed these criteria: 1–2 stars were categorized as negative
we adopted Google Cloud NL API for sentiment textual analyses of customer hotel reviews
represents the text’s sentiment: scores between 0 and 1 indicate positive sentiment
while scores between −1 and 0 suggest negative sentiment
Scores close to zero signify a neutral sentiment
To measure the overall emotional intensity
Google’s NLP utilizes the “magnitude” parameter
which reflects the cumulative emotional expression within the text
Magnitude is an absolute value ranging from 0 to positive infinity and is typically proportional to the length of the text
It enables the differentiation between documents containing mixed (positive and negative) sentiments and those expressing genuinely neutral opinions
A preliminary sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the optimal score thresholds for classifying reviews as positive
The results showed no significant difference across various threshold selections
this study categorized reviews as follows: scores between 0.1 and 1 were considered positive
scores between −1 and −0.2 were deemed negative
It should be noted that neutral scores with higher magnitudes may indicate mixed sentiments with some emotional intensity while remaining predominantly neutral
</a>This figure shows hotels’ locations in the four areas (Kitahama and Cyuou Area
</a>This figure clarifies the data range used in the analysis and illustrates the chosen timeframes for the ITS analysis
The chosen timeframes allow for an ITS analysis of the impact of the intervention (implemented in April 2020) on reviews
\({Y}_{t}\): customer satisfaction rate at time \(t\)
calculated by dividing the number of positive responses by the total number of responses; \({time}\): 6-month intervals at time \(t\)
ranging from 1 to 16; \({intervention}\): an indicator that takes the value 0 before the intervention and 1 after the intervention; \({time\; after\; intervention}\): 0 before the intervention and ranges from 1 to 6 after the intervention
representing different post-intervention time periods; \(e\): error
\({\beta }_{1}\) estimates the baseline trend of the outcome
while \({\beta }_{2}\) and \({\beta }_{3}\) estimate the level and trend changes attributable to the intervention
The term “level” refers to the impact of the intervention on hotel satisfaction
and “trend” indicates the subsequent rate of change in satisfaction resulting from the intervention
Figure <a data-track="click" data-track-label="link" data-track-action="figure anchor" href="/articles/s41599-024-04226-4#Fig3">3</a> illustrates the key steps in the methodology, including data collection, review segmentation, sentiment analysis, spatial distribution, and temporal analysis. Each step is briefly explained, with relevant references provided to support the methodological choices.
</a>This figure offers a view of each step in the analysis
with each step accompanied by a brief explanation and relevant references
a total of 4518 textual reviews of 233 hotels in Beppu were collected from TripAdvisor as of June 24th
Since the majority of these hotels received fewer than 10 reviews in either English or Japanese (156 hotels accounted for only 514 reviews or 11.4% of the total)
the analysis focused on 77 hotels that had at least 10 reviews in either English or Japanese
This subset comprised a total of 4004 reviews (88.6% of the 4518 reviews)
consisting of 759 reviews submitted in English and 3245 reviews written in Japanese
To assess the alignment between customer sentiments in reviews and their corresponding overall ratings, sentiment analysis was conducted. Table <a data-track="click" data-track-label="link" data-track-action="table anchor" href="/articles/s41599-024-04226-4#Tab2">2</a> presents the results of sentiment analysis for both English and Japanese reviews
643 (84.7%) reflected positive experiences with the hotels
11.3% of the reviews exhibited inconsistent sentiments when compared to the overall ratings
the sentiment analysis results closely corresponded to the hotels’ overall ratings
with 81.9% of the sentiments being positive and 5.4% being negative
Reviews in Japanese indicated notably higher positive responses (87.1%) and slightly higher negative responses (8.8%) compared to the overall rating percentages of 75.9% and 8.3%
18.7% expressed sentiments that varied from their corresponding overall ratings
3,310 reviews (82.7%) exhibited consistent sentiment responses with the final overall ratings
approximately half of the customers provided higher ratings than their expressed sentiments in the English reviews
62.7% of customers rated the hotels lower than the sentiments conveyed in their reviews
2945 were submitted before the intervention
the Kitahama and Cyuou Area had the largest number of hotels (34) and received over half of all the reviews
while the Other Area had the fewest hotels (5) and accounted for only 317 of the total reviews
Table <a data-track="click" data-track-label="link" data-track-action="table anchor" href="/articles/s41599-024-04226-4#Tab4">4</a> presents the coefficient estimates from the linear segmented regression (Model 1) assessing the impacts of the nationwide state of emergency intervention on hotel satisfaction based on all 3310 reviews
The results indicate no significant differences after the intervention
To further investigate the influence of the intervention in different areas, four additional ITS analyses were conducted. The area-based ITS analyses (Table <a data-track="click" data-track-label="link" data-track-action="table anchor" href="/articles/s41599-024-04226-4#Tab5">5</a>) revealed no significant impact after the intervention in the Horita and Kankaiji Area
and the Kannawa and Myouban Area exhibited notable changes in both level and trend
hotel satisfaction declined following the intervention (Coefficient −0.1408
P-value 0.032) and showed a marginal increase thereafter (Coefficient 0.0288
the Kitahama and Cyuou Area experienced a significantly higher satisfaction rate immediately after the intervention (Coefficient 0.1394
followed by a significant decrease (Coefficient −0.0406
Figure <a data-track="click" data-track-label="link" data-track-action="figure anchor" href="/articles/s41599-024-04226-4#Fig4">4</a> illustrates the 6-month interval prevalence of hotel satisfaction in all areas of Beppu. Before the intervention, the prevalence remained stable at approximately 89%, subsequently declining gradually to 82% by time 16 (ending March 31st, 2023).
</a>This figure presents the prevalence of hotel satisfaction across all areas of Beppu
</a>This figure illustrates the distribution of hotel satisfaction levels in Beppu
with distinct patterns emerging across different areas
</a>This figure employs word clouds to visualize the sentiment landscape of Beppu City hotel reviews
grouped by language (English and Japanese)
showcase the most frequent words within positive and negative feedback categories
</a>Figure 7 focuses on the Kitahama and Cyuou Area
employing a word cloud constructed solely from negative reviews in Japanese to pinpoint significant words linked to disappointing hotel experiences before and after the intervention
The consistency between sentiments and ratings demonstrates the effectiveness of TripAdvisor reviews in reflecting genuine customer experiences in both languages
This discrepancy highlights the need to account for varying communication norms when interpreting customer feedback across cultures
sentiment analysis enables a more nuanced understanding of true satisfaction levels by uncovering variances between textual content and quantitative ratings
Our examination of temporal variations in hotel satisfaction gained particular relevance within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
a period marked by significant upheaval in global tourism due to travel restrictions and uncertainties that undeniably impacted the hospitality industry (Aigbedo
While overall satisfaction remained relatively stable before and after the intervention
distinct changes occurred across different areas of Beppu City following the first nationwide state of emergency in Japan
By analyzing four distinct areas in Beppu City
we observed unique patterns across diverse regions
which accounted for the majority of reviews
contrasts with the prevalence of traditional hot spring resorts in the Kannawa and Myouban Area
This study uncovered differences in satisfaction trends when considering the distinct distribution of traditional hotels (ryokans) and modern hotels
The complex reasons behind this geographical variation demand further investigation to effectively and fully understand and address spatial inequalities
A significant constraint is the absence of specific review dates
which limited the precision of the temporal analysis
The classification of reviews as either international or domestic-based solely on language (English or Japanese) may introduce bias
as international customers may express their opinions in Japanese
the exclusive use of data from TripAdvisor.com limits the study’s comprehensiveness; expanding the dataset to include reviews from diverse platforms such as Booking.com or Google Hotel Review would enhance the robustness of the findings
while this study primarily focused on sentiment analysis
future research could explore more nuanced aspects of reviews
this study offers valuable insights into the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hotel satisfaction in major Japanese resort destinations
the research emphasizes the importance of considering both spatial and temporal dynamics to fully understand customer satisfaction trends within the hospitality sector
The findings highlight the need for nuanced management approaches
especially in response to disruptions like the global pandemic
The implications of this work are significant for tourism stakeholders and hoteliers in Beppu City
emphasizing the importance of closely monitoring customer feedback to identify areas of dissatisfaction
For downtown hotels in the Kitahama and Cyuou Area
reassessing strategies may be prudent given the shifting priorities of travelers in the post-pandemic era
hotels can tailor their service offerings to match the distinct customer profiles and preferences in different city areas
recognizing the potential influences of external factors enables better preparation for future disruptions and more effective recovery strategies
This research advocates for targeted strategies across geographic locations and evolving contexts
it demonstrates the immense potential of sentiment analysis as a tool for gaining insights into the customer experience and supporting data-driven decisions in the hospitality and tourism industry
The spatio-temporal understanding of satisfaction revealed in this study can guide hotels toward more responsive and adaptive management practices
This study demonstrates the significant potential of sentiment analysis and spatio-temporal analysis in revealing the complex dynamics of customer satisfaction within the tourism and hospitality sectors
By leveraging online reviews and advanced natural language processing techniques
our research uncovers valuable insights that contribute to theoretical understanding
and practical applications for the industry
our findings observed variations in satisfaction across different areas of Beppu City and over time
particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
These results underscore the importance of integrating spatio-temporal dynamics into theoretical models
the study enhances the understanding of cross-cultural differences in customer satisfaction and communication styles
as evidenced by the divergence between international and domestic tourists’ sentiment expressions and ratings
this research advances the application of sentiment analysis and interrupted time series analysis in tourism research
we present a nuanced approach to understanding customer experiences and satisfaction levels across diverse contexts
The spatio-temporal analysis employed in this study addresses a significant gap in the literature
offering a promising framework for investigating the interplay between location
and customer sentiment-an aspect that has been largely overlooked in previous studies
the findings provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for tourism stakeholders and hotel managers
By leveraging sentiment analysis and monitoring customer feedback
hotels can identify areas of dissatisfaction
tailor service offerings based on customer preferences
and adapt their communication approaches to better align with cultural norms and expectations
the spatio-temporal analysis approach enables tourism stakeholders to track satisfaction trends across locations and events
and respond swiftly to shifting customer priorities
particularly in the face of disruptive events such as the COVID-19 pandemic
this research highlights the significant potential of sentiment analysis and spatio-temporal analysis as powerful tools for gaining comprehensive insights into the customer experience and promoting data-driven decision-making in the hospitality and tourism industry
By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge
this study paves the way for a deeper understanding of customer satisfaction dynamics and more informed strategies for enhancing the overall tourism experience
All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information file. The dataset was derived from the following public domain resource: <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.jp/">https://www.tripadvisor.jp/</a>
Abubakar AM, Ilkan M (2016) Impact of online WOM on destination trust and intention to travel: a medical tourism perspective. J Destin Mark Manag 5(3):192–201. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2015.12.005" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.jdmm.2015.12.005">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdmm.2015.12.005</a>
Alaei AR, Becken S, Stantic B (2019) Sentiment analysis in tourism: capitalizing on big data. J Travel Res 58(2):175–191. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287517747753" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1177/0047287517747753">https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287517747753</a>
Al-Natour S, Turetken O (2020) A comparative assessment of sentiment analysis and star ratings for consumer reviews. Int J Inf Manag 54:102132. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102132" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102132">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102132</a>
Alnawas I, Hemsley-Brown J (2019) Examining the key dimensions of customer experience quality in the hotel industry. J Hosp Mark Manag 28(7):833–861. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2019.1568339" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1080/19368623.2019.1568339">https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2019.1568339</a>
Alrawadieh Z, Alrawadieh Z, Cetin G (2021) Digital transformation and revenue management: Evidence from the hotel industry. Tour Econ 27(2):328–345. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1354816620901928" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1177/1354816620901928">https://doi.org/10.1177/1354816620901928</a>
Alvarez Leon I, Cavallin A, Louzao N (2021) City or beach hotel? Location as a determinant of customer satisfaction and room rate. Int J Tour Cities 7(2):278–293. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-07-2020-0142" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1108/IJTC-07-2020-0142">https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-07-2020-0142</a>
Ananthakrishnan U, Proserpio D, Sharma S (2023) I hear you: does quality improve with customer voice? Mark Sci 42(6):1143–1161. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2023.1437" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1287/mksc.2023.1437">https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2023.1437</a>
Beppu City (2023). Tourism Statistics Annual Survey in Beppu. <a href="https://www.city.beppu.oita.jp/sangyou/kankou/sokuhou_01.html" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="https://www.city.beppu.oita.jp/sangyou/kankou/sokuhou_01.html">https://www.city.beppu.oita.jp/sangyou/kankou/sokuhou_01.html</a>
Bigne E, Ruiz C, Perez-Cabañero C, Cuenca A (2023) Are customer star ratings and sentiments aligned? A deep learning study of the customer service experience in tourism destinations. Serv Bus 17(1):281–314. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11628-023-00524-0" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1007/s11628-023-00524-0">https://doi.org/10.1007/s11628-023-00524-0</a>
Butler R (2022) COVID-19 and its potential impact on stages of tourist Destination Development. Curr Issues Tour 25(10):1682–1695. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.1990223" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1080/13683500.2021.1990223">https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.1990223</a>
Calero C, Turner LW (2020) Regional economic development and tourism: a literature review to highlight future directions for regional tourism research. Tour Econ 26(1):3–26. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1354816619881244" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1177/1354816619881244">https://doi.org/10.1177/1354816619881244</a>
Chang V, Liu L, Xu Q, Li T, Hsu C (2023) An improved model for sentiment analysis on luxury hotel review. Exp Syst 40(2). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/exsy.12580" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1111/exsy.12580">https://doi.org/10.1111/exsy.12580</a>
Cuomo MT, Tortora D, Foroudi P, Giordano A, Festa G, Metallo G (2021) Digital transformation and tourist experience co-design: Big social data for planning cultural tourism. Technol Forecast Soc Change 162:120345. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120345" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120345">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120345</a>
Fujii M, Tanabe S, Yamada M, Mishima T, Sawadate T, Ohsawa S (2017) Assessment of the potential for developing mini/micro hydropower: a case study in Beppu City, Japan. J. Hydrol. Reg. Stud. 11:107–116. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2015.10.007" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.ejrh.2015.10.007">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2015.10.007</a>
García-Pablos A, Cuadros M, Linaza MT (2016) Automatic analysis of textual hotel reviews. Inf Technol Tour 16(1):45–69. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40558-015-0047-7" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1007/s40558-015-0047-7">https://doi.org/10.1007/s40558-015-0047-7</a>
Garner B, Kim D (2022) Analyzing user-generated content to improve customer satisfaction at local wine tourism destinations: an analysis of Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews. Consum Behav Tour Hosp 17(4):413–435. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/CBTH-03-2022-0077" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1108/CBTH-03-2022-0077">https://doi.org/10.1108/CBTH-03-2022-0077</a>
Garrido-Moreno A, García-Morales VJ, Martín-Rojas R (2021) Going beyond the curve: Strategic measures to recover hotel activity in times of COVID-19. Int. J Hospitality Manag 96:102928. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2021.102928" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.ijhm.2021.102928">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2021.102928</a>
Garvey C, Maskal C (2020) Sentiment analysis of the news media on artificial intelligence does not support claims of negative bias against artificial intelligence. OMICS: A J Integr Biol 24(5):286–299. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1089/omi.2019.0078" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1089/omi.2019.0078">https://doi.org/10.1089/omi.2019.0078</a>
Geetha M, Singha P, Sinha S (2017) Relationship between customer sentiment and online customer ratings for hotels - An empirical analysis. Tour Manag 61:43–54. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2016.12.022" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.tourman.2016.12.022">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2016.12.022</a>
Geewax J (2018) Google Cloud platform in action. In: Google Cloud platform in action. <a href="https://www.manning.com/books/google-cloud-platform-in-action?a_aid=jjg&amp;a_bid=89371512" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="https://www.manning.com/books/google-cloud-platform-in-action?a_aid=jjg&amp;a_bid=89371512">https://www.manning.com/books/google-cloud-platform-in-action?a_aid=jjg&amp;a_bid=89371512</a>
Gharzouli M, Hamama AK, Khattabi Z (2022) Topic-based sentiment analysis of hotel reviews. Curr Issues Tour 25(9):1368–1375. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.1940107" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1080/13683500.2021.1940107">https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2021.1940107</a>
Google (2023a). Sentiment Analysis. <a href="https://cloud.google.com/natural-language/docs/basics#interpreting_sentiment_analysis_values" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="https://cloud.google.com/natural-language/docs/basics#interpreting_sentiment_analysis_values">https://cloud.google.com/natural-language/docs/basics#interpreting_sentiment_analysis_values</a>
Google (2023b, July 3). Language support. <a href="https://cloud.google.com/natural-language/docs/languages" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="https://cloud.google.com/natural-language/docs/languages">https://cloud.google.com/natural-language/docs/languages</a>
Google (2023c, July 3). Natural Language AI. <a href="https://cloud.google.com/natural-language" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="https://cloud.google.com/natural-language">https://cloud.google.com/natural-language</a>
Hirschberg J, Manning CD (2015) Advances in natural language processing. Science 349(6245):261–266. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaa8685" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1126/science.aaa8685">https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaa8685</a>
Hoshi K, Kasahara H, Makioka R, Suzuki M, Tanaka S (2021) Trade-off between job losses and the spread of COVID-19 in Japan. Jpn Econ Rev 72(4):683–716. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s42973-021-00092-w" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1007/s42973-021-00092-w">https://doi.org/10.1007/s42973-021-00092-w</a>
Hu F, Warren J, Exeter DJ (2020) Interrupted time series analysis on first cardiovascular disease hospitalization for adherence to lipid-lowering therapy. Pharmacoepidemiology Drug Saf 29(2):150–160. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.4916" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1002/pds.4916">https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.4916</a>
Itakura H (2013) Hedging praise in English and Japanese book reviews. J Pragmat 45(1):131–148. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pragma.2012.11.003" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.pragma.2012.11.003">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pragma.2012.11.003</a>
Kuhzady S, Ghasemi V (2019) Factors influencing customers’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction with hotels: a text-mining approach. Tour Anal 24(1):69–79. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3727/108354219X15458295631972" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.3727/108354219X15458295631972">https://doi.org/10.3727/108354219X15458295631972</a>
Kyan A, Takakura M (2022) Socio-economic inequalities in physical activity among Japanese adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Health 207:7–13. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2022.03.006" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.puhe.2022.03.006">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2022.03.006</a>
Latinopoulos D (2020) Analysing the role of urban hotel location in guests’ satisfaction. Anatolia 31(4):636–650. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2020.1808489" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1080/13032917.2020.1808489">https://doi.org/10.1080/13032917.2020.1808489</a>
Lee C-C, Chen M-P (2022) The impact of COVID-19 on the travel and leisure industry returns: Some international evidence. Tour Econ 28(2):451–472. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1354816620971981" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1177/1354816620971981">https://doi.org/10.1177/1354816620971981</a>
Leske S, Kõlves K, Crompton D, Arensman E, de Leo D (2021) Real-time suicide mortality data from police reports in Queensland, Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interrupted time-series analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 8(1):58–63. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30435-1" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30435-1">https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30435-1</a>
Levy SE, Duan W, Boo S (2013) An Analysis of One-Star Online Reviews and Responses in the Washington, D.C., Lodging Market. Cornell Hospitality Q 54(1):49–63. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1938965512464513" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1177/1938965512464513">https://doi.org/10.1177/1938965512464513</a>
Li KX, Jin M, Shi W (2018) Tourism as an important impetus to promoting economic growth: a critical review. Tour Manag Perspect 26:135–142. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2017.10.002" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.tmp.2017.10.002">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2017.10.002</a>
Lo AS, Yao SS (2019) What makes hotel online reviews credible? An investigation of the roles of reviewer expertise, review rating consistency and review valence. Int J Contemp Hospitality Manag 31(1):41–60. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0671" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0671">https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0671</a>
Lu W, Stepchenkova S (2015) User-generated content as a research mode in tourism and hospitality applications: topics, methods, and software. J Hosp Mark Manag 24(2):119–154. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2014.907758" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1080/19368623.2014.907758">https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2014.907758</a>
Luo, J. M., Vu, H. Q., Li, G., &amp; Law, R. (2021). Understanding service attributes of robot hotels: A sentiment analysis of customer online reviews. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 98. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2021.103032" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.ijhm.2021.103032">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2021.103032</a>
Ma E, Cheng M, Hsiao A (2018) Sentiment analysis—a review and agenda for future research in hospitality contexts. Int J Contemp Hosp Manag 30(11):3287–3308. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0704" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0704">https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2017-0704</a>
Martínez-Navalón, J.-G., Gelashvili, V., &amp; Gómez-Ortega, A. (2021). Evaluation of User Satisfaction and Trust of Review Platforms: Analysis of the Impact of Privacy and E-WOM in the Case of TripAdvisor. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.750527" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.3389/fpsyg.2021.750527">https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.750527</a>
Martin-Fuentes E, Mateu C, Fernandez C (2020) The more the merrier? Number of reviews versus score on TripAdvisor and Booking.com. Int J Hosp Tour Adm 21(1):1–14. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/15256480.2018.1429337" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1080/15256480.2018.1429337">https://doi.org/10.1080/15256480.2018.1429337</a>
Mauri AG, Minazzi R (2013) Web reviews influence on expectations and purchasing intentions of hotel potential customers. Int J Hospitality Manag 34:99–107. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2013.02.012" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.ijhm.2013.02.012">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2013.02.012</a>
Bartos BJ (2019) Interrupted time series analysis
Mehta MP, Kumar G, Ramkumar M (2023) Customer expectations in the hotel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic: a global perspective using sentiment analysis. Tour Recreat Res 48(1):110–127. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2021.1894692" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1080/02508281.2021.1894692">https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2021.1894692</a>
Mellinas JP, Martínez María-Dolores S-M, Bernal García JJ (2015) Booking.com: the unexpected scoring system. Tour Manag 49:72–74. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2014.08.019" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.tourman.2014.08.019">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2014.08.019</a>
Mellinas JP, Nicolau JL, Park S (2019) Inconsistent behavior in online consumer reviews: The effects of hotel attribute ratings on location. Tour Manag 71:421–427. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.10.034" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.tourman.2018.10.034">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.10.034</a>
Moreno-Ortiz A, Salles-Bernal S, Orrequia-Barea A (2019) Design and validation of annotation schemas for aspect-based sentiment analysis in the tourism sector. Inf Technol Tour 21(4):535–557. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40558-019-00155-0" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1007/s40558-019-00155-0">https://doi.org/10.1007/s40558-019-00155-0</a>
Morishita S (2023) Customer satisfaction with tangible and intangible services of ryokans and hotels in the Japanese lodging industry. J Glob Tour Res 8(2):117–124. <a href="https://doi.org/10.37020/jgtr.8.2_117" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.37020/jgtr.8.2_117">https://doi.org/10.37020/jgtr.8.2_117</a>
Morishita, S. (2021). What is Omotenashi? A Comparative Analysis with Service and Hospitality in the Japanese Lodging Industry. J Adv Manag Sci 88–95. <a href="https://doi.org/10.18178/joams.9.4.88-95" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.18178/joams.9.4.88-95">https://doi.org/10.18178/joams.9.4.88-95</a>
Nakayama M, Wan Y (2019) The cultural impact on social commerce: A sentiment analysis on Yelp ethnic restaurant reviews. Inf Manag 56(2):271–279. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.09.004" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.im.2018.09.004">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.09.004</a>
Nandwani P, Verma R (2021) A review on sentiment analysis and emotion detection from text. Soc Netw Anal Min 11(1):81. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s13278-021-00776-6" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1007/s13278-021-00776-6">https://doi.org/10.1007/s13278-021-00776-6</a>
O’Donnell A, Anderson P, Jané-Llopis E, Manthey J, Kaner E, Rehm J (2019) Immediate impact of minimum unit pricing on alcohol purchases in Scotland: controlled interrupted time series analysis for 2015-18. BMJ 366:l5274. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l5274" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1136/bmj.l5274">https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l5274</a>
Palazzo M, Gigauri I, Panait MC, Apostu SA, Siano A (2022) Sustainable Tourism Issues in European Countries during the Global Pandemic Crisis. Sustainability 14(7):3844. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073844" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.3390/su14073844">https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073844</a>
Pencarelli T (2020) The digital revolution in the travel and tourism industry. Inf Technol Tour 22(3):455–476. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40558-019-00160-3" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1007/s40558-019-00160-3">https://doi.org/10.1007/s40558-019-00160-3</a>
Pham TD, Vo D, Li F, Baker K, Han B, Lindsay L, Pashna M, Rowley R (2020) Natural language processing for analysis of student online sentiment in a postgraduate program. Pac J Technol Enhanc Learn 2(2):15–30. <a href="https://doi.org/10.24135/pjtel.v2i2.4" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.24135/pjtel.v2i2.4">https://doi.org/10.24135/pjtel.v2i2.4</a>
Prime Minister’s Office of Japan. (2023). [COVID-19] Declaration of a State of Emergency in response to the Novel Coronavirus Disease (April 16). <a href="https://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/_00020.html" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="https://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/_00020.html">https://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/_00020.html</a>
Ray B, Garain A, Sarkar R (2021) An ensemble-based hotel recommender system using sentiment analysis and aspect categorization of hotel reviews. Appl Soft Comput 98:106935. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2020.106935" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.asoc.2020.106935">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2020.106935</a>
Ren L, Zhang HQ, Ye BH (2015) Understanding Customer Satisfaction With Budget Hotels Through Online Comments: Evidence From Home Inns in China. J Qual Assur Hospitality Tour 16(1):45–62. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/1528008X.2015.966299" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1080/1528008X.2015.966299">https://doi.org/10.1080/1528008X.2015.966299</a>
Rita P, Ramos R, Borges-Tiago MT, Rodrigues D (2022) Impact of the rating system on sentiment and tone of voice: a Booking.com and TripAdvisor comparison study. Int J Hosp Manag 104:103245. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2022.103245" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.ijhm.2022.103245">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2022.103245</a>
Schuckert M, Liu X, Law R (2015a) A segmentation of online reviews by language groups: How English and non-English speakers rate hotels differently. Int J Hospitality Manag 48:143–149. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2014.12.007" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.ijhm.2014.12.007">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2014.12.007</a>
Schuckert M, Liu X, Law R (2015b) Hospitality and tourism online reviews: recent trends and future directions. J Travel Tour Mark 32(5):608–621. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2014.933154" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1080/10548408.2014.933154">https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2014.933154</a>
So KKF, Wei W, Martin D (2021) Understanding customer engagement and social media activities in tourism: a latent profile analysis and cross-validation. J Bus Res 129:474–483. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.05.054" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.05.054">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.05.054</a>
Song Y, Liu K, Guo L, Yang Z, Jin M (2022) Does hotel customer satisfaction change during the COVID-19? A perspective from online reviews. J Hospitality Tour Manag 51:132–138. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2022.02.027" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1016/j.jhtm.2022.02.027">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2022.02.027</a>
Democratizing sentiment analysis of Twitter data using Google Cloud Platform and BigQuery
In: Handbook of intelligent computing and optimization for sustainable development
TripAdvisor.com (2022). Tripadvisor is the world’s largest travel site. <a href="https://ir.tripadvisor.com/" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="https://ir.tripadvisor.com/">https://ir.tripadvisor.com/</a>
Tsukamoto M (2016) Physical and mental treatment of tōji and local touristic strategy in Beppu
Vaishar A, Šťastná M (2022) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural tourism in Czechia Preliminary considerations. Curr Issues Tour 25(2):187–191. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2020.1839027" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1080/13683500.2020.1839027">https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2020.1839027</a>
Varkaris E, Neuhofer B (2017) The influence of social media on the consumers’ hotel decision journey. J Hosp Tour Technol 8(1):101–118. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTT-09-2016-0058" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1108/JHTT-09-2016-0058">https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTT-09-2016-0058</a>
Venkit, P. N., &amp; Wilson, S. (2021). Identification of Bias Against People with Disabilities in Sentiment Analysis and Toxicity Detection Models. <a href="http://arxiv.org/abs/2111.13259" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="http://arxiv.org/abs/2111.13259">http://arxiv.org/abs/2111.13259</a>
Yang Y, Mao Z, Tang J (2018) Understanding guest satisfaction with urban hotel location. J Travel Res 57(2):243–259. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287517691153" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1177/0047287517691153">https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287517691153</a>
<a data-track="click" data-track-action="download citation references" data-track-label="link" rel="nofollow" href="https://citation-needed.springer.com/v2/references/10.1057/s41599-024-04226-4?format=refman&amp;flavour=references">Download references</a>
This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 24K21025
Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
School of Electronic and Information Engineering (School of Big Data Science)
Feiyu Hu: conceptualized the research question
conducted data collection and statistical analysis
drafted and revised the entire manuscript; Jun Pan: shaped the research questions
provided feedback on data analysis strategies
edited and revised the manuscript; Haijun Wang: provided data analysis strategies and revised the manuscript
The authors declare no competing interests
This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors
Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
<a data-test="citation-link" data-track="click" data-track-action="download article citation" data-track-label="link" data-track-external="" rel="nofollow" href="https://citation-needed.springer.com/v2/references/10.1057/s41599-024-04226-4?format=refman&amp;flavour=citation">Download citation</a>
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-04226-4
Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:
a shareable link is not currently available for this article
a traditional "ryokan" inn in southwestern Japan has been spreading its hospitality more broadly than most
dedicating more than half of its rooms to give shelter to stray cats
Oita Prefecture has around 80 cats and has rescued over 1,000 felines to date
"I want to save even one more cat from being euthanized," said 64-year-old Fujie Goto
the fourth-generation proprietress who has devoted much of her life to caring for the animals
The inn offers six guest rooms and nine dedicated "cat rooms," which are kept at optimal temperatures with 24-hour air conditioning and meticulously cleaned so that almost no odor remains
guests can interact with friendly cats such as "Milk," who climbs onto people's backs and gives "massages" by kneading them with her paws
"This place truly soothes the soul," said Risa Ikeda
"I don't think there is any other ryokan with so many cats."
Goto's rescue efforts began around 20 years ago when she rescued a single stray cat
While she has worked to find homes for rescued cats
she has also provided a lifelong sanctuary for those without prospects of finding new owners
including cats with cancer or other illnesses
"I probably spend about 20 hours a day caring for the cats," said Goto
who has also obtained an animal-handling license together with her brother
The ryokan also participates in community activities
such as neutering stray cats before releasing them again
Goto and her team look after about 20 such cats in the vicinity
bringing the total number of cats under their care to around 100
With monthly expenses for food and medical care topping 700,000 yen ($4,500)
Goto expressed gratitude for the support of those who "selflessly lend a helping hand."
prompting supporters to seek donations from the public by installing cameras in the cat rooms and sharing daily updates on social media
But the move also led to misunderstandings
with some people abandoning cats in front of the inn after assuming it was a cat shelter
An unimpressed Goto had a simple message for those who abandon pets: "If you take responsibility for a life
<a title="Kyodo News Plus" href="/news/2025/02/0a6663eaf42a-japans-posh-pet-market-grows-as-owners-wish-to-pamper-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Japan's posh pet market grows as owners wish to pamper "family"</a>
<a title="Kyodo News Plus" href="/news/2024/09/f1ea37d30a2c-asian-elephant-given-by-myanmar-dies-at-japanese-zoo.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asian elephant given by Myanmar dies at Japanese zoo</a>
<a title="Kyodo News Plus" href="/news/2024/09/acd8600ca04c-japan-firm-caters-to-growing-demand-for-cremations-for-tiny-pets.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Japan firm caters to growing demand for cremations for tiny pets</a>
To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox
Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription
Please check your inbox for a confirmation email
Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible
Thank you!We have emailed you a PDF version of the article you requested
You can also add<a class="footer-link" href="mailto:newsletters@iflscience.com" target="_blank">newsletters@iflscience.com</a>to your safe senders list to ensure you never miss a message from us
IFLScience HomeWhat Makes The "Seven Hells Of Beppu" So Infernal?Complete the form below to listen to the audio version of this article
IFLScience needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services
You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time
For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, check out our<a class="privacy-link ml-sm" href="/privacy-policy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>
 <a class="hamburgerIconToggle" id="HamburgerToggle" for="HamburgerMenu" tabindex="-1" aria-expanded="false"></a><a class="logo-anchor" href="/" tabindex="1">IFLScience Home</a>Join for Exclusive
<a href="/dr-katie-spalding">Dr. Katie Spalding
Facebook</a><a title="Dr. Katie Spalding email" href="mailto:k.spalding@iflscience.com" target="_blank">email</a>Katie has a PhD in maths, specializing in the intersection of dynamical systems and number theory.
Facebook</a><a title="Dr. Katie Spalding email" href="mailto:k.spalding@iflscience.com" target="_blank">email</a><a class="editorial-policy--link" href="/editorial-mission-statement" target="_blank">Edited</a>byJohannes Van Zijl<a href="/johannes-van-zijl">Johannes Van Zijl
</a><a title="Johannes Van Zijl twitter" href="https://twitter.com/jc_zijl" target="_blank">Facebook</a><a title="Johannes Van Zijl email" href="mailto:vanzijljc@iflscience.com" target="_blank">email</a>Johannes has a MSci in Neuroscience from King’s College London and serves as the Managing Director at IFLScience
It sounds like a particularly creative insult – but over in Japan
it’s actually a fairly popular tourist attraction.&nbsp;
is an onsen town – a resort town built around the presence of hundreds of naturally occurring hot springs
we mean hot – with seven of the pools earning themselves the rather dramatic title of “Hell”.&nbsp;
You might think it’s extreme to compare a pool of water to a place known for its fire and brimstone
to use the original term from Japanese Buddhism
jigoku – was simple hyperbole; a marketing gimmick
While the hot spring system is indeed a tourist destination – it has been for more than a century
Their label also predates their commercialization by a good 200 years
with the ronin and philosopher Kaibara Ekiken using the term jigoku to describe them as early as 1694
It’s a huge geothermal system: “The total amount of discharged hot springs water is estimated to be 50,000 ton/day (9,200 gpm),” notes <a href="https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&amp;type=pdf&amp;doi=8986af9faba55250135947deb6e3570e8d3eddc4" target="_blank">one 1996 paper</a>
with the geothermal energy in the area enough to power buildings in the area
It’s perhaps not surprising that the city is dotted with so many hot springs, though – just look at a map. Japan is notoriously located on the so-called “Ring of Fire” – the &nbsp;tectonic belt of volcanoes and earthquakes that surrounds the Pacific Ocean – and it’s <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/plate-tectonics-ring-fire/" target="_blank">one of the most tectonically active places</a> on the planet as a result
Beppu itself is a coastal city surrounded by volcanoes
and sits amid a large number of seismic faults.&nbsp;
You almost couldn’t design a better candidate for an onsen town
But what makes the geothermal springs quite so… infernal
and – more importantly – around 98 degrees Celsius
it’s literally so hot that a common local specialty is eggs boiled by being dunked in the water
Umi Jigoku.Totti, CC <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BY-SA 4.0</a> , via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:180131_Umi-Jigoku.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wikimedia Commons</a>
This jigoku is a twofer: one hot clay mud pit – the name comes from the observation that the bubbles of boiling mud resemble a Buddhist monk’s bald head – and one continuously smoking geyser that spews out a noise <a href="https://enjoyonsen.city.beppu-jp.com/sightseeing/oniishi-bozu-jikoku/" target="_blank">referred to by locals</a> as “demons’ snoring”.&nbsp;
The centerpiece of this hell is the second chōme: it’s guarded by the bright red furnace demon
he visited nearby village of Uchihakama every night
a Shinto-Buddhist mashup deity of archery and war
and – despite his primary skill set – Hachiman opted for the age-old favorite of folk tales worldwide
and I will boil you in the furnace and eat you
the demon acts as the “gatekeeper” of Kamado Jigoku
surrounded by plumes of scalding 100-degree steam
The demon at Kamado Jigoku.Image Credit: cowardlion/Shutterstuck.comThe third hell, like Umi Jigoku, is a beautiful blue color – caused again by Rayleigh scattering by tiny silica particles brought up from the bedrock. The water is about 85 degrees Celsius, which is comparatively cool by hell standards – but will still cause <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28857337/" target="_blank">immediate and lasting burns</a> if you get even just splashed
Like the first mini-hell in the Kamado range
Rather than the milky grey of Oniishi Bozu
the mud in these pools is brownish-red – a color it owes to the variety of sticky clays that make it up
which are in turn made from molten bedrock
and in that case it’s due to the higher levels of iron in the ground below it
The most interesting chōme, though, is number five: “A mysterious hell where the pond changes color,” the <a href="https://kamadojigoku-com.translate.goog/%e3%81%8b%e3%81%be%e3%81%a9%e5%9c%b0%e7%8d%84%e3%81%ae%e8%a6%8b%e6%89%80/%e3%81%8b%e3%81%be%e3%81%a9%e5%9c%b0%e7%8d%84%e3%81%ae%e8%a6%8b%e6%89%80-2/?_x_tr_sl=auto&amp;_x_tr_tl=en&amp;_x_tr_hl=en&amp;_x_tr_pto=wapp" target="_blank">official website says</a>.&nbsp;
the pond suddenly changes color one day,” it explains
Next up is a hell that probably literally features in some people’s nightmares: the crocodile hell
Originally brought over from Malaysia in 1922, there are now around 80 crocs at Oniyama. “We are trying to protect and breed the crocodiles since they are endangered,” explained one keeper <a href="https://enjoyonsen.city.beppu-jp.com/sightseeing/interviewatoniyamahell/" target="_blank">in 2019</a>
The water in Oniyama Jigoku is bright green
The pond at Shiraike Jigoku hot spring.Image Credit: cowardlion/Shutterstuck.comShiraike Jigoku: the White Pond HellNamed the “white pond” in both English and Japanese
To be fair, the water is <a href="https://enjoyonsen.city.beppu-jp.com/sightseeing/shiraike-jigoku/" target="_blank">actually clear</a> when it comes out of the spring – but it’s supersaturated to a frankly ridiculous degree with sodium chloride
One of the most notorious hells, “blood pond hell” earns its name by way of its acidic muddy vermillion waters. “Since ancient times, this red hot mud has been used in a variety of ways,” notes <a href="https://enjoyonsen.city.beppu-jp.com/sightseeing/chinoike-jigoku/" target="_blank">Enjoy Onsen</a>
a website devoted to the Beppu hot springs
“including making medicine for skin diseases
The rich red color comes from the extreme levels of iron and ferrous minerals – though it may not be so blood red forever. “The color of the Chinoike Jigoku hot spring was reported to be of a much darker red in the past, but has gradually become lighter (more yellowish than red) in recent years due to an increase in the content of jarosite in the sediments,” notes <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0923250816300134" target="_blank">one 2016 paper</a>.&nbsp;
Still, it’s not only the color that’s impressive. “This Jigoku is a hydrothermal eruption crater, and eruptions were recorded nine times during the period from 1875 to 1927,” reports <a href="https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&amp;type=pdf&amp;doi=8986af9faba55250135947deb6e3570e8d3eddc4" target="_blank">a paper from 1996</a>
“Total output of hot water from the crater is 100 l/min (23 gpm)
and the maximum temperature is 136.8 C (278 F) at the bottom.”
Chinoike Jigoku Blood hell pond.Image Credit: Blanscape/Shutterstock.comTatsumaki Jigoku: the Tornado HellFinally, there’s the big finale: the “tornado hell”. Described <a href="https://enjoyonsen.city.beppu-jp.com/sightseeing/tatsumaki-jigoku/" target="_blank">by viewers</a> as “like a tornado blowing through hell,” this geyser can shoot water superheated to 150°C as high as 50 meters into the air
it would be able to – if the owners of the Beppu Hells hadn’t installed a concrete ceiling over the top to protect visitors
when the geyser erupts – which it does every 30 or 40 minutes
for six to ten minutes each time – it’s stopped in its tracks after just a few meters
Which just goes to show: hell may not freeze over often
<a class="label" href="/tags/plants">plants</a><a href="/what-is-a-dinosaur-tree-the-living-fossil-dinosaurs-once-munched-on-thats-still-around-today-79075">What Is A Dinosaur Tree? The Living Fossil Dinosaurs Once Munched On That's Still Around Today</a>12 hours ago<a class="absolute cover img--link" href="/ancient-chinese-poetry-reveals-the-1400-year-decline-of-worlds-only-freshwater-porpoise-79057">link to article
<a class="label" href="/tags/animals">animals</a><a href="/ancient-chinese-poetry-reveals-the-1400-year-decline-of-worlds-only-freshwater-porpoise-79057">Ancient Chinese Poetry Reveals The 1,400-Year Decline Of World’s Only Freshwater Porpoise</a>14 hours ago86<a class="absolute cover img--link" href="/chatty-dolphins-might-know-more-language-than-just-each-others-names-reveals-new-study-79065">link to article
<a href="/t-rex-leather-glow-in-the-dark-gas-clouds-and-musical-sea-lions-79054">T. Rex Leather, Glow-In-The-Dark Gas Clouds, And Musical Sea Lions</a><a class="absolute cover img--link" href="/the-five-most-common-headaches-79010">link to article
<a href="/the-five-most-common-headaches-79010">The Five Most Common Headaches</a><a class="absolute cover img--link" href="/why-do-we-love-nostalgia-find-out-more-in-issue-34-of-curious-out-now-78726">link to article
&copy 2025 IFLScience.  All Rights Reserved. <a href="/rss/ifls-latest-rss.xml">RSS</a>
including the chance to experience aspects of the city’s golden age
sample traditional cuisine and even take a trip to Kannawa
    Nestled at the eastern edge of Kyushu where the slopes of Mount Tsurumi dip down to meet the glittering waters of the Seto Inland Sea
People have been coming to relax and to heal here since the water’s healing properties were discovered by wounded samurai in the 13th century
there are some 2,300 springs discharging more than 130,000 tons of boiling water every day
 Perhaps it’s the weather – the endless days of blue skies and billowing white clouds – or perhaps it’s something in the water, but the unhurried pace of life here is infectious. Whether you are being <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/beppu-the-beachside-town-in-japan-where-you-get-buried-in-hot-sand">buried in sand</a>
wandering the mist-shrouded hills of Kannawa or discovering the city’s eight ‘hells’
 Pro tip: Bring your own towel to Beppu or else you will need to buy one at additional cost at the onsen
Many conbini (convenience stores) sell small towels for around ¥100 (£0.75)
 Set yourself up for the day with breakfast at one of Beppu’s most popular spots
located five minutes from the east exit of Beppu’s bustling station
A traditional panya (bakery) with a handsome wooden facade and old-fashioned interior
As you wait in the (inevitably long) queue for your cheese and butter bun or adzuki-stuffed sweet roll
you might hear your fellow customers whisper to each other
a catch-all expression of approval for anything retro
nostalgic or that evokes Japan’s rapidly-disappearing past
 Be sure to book ahead onto the best <a href="https://www.viator.com/en-GB/Beppu-tours/Food-and-Drink-Classes/d4659-tag21482?pid=P00163275&amp;mcid=42383&amp;medium=link&amp;campaign=one-day-beppu-japan" rel="sponsored">food tours and classes in Beppu</a> for the ultimate tasty trip
  Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800  on our unique trips
See <a href="/privacy-policy">privacy policy</a>
      | Vassamon Anansukkasem / Shutterstock 
 Beppu’s status as a <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/the-most-unique-onsen-towns-in-japan">hot spring destination</a> took off in 1873
when the town was first connected to Osaka via a regular ferry route and the newly affluent middle classes began to visit
the town was a regular stop for Western luxury liners travelling the north Pacific
while flying boats connected the city with the rest of Japan
exiled members of the Chinese imperial family and international celebrities such as Bernard Shaw and Charlie Chaplin all stopped in the town to take in the waters
 Having purchased your breakfast, turn right out of the bakery and on to Akiba-dori. When you come to the minimalist (and achingly hip) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/othellospcr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Othello Specialty Coffee Roaster,</a> turn north and a minute later you will arrive at the enormous <a href="https://www.city.beppu.oita.jp/sisetu/shieionsen/detail4.html">Takegawara Onsen</a>
This venerable wooden bathhouse was founded in 1879 and its striking karahafu gable
A survivor from a more glamorous age and an icon of Beppu
this should be the first stop on anyone’s itinerary
the grime and stress of the big city having gone
as you stand a little taller and breathe a little deeper
you may be struck by the greens of the mountains that loom over the city
ornate Meiji-era streetlights and neat red vintage post box in front of the bath house
you can consider yourself fully immersed in Beppu onsen life
 Celebrate your new embrace of slow living by wandering aimlessly in the tiny back alleys and covered arcades that surround Takegawara
Stop off at one of the old-fashioned kissaten (coffee shops)
where you can treat yourself to a glass of ice-cold mugi-cha (barley tea)
and it’s hard not to think about extending your stay
 Pro tip: The waters of Beppu are so powerful that jewellery will corrode if taken into the onsen
so remember to remove it or it will turn black
 If you’re looking for a unique tour that takes you on an authentic exploration of Beppu, you’ll love <a href="https://www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/Beppu/Beppu-Art-Craft-Walking-Tour/d4659-419742P1?pid=P00163275&amp;mcid=42383&amp;medium=link&amp;campaign=one-day-beppu-japan" rel="sponsored">this top-rated tour.</a> Book ahead to secure your place
       Afternoon     Take the heat off with lunch 
nothing can be more refreshing than a bowl of the town’s signature chilled noodles
was founded in 1950 and is located just five minutes from Takegawara Onsen
The chefs at this venerable restaurant still make their own noodles on the premises every day
the Korean-style barbecued beef served at Ariran is all sourced from local cattle raised on the lush volcanic pasture of central Kyushu
 Make your way back to Beppu Station and jump on the bus to Kannawa
You’ll know you are approaching your destination when you start to see the great plumes of vapour that hang over the hillsides and feel the air begin to thicken with steam and the fug of sulphur
Get off at the bus centre and head towards the tourist information office next door to pick up one of their free maps and take advantage of the Wi-Fi should you need it
 Pro tip: Unlike most Japanese hot spring towns
To access some of the more remote – but very worthwhile – sites (Myoban Onsen in particular)
consider buying a one-day bus pass for ¥900 (£6.75)
and today sinuous threads of vapour still leak upwards from every drain and gutter
The neighbourhood is a maze of winding alleys and lanes
       Outside Kannawa Onsen there is a statue of the 13th-century Buddhist sage Ippen
Ippen is best known for popularising Odori Nembutsu
a subsect of Buddhism in which believers were brought to a state of ecstasy while dancing
If you have a specific place on your body you are looking to heal while at the onsen
use one of the dippers provided to pour water onto that part of Ippen’s statue to encourage his intercession
 Get a break from the steam at Kannawa’s other attractions 
 For another glimpse of Beppu’s glamorous past
drop into the elegant Fujiya Gallery next door to the Kannawa Onsen
Originally a ryokan built by Japan’s pre-war tycoons to entertain their friends and rivals
this building has been meticulously restored and now holds regular small concerts and art exhibitions
walk 10 minutes down the hill towards Beppu Bay
to the unexpectedly delightful Oita Fragrance Museum
Visitors can sample an amazing collection of rare scents from around the world or take part in a workshop where you construct your own perfume to take home
 If your feet get tired tramping the hillsides
These free public foot baths are positioned on the roadside and feature a chamber at the bottom into which you can insert your feet to freshen them up
Jigoku Mushi Kobo is a community cooking initiative a few steps down the street from the Kannawa bus terminal
Select your ingredients from the vending machine at the door – options include seafood
you will be issued bamboo baskets containing the prepared food
Local volunteers will then show you how to lower these into the outdoor steamers
and give you a timer which will indicate when your order is done
The quality and freshness of the food is exceptional
but steaming can be a little bland so do bring your own preferred seasonings or dressings to perk things up should you think it necessary
 As dusk settles on the hillsides of Kannawa
now is the time to hit Beppu’s most famous tourist attraction
The jigoku (hells) are open pools of boiling hot spring water and mud
in which sinners are tortured for eternity in lakes of boiling blood
These kitschy attractions are immeasurably improved by the nighttime lighting
a trip to the bizarre Oniyama-Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell) is a must
This jigoku makes use of the abundant steam to heat enormous greenhouses in which dozens of species of crocodile are raised
 This <a href="https://www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/Beppu/Private-Tour-Beppu-Half-Day-HELL-Sightseeing-Tour/d4659-43454P171?pid=P00163275&amp;mcid=42383&amp;medium=link&amp;campaign=one-day-beppu-japan" rel="sponsored">highly recommended half-day tour</a> will take you to the unforgettable sights of ‘Hell’
as well as other unmissable landmarks on the way
take note of the rather sad-looking modern building opposite
For decades this hall housed Beppu’s legendary hihokan (treasure palace)
This sex museum was famous worldwide for its collection of scale models of animal phalli
Edo-era shunga (erotic woodblock prints) and animatronic dioramas – a series of ever more outrageous displays that climaxed in a remarkable life-size tableau featuring a disrobed Snow White and all seven dwarves
The (now empty) hall is sometimes used for displays of Buddhist statuary
but these can safely be skipped-over by all but the most ardent fans of devotional art
jump on the bus back to Beppu station and make your way towards BAR556
which is located on the waterfront near the Beppu Tower
specialises in cocktails mixed from Oita sake
cherry blossom and even water from the hot springs
for a small fee he will give you a cocktail-making class before leading you on a guided tour of the city’s nightlife
 End your night in Beppu with a sweet goodbye 
 After exiting the bar, head across the street to <a href="https://genovaice.thebase.in/">Genova</a>
a tiny independent gelateria that is open until midnight
claims his strawberry ice cream is the best in all Japan
 Ahead of your trip to Beppu, be sure to book onto <a href="https://www.viator.com/en-GB/Beppu/d4659-ttd?pid=P00163275&amp;mcid=42383&amp;medium=link&amp;campaign=one-day-beppu-japan" rel="sponsored">these top-rated tours</a> to ensure you make the most out of your trip to this dynamic city
 Guides &amp; Tips The Best Places to Travel in October
 Guides &amp; Tips The Best Places to Travel in November
 Guides &amp; Tips The Most Unique Onsen Towns in Japan
 See &amp; Do The Best Places to Travel in April
 See &amp; Do Incredible Day Hikes Near Osaka
 See &amp; Do The Best Things to See and Do in Minami and Namba
 See &amp; Do The Most Beautiful Places in Japan You Didn&#039;t Know Existed
Where Tradition Meets Modern Urban Adventure
 Guides &amp; Tips 10 Must-Visit UNESCO Sites in Kyoto
 See &amp; Do The Best Things To Do in Fuji Five Lakes
 See &amp; Do The Best Places for an Asian Spring Break
US: <a href="tel:+16789674965" rel="noreferrer nofollow" aria-label="US Phone number +1 (678) 967 4965" class="no-prerender">+1 (678) 967 4965</a> | UK: <a href="tel:+44163035000" rel="noreferrer nofollow" aria-label="UK Phone number +44 (0)1630 35000">+44 (0)1630 35000</a> 
 <a href="mailto:tripssupport@theculturetrip.com" rel="noreferrer nofollow" aria-label="Email address: tripssupport@theculturetrip.com" class="no-prerender"> tripssupport@theculturetrip.com </a> 
 &copy; Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 
Home</a><a class="Navigation_link__cz52C" href="/destinations">Destinations</a><a class="Navigation_link__cz52C" href="/collections">Interests</a><a class="Navigation_link__cz52C" href="/best-places-to-travel">Top Places to Travel by Month</a>SearchMenu<a href="/to/japan">Best time to travel to Japan</a>
For some it became the sheer blood hell—the Japanese used the pond to boil sinners in their own blood and dirt..
Eight most distinguished ponds are called '8 hells of Beppu'
This refers to the ancient Japanese belief according to which the hell is structured into eight layers
Chinoike Jigoku or Blood Pond Hell has become a sheer inferno to many Japanese
the sinners or rather the unfortunate were sentenced to tortures in that waterbasin
it's not blood that makes it look that red
Every February Onishi people gather for Onishi Setsubun festival and perform a rite of throwing soybeans into the demons inhabiting the pond
That is supposed to clear their homes from evil spirits
Blood Pond Hell is one of the oldest hot springs in Beppu
It's the most popular among the nine hells
Other 'hells' are less hellish in appearance
the colour doesn't mean they are cooler—some of them hit 150 °C
You may even spot some wildlife around acclimated to the heat
which is actually hardly bearable in summertime
choose the period between autumn and spring
Kenya's Vincent Kipchumba pulled away from Aoyama Gakuin University senior Hiroki Wakabayashi with a little more than 1 kilometer to go en route to his Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon victory on Sunday
Kipchumba crossed the finish line at J-Lease Stadium in a meet record of 2 hours
under ideal running conditions with a cloudy sky and almost no wind
"I'm happy that I broke the course record of the Beppu-Oita Marathon," Kipchumba said
"I will know where to go for the next race after I meet my coaches and manager in Kenya."
Wakabayashi ran the fastest time ever by both a Japanese marathon debutant and student-athlete in what he called the last race of his career
It is also the seventh-fastest on record in the country
"I managed to have a great end to my 10-year athletics career," said Wakabayashi
who helped Aoyama Gakuin win the Tokyo-Hakone collegiate ekiden road relay in early January
but cheers from the roadside kept me going
I'm glad I continued to run without giving up."
Corporate team runner Shohei Otsuka finished third in 2:06:38
Kokugakuin University's Kiyoto Hirabayashi settled for ninth place in 2:09:13 after running in a leading group of four until around the 35-km mark
The 73rd edition of the race started in front of Oita Marine Palace Aquarium
and doubled as a selection event for Japanese runners to September's world athletics championships in Tokyo
<a title="Kyodo News Plus" href="/news/2025/01/8e9e6367f8a6-athletics-ethiopias-edesa-wins-2nd-straight-osaka-womens-marathon.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Athletics: Ethiopia's Edesa wins 2nd straight Osaka Women's Marathon</a>
<a title="Kyodo News Plus" href="/news/2025/01/3e8d7cee7157-athletics-aoyama-gakuin-rewrites-record-retains-hakone-ekiden-crown.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Athletics: Aoyama Gakuin rewrites record, retains Hakone Ekiden crown</a>
You don't have permission to access the page you requested
What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed
If JavaScript is not enabled on your browser
2025 &ndash; ORIX Real Estate Corporation (&ldquo;ORIX Real Estate&rdquo;) announced that the third new guest room building
&ldquo;Hoshi Kan,&rdquo; of the Beppu SUGINOI HOTEL will open on January 23
completing the hotel&rsquo;s large-scale renovation
the large-scale renovation project that began in 2019 has been completed
and the revitalized SUGINOI HOTEL will officially celebrate its grand reopening
This renovation project spanned approximately five years and involved the development of three guest room buildings
as well as the renovation of shared facilities and infrastructure improvements
Following the project&rsquo;s commencement in 2019
the casual guest room building &ldquo;Niji Kan,&rdquo; designed for active stays
followed by the flagship luxury stay building &ldquo;Sora Kan&rdquo; in 2023
with the upcoming opening of the final guest room building
the large-scale renovation will be fully completed.Hoshi Kan is a guest room building comprising 300 rooms that incorporate the rich atmosphere of Japanese onsen with a &ldquo;Wa&rdquo; (Japanese) aesthetic
ranging from approximately 35 to 71 square meters
including both Western-style and Japanese-Western-style rooms
A buffet restaurant is located on the top floor
where guests can enjoy Japanese and other cuisines while taking in views of Beppu Bay from approximately 220 meters above sea level or gazing at the starry sky through skylights installed in parts of the ceiling
The first-floor entrance lobby features regional craftsmanship and materials from Kyushu and Oita
designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Asset of Japan
The lobby extends into a water terrace that offers a panoramic view of Beppu Bay
the SUGINOI HOTEL celebrated its 80th anniversary in August 2024
the hotel will continue to offer unique large-scale onsen resort experiences to a wide range of guests from Japan and overseas
with its three distinct guest room buildings
and more.ORIX Real Estate remains committed to revitalizing local communities through the development of onsen resorts and hotels that showcase regional charm
Overview of the Large-Scale Renovation of Beppu SUGINOI HOTEL
This approximately five-year project involved the development of three guest room buildings
as well as renovations to shared facilities and infrastructure improvements
followed by the flagship luxury stay building
With the opening of the final guest room building
the large-scale renovation will be fully completed
the renovation of the multipurpose SUGINOI Hall (formerly Hikari Hall)
which includes a grand banquet hall with a maximum capacity of 500 people
the fountain show at the open-air hot spring facility
and the projection mapping program on the walls of the indoor leisure pool
the hotel&rsquo;s iconic large panoramic open-air bath
underwent its first renovation in 20 years
a new retail and game area called Hoshizora Komichi SHOP & GAME will open on the first floor of SUGINOI Palace
The design concept of Hoshi Kan incorporates traditional Japanese aesthetics that evoke the rich ambiance of a onsen resort
The top floor features a dynamic exterior with glass curtain walls
The entrance approach is lined with bamboo groves
and a large roof overhang has been installed
The approach walls are finished with a plaster-style texture to create a fa&ccedil;ade reflecting Japanese elegance
Upon entering the first-floor entrance and passing through to the lobby
guests are greeted by symbolic lighting adorned with bamboo materials and the &ldquo;Ontayaki&rdquo; pottery
a traditional craft from Oita designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Asset
The entrance and lobby incorporate Japanese elements such as designs inspired by shoji screens and ranma transoms
The lobby also features a terrace that maximizes the location&rsquo;s views
offering an infinity water terrace overlooking Beppu City and Beppu Bay
Water-themed seating is provided for guests to relax while enjoying the scenery
Inspired by festivals and traditional fairgrounds
the design creates a lively and memorable atmosphere
The continuous fabric panels above the buffet counters are modeled after stalls
while lantern-inspired lighting enhances the festive theme
Situated at approximately 220 meters above sea level
this is the closest restaurant to the sky within the SUGINOI HOTEL
The restaurant features extensive glass walls and a partially skylight ceiling approximately six meters high
allowing guests to dine while gazing at the starry sky
The building includes 300 guest rooms spanning the 2nd to 11th floors
including both Western-style and Japanese-Western-style rooms designed to evoke a sense of Japanese tradition.Inspired by the facility&rsquo;s name
which seeks to evoke the excitement of stars twinkling in the night sky
the guest room color themes are based on three phases of the night sky: &ldquo;YOWA&rdquo; (deep night)
reflecting the transition from twilight to deep night and the light of stars before daybreak
The 12th floor features a multipurpose hall suitable for weddings and banquets
Designed with large glass panels to maximize natural light
the hall offers a bright space where guests can enjoy special moments while overlooking the scenic beauty of Beppu
ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS is the business brand for onsen resorts and hotels run by ORIX Hotel Management
the brand covers a wide range in both onsen resorts and hotels
providing visiting guests with experiences to match their various life stages in order to be &ldquo;a location to which customers wish to return.&rdquo; ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS currently has 14 onsen resorts and hotels under five brands throughout Japan
from Hokkaido in the north to Fukuoka and Oita in the south
Contact Information: Investor Relations and Sustainability Department ORIX Corporation Tel: +81-3-3435-3121
Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements:These documents may contain forward-looking statements about expected future events and financial results that involve risks and uncertainties
Such statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results that differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements
Factors that could cause such a difference include
those described under &ldquo;Risk Factors&rdquo; in the Company&rsquo;s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and under &ldquo;(4) Risk Factors&rdquo; of the &ldquo;1
Summary of Consolidated Financial Results&rdquo; of the &ldquo;Consolidated Financial Results April 1
<a href="/grp/en/newsrelease/orixg/2025.html" class="back">2025 News Releases List</a>
Myoban Yunosato is a unique hot spring resort in the center of Beppu
Beppu itself is known as a hot spring capital and is a popular destination for soaking in the steaming mineral waters
Myoban Yunosato is home to myoban alum hot springs and thatch-roofed huts known as “yunohanagoya,” or sinter huts
The onsen resort has been producing its own yunohana
The therapeutic yunohana is made from alum steam and blue clay crystalized under the huts with straw
the sinter helps keeping your body warm after bathing and relieving shoulder stiffness
you can take a soak in the outdoor pool with milky white onsen water while enjoying a nice view of the Oita mountains
The restaurant and souvenir shop let you try local delicacies and yunohana products and cosmetics
Though I didn’t get to try the hot springs
I did enjoy a yunohama pack back at my hotel bathtub
The 10-minute soak was enough to warm me up and make my skin soft
pudding and dumplings cooked with onsen steam
Myoban Onsen is an unforgettable experience and only a 3.5-hour drive from Sasebo Naval Base
Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan
A short trip to the onsen zones of Kannawa and Myoban
There’s no other place in Japan quite like Beppu
Located on the southern island of Kyushu between Beppu Bay and volcanic mountains
it’s home to more than 2,000 hot spring sources
close to 90,000 liters of geothermal water gushes out from these sources
ranking the city at number one in terms of hot spring water output in Japan and number two in the world behind Yellowstone National Park in the U.S
Known as the country’s “onsen capital,” it’s no surprise to hear that the place attracts over 4 million tourists annually
It’s not just the quantity of the water in Beppu that makes this city special
There are eight distinct onsen zones there
Each one is said to have its own unique characteristics
We recently visited two of them: Kannawa and Myoban
As well as boasting soothing hot spring baths
both places had an enchanting quality with endearing little alleyways and gorgeous scenery
one of the city&#8217;s most famous hot spring areas
Strolling around the quaint and quiet streets as strands of steam rose from cracks in the road was a slightly surreal yet calming experience
As steam also billowed out from the chimneys
we were curious to see what the town looked like from above
so we took a gentle walk up Miharashi-zaka
a slope with a panoramic view of Kannawa and beyond
With the smoky hell-like scene below and Mount Takasaki and the sea in the distance
it felt like we were observing an ethereal
otherworldly landscape that was truly unforgettable
Kannawa is also home to springs that reach over 100 degrees Celsius
particularly the milky blue water of Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)
there are many baths there that are suitable for soaking in as well
most of which are extremely cheap to enter
We also experienced a steam bath known as mushi-yu
in which guests lie down on a bed of sekisho — Japanese herbs with a delightful scent — for eight to 10 minutes
Mushi-yu are said to have the equivalent detoxifying effect as 30 minutes in a sauna
Our accommodation for both evenings was Sally Garden Inn Yanagiya
a traditional yet modern ryokan opened by Eiko Hashimoto in 2014
From the prominent noren curtain at the entrance to the antique furniture
it&#8217;s a place with a nostalgic ambience
the staff went out of their way to ensure we felt as relaxed as possible
beginning with a cup of tea and fluffy chiffon cake
it was then time for a dip in the hot spring
which has a naturally occurring skin moisturizer
but what really stood out about Yanagiya was the food
There were no chefs or waiters serving us; this was a meal we prepared ourselves using the jigoku-mushi (hell steaming) cooking method that’s been passed down through generations
We placed our ingredients into a basket and then on a furnace
The 100-degree Celsius steam coming out from the spring below did the rest
and most were ready to eat within 10 minutes
this technique draws out the true flavor of the ingredients while also removing excess fat and increasing the umami of the food
The highlight of the trip was our visit to the hot spring resort of Myoban Yunosato
This is the only place in the world where you’ll find yunohana-goya — historic-looking thatched-roof huts where yunohana crystals are grown
Meaning “hot water flower,” the word yunohana refers to the natural bath salts known as sinter produced from alum steam that rises from the fumarole-rich land
The gas seeps out into the clay and becomes crystalized
As for the manufacturing process of yunohana
it dates back to the Edo period (1603–1867) and has been preserved for around 300 years
it was designated as an important intangible folk cultural asset
The powder is different to what you&#8217;ll find in other hot spring regions
We were told that it produces soft water that feels amazing  and is said to be good for blood circulation
while also providing relief from nerve pain
A charming inn with a history dating back to 1875
it boasts a vast garden with a picturesque celadon-colored bath
The smooth and silky water felt even better than it looked
The only disappointing thing was that we had to eventually leave
Gazing out at Beppu Bay and the impressive Myoban Bridge while surrounded by luscious greenery
we felt it was the perfect place to unwind
it was easy to see why so many guests return
Okamotoya Ryokan also has a friendly proprietress
After guiding us around the ryokan, Iwase then took us to the Okamotoya light meal restaurant up the hill. Extremely popular with locals and tourists, the eatery’s most well known for its jigoku-mushi puddings. Served there for over 35 years, the simple yet rich-tasting desserts topped a <a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14329869" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nationwide poll</a> ranking local creme caramels in 2021
They’re a must-try for anyone visiting the Myoban area
but then so are the restaurant’s other dishes
including its soft and creamy jigoku-mushi egg sando
its succulent toriten (chicken tempura) and Ontama udon
a chewy noodle dish with a soft-boiled egg
there are so many places in Japan that don't suffer from the overtourism that's challenging more popular areas
<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destination/japan" target="_blank">Japan</a> is a deservedly popular destination
but travelers often wind up seeing the same sights and miss out on the far-flung
to share something about the places they love best
according to Japan expert and travel writer Mayu Higa
I go there in the spring and autumn–both seasons are really good,” she says
and the autumn transitions to intensely colored foliage
The mountain is an important place for religious pilgrims
a calligraphy-embellished stamp with the date and the name of the temple
The mountain is also a spiritual home to the mythical tengu
supernatural creatures that can take the form of long-nosed tricksters and imposing human-bird hybrids; statues and images of tengu proliferate the area
Come winter, northern Japan is buried deep in snow and ice, and residents have found plenty of ways to stay busy. Rie Miyoshi Grant, multimedia producer at Outdoor Japan magazine, recommends Kita Akita in Akita Prefecture. “This snowy region in Tohoku has a great ski resort called <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="http://www.aniski.jp/" target="_blank">Ani</a>
you can ride powder snow and see the juhyou (snow monsters created by ice formed on trees),” says Miyoshi Grant
hike among fiery fall foliage and warm up with a kiritanpo nabe
a hot pot dish with toasted rice cakes and vegetables.” This area is famous for Akita-inu
massive Japanese dogs with adorable faces and big personalities
She recommends visiting the Akita-inu Museum and checking out the Ani Ski Resort
where the resident Akita-inu named Hokuto greets visitors
(<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/japan-essential-travel-guide" target="_blank">Related: Everything you should know before visiting Japan</a>.)
and the communal baths are managed by the villagers.”
you can walk between baths around the village—each sheltered by a bathhouse and with an honor box to deposit a few coins at the door
“Traditional hot spring culture is alive and well here,” says Nishimura
The village is near the famous ‘snow monkey park,’ Jigokudani
a natural hot spring where local Japanese macaques drop in to warm up during the frigid
For a unique food experience, Yukari Sakamoto, author of <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://foodsaketokyo.com/" target="_blank">Food Sake Tokyo</a>, recommends a visit to the quiet temple of <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="http://sankouin.com/" target="_blank">Sankōin</a>
“The cuisine is traditional shōjin ryōri,” says Sakamoto
vegetarian cuisine eaten by Buddhist monks in training
“Head chef Kōshun Nishii has many fans who come to be nourished with dishes such as sesame tōfu
Lunch is served in a spacious room behind the temple.” Diners look out into the garden
providing bursts of color throughout the year
(<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/things-to-do-in-japan" target="_blank">Related: Top 10 things to do in Japan</a>.)
and you can easily arrange a day trip without having to hustle to find accommodations
There are shops for renting motorbikes or bicycles
The bright blue ocean is home to gently undulating coral reefs
and migrating humpback whales are frequently seen here
Head up to the Unajinosachi Observatory for spectacular sunset views
and fishing for rainbow trout and char on the Satsunai River
creating a wonderful balance between human life and nature,” he explains
The town’s <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/" target="_blank">Hakone Open Air Museum</a> has over 1,000 works of art
including over 100 sculptures spread across 17 acres of mountainous greenery
where sulfurous hot springs bubble to the surface
popular snack here is eggs hard-boiled directly in the springs
(<a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/hike-shikoku-henro-thousand-year-old-spiritual-island-pilgrimage-japan" target="_blank">Related: Need a spiritual lift? Try this thousand-year-old island hike in Japan</a>.)
Motorcycle enthusiast Miwa Kokubun insists that Fukushima is the best the country has to offer. “In <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.tif.ne.jp/" target="_blank">Fukushima</a>
Kokubun gets around on her emerald green Kawasaki
In autumn, “the buckwheat fields on the Sarugaku Plateau or the Takatsue Plateau are so beautiful,” while in spring, “from <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.tif.ne.jp/jp/spot.html?spot=5014" target="_blank">Mt. Bandai Ranch</a>
I can see Lake Inawashiro with rows of cherry trees blossoming.” The fresh air will whet your appetite
so take an excursion to Kitakata to try the popular Kitakata ramen—thick noodles
Beppu’s many geothermal hot spots are sometimes called the “seven hells.” Located in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu has the most springs in the country, with nearly 5000 registered. Travel writer Mayu Higa also enjoys onsens and says, “I’ve visited many hot springs in Japan, and I love <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="http://www.beppu-jigoku.com/" target="_blank">Beppu</a> the best
You can do the jigoku meguri–‘hell tour’–and see an active geyser, try the foot baths, or cook a meal using geothermal steam. A popular treatment in Beppu is the <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/718/" target="_blank">hot sand bath</a> (don a yukata)
where you are buried in thermally heated sand to sweat it out while gazing out at the ocean
a plunging gorge in Iwate Prefecture lined with hiking trails and accented with waterfalls
“It has spectacular scenery in each season
and it’s hidden in a deep local area in Tohoku,” she says
Miyoshi Grant adds, “Personally, I enjoy Iriomote Island, which is mostly jungle and boasts jaw-dropping waterfall hikes and kayaking excursions. It&#x27;s also home to the endangered Iriomote wildcat, although I&#x27;ve yet to come across one!”
<a href="#main">Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu.</a>
The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser
<a href="//mainichi.jp/articles/20250424/ddl/k44/010/265000c">Japanese version</a>
<a href="/articles/s41429-024-00721-7/metrics" data-track="click" data-track-action="view metrics" data-track-label="link" rel="nofollow">Metrics details</a>
He long served as an Editorial Board Member (1987–2009) and Emeritus Member (2010–2023) of The Journal of Antibiotics and an Advisory Board Member of The Japan Antibiotics Research Association (1979–1995)
Beppu started in 1955 when he became an undergraduate student of the Laboratory of Fermentation at the Department of Agricultural and Biological Chemistry
was the founder of the main field of applied microbiology in Japan
Beppu’s graduate research was the analysis of unique fungal metabolism
thesis in the same laboratory in March 1961
and subsequently became an assistant professor
he was promoted to an associate professor (1969) and a full professor (1977) of the laboratory
After retiring from The University of Tokyo due to the official retirement age (1994)
he moved to The College of Bioresource Sciences
Nihon University where he continued his research by supervising a new laboratory and a research institute until 2009
He was appointed to be a member of the Japan Academy as a representative of applied microbiology in 2004
A wide variety of the research outcomes from efforts of T
Beppu and his colleagues was published including more than 500 original papers and book chapters
One of the accomplishments in his early days of research was the discovery of alloisocitric acid fermentation in fungi
He quickly introduced molecular biological techniques to his studies in the early 1970s
The milestone work during his career was the cDNA cloning of calf chymosin
He successfully generated its recombinant protein using an Escherichia coli host vector system and introduced it to the cheese manufacturing industry
He also worked on the characterization of many industrial enzymes and unique bacterial functions
such as the action of bacteriocin and the mechanism of protein secretion
Beppu promptly worked on the screening for biologically active substances in microbial metabolites and identified various compounds that effectively inhibit specific cellular functions
the discovery of trichostatin and leptomycin and the subsequent identification of their molecular targets of action contributed greatly to the progress of eucaryotic cell biology
Beppu had foresight to perform the research approach today termed Chemical Biology
Beppu related to microbial secondary metabolism was on the study of A-factor
A-factor (which stands for autoregulatory factor) is a gammabutyrolactone originally identified by Alexander S
Khokhlov to be a chemical factor involved in streptomycin production in Streptomyces griseus
Beppu investigated the cause of the frequent occurrence of streptomycin-nonproducing mutant
which was a significant issue in industrial production
He discovered that it is based on the loss of the ability to synthesize the A-factor
His detailed studies elucidated how the A-factor induces the expression of genes involved in the secondary metabolism and morphological development in S
the idea is widely accepted that microorganisms live by forming a community in nature
Beppu had already proposed this idea in the 1980s
He studied various modes of microbe-microbe correlation and identified chemical factors involved in the unseen interaction that ranges from general substances such as carbon dioxide to specific organic molecules including siderophores
Beppu published more than 30 papers in The Journal of Antibiotics dealing new insights into microbial products
In recognition of his significant achievements
Beppu was honored by awards from various societies
including the Japan Society for Bioscience
the International Union of Microbiological Societies (Arima Award
and the American Society for Industrial Microbiology (Charles Thom Award
The Japanese government honored his great contributions by awarding Medal with Purple Ribbon (1996)
Person of Cultural Merit (2012) and Order of Culture (2022)
The application study sometimes opens the door to highly original basic science1
This saying opposes the conventional view that application is solely the result of accumulated basic knowledge
revolutionary advances in basic understanding have actually stemmed from discoveries made in application-oriented study
There are many such examples in the research on natural products
Beppu emphasized the importance of continuously performing microbial screening
This is an old saying in Buddhism that reflects the relationship between religious devotion and figure creation
Beppu used this phrase as an analogy to explain his concept for the significant correlation between the understanding of chemical structure and biological function
He emphasized the importance of effective coupling of chemistry and biology
The four Ps retained by an excellent researcher3
said that there are three Ps required in performing sophisticated research
Beppu occasionally referred to the Yang’s saying and proposed to add the fourth
He was good at finding out the unique personality aspects of his collaborators and effectively fit those aspects together to help guide his or her research in a direction which led each of those collaborators to great success
His death is a great loss for science and related communities
but many followers will put his teaching into practice
The author declares no competing interests
<a data-test="citation-link" data-track="click" data-track-action="download article citation" data-track-label="link" data-track-external="" rel="nofollow" href="https://citation-needed.springer.com/v2/references/10.1038/s41429-024-00721-7?format=refman&amp;flavour=citation">Download citation</a>
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41429-024-00721-7
“Hawai‘i is such a beautiful place and we are so blessed to live here
but I really wanted to live in a big city,” she says
then living in New York and working at Sony Electronics
After returning to O‘ahu in 2007, she was a digital strategy consultant, including for KHON. Today, the music and tech enthusiast is VP of integrated marketing at <a href="https://nmgnetwork.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NMG Network</a>
a guide to Hawai‘i for the LGBTQ+ traveler; custom
in-room travel channels for many hotels; and multiple publications
“My mom was an actor and a singer in Japan in the 1960s,” she says
“I was never out and never comfortable in my own skin.” Then
It’s stressful to not share who you are when you’re at work
I see a trend in larger companies having a DI program,” she says
referring to diversity and inclusion programs
“I think there’s been progress in understanding the complexities
Beppu lives in Kaka‘ako and has a girlfriend
she loves dancing and live music – “all sorts of music
any genre of music!” She’s also discovered the meditative qualities of fishing and enjoys casting a line
are tied to her longtime volunteer work at the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation; she currently serves on its advisory board
“The Honolulu Pride Parade became the largest parade in the state in 2019
Our work was important especially during Covid
when people were losing their jobs and feeling very isolated
Hawai‘i is small but we all help each other
we all come together to celebrate the community.”
Hawaiʻi’s Got Pride showcases feature stories
original videos and other unique content about
transgender and queer community in Hawaiʻi
<a href="//mainichi.jp/articles/20240714/ddv/010/040/006000c">Japanese version</a>
signed a comprehensive agreement with Oita Prefecture to launch sightseeing tours by &lsquo;Flying Car&rsquo; in Beppu Bay and air taxi services in Beppu City and between Beppu city and Yufuin
they plan to offer air taxi services connecting between several tourist destinations in the prefecture
between Oita City and Beppu or Yufuin and between Oita Airport and Beppu City or Oita City.&nbsp;
JR Kyushu and SkyDrive signed an agreement for feasible study of a &lsquo;Flying Car&rsquo; project in Kyushu in July 2024
They have judged that Oita has a business opportunity of &lsquo;Flying Car&rsquo; because the prefecture has a lot of tourism assets and is close to Shikoku or Kansai area
The Emperor and the Empress attended the ceremony of the 43rd Zenkoku Yutakana Umizukuri Taikai (43rd national event to make the sea bountiful) in Oita on Sunday
please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page
This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content
By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies
Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent
“I hope the network [of people and activities] to make the sea bountiful will expand from Oita to the whole country,” the Emperor said in his address to attendees of the annual event
Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting
&#169; 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun
OITA — A hovercraft tour that takes passengers around Beppu Bay in Oita Prefecture launched on Saturday
The tour’s hovercrafts depart from a terminal in Nishi-Oita
Almost every seat was taken on the first day’s four tours
with enthusiasts from across the prefecture and beyond enjoying the speed of the vessels and the view from them
operates three amphibious hovercrafts for the tour
The tour is approximately 16 kilometers long and runs 4 times each on Saturday and Sunday
The company aims in December to establish a new route that would connect Oita City and Oita Airport by a 30-minute trip
A hovercraft service connecting the city and the airport existed in the past but was discontinued due to a decrease in passengers among other reasons
Oita Prefecture decided to reintroduce hovercrafts to improve the transportation system
It covered the costs related to the business
including about ¥11.2 billion to purchase the three hovercrafts and develop the terminal
of rising steam from "onsen" hot springs makes the city look like an industrial complex
The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan will be a great opportunity to experience the world of onsen bathing for visitors to Oita Prefecture
two of the most famous hot spring towns in the country
While tattoos have gained popularity in Western culture
many people in Japan still associate them with yakuza or other anti-social groups
has prepared an English-language brochure featuring a list of 16 major onsen facilities that tells whether or not tattooed people are allowed to bathe
hot springs and tourist information centers within the city
Tattoos are allowed at 11 of the 16 facilities
not allowed at three and allowed only in private baths at two
established in 1879 and a symbol of Beppu hot springs
There is no shower in this classic-look facility
so you have to wash your body by taking hot water from the bathtub
You also need to bring your own bath towel or a towel borrowed from your hotel
Items such as shampoo and bath soap are available at the entrance counter at very low prices
Suginoi Hotel's "Tanayu," where you can get a panoramic view of the city from the bath
"We refuse the entry of people with tattoos because
some of our guests might feel unease and uncomfortable with their presence," says the hotel
"We don't believe everyone having tattoos belong to anti-social groups
We just would like all of our guests to spend time here comfortably."
Hyotan Onsen has been awarded three stars by Michelin
The closest onsen facility to Beppu train station is Ekimae Koto Onsen
Both Hyotan Onsen and Ekimae Koto Onsen allow tattooed guests to bathe
"We've had more foreign visitors since we got three stars," Hyotan Onsen owner Hitoshi Tanaka said
"We know many people overseas have tattoos
but tattoos are not allowed at some public baths
While taking a private bath costs around 2,000 yen
the price range for a regular onsen is generally affordable -- from 100 yen to 1,200 yen
The lookout, called <a title="Beppu Vista Livecam" href="http://livecam.gokuraku-jigoku-beppu.com/english/live/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beppu Vista</a> or Yukemuri Observatory
is about 20 minutes from Beppu train station by car
In a survey conducted in 2001 by public TV station NHK of the best scenery in Japan to preserve for the 21st century
hot spring steam in Beppu from the lookout ranked second
the nearby Yufuin hot spring resort is home to many luxurious Japanese inns
while Beppu is an onsen retreat for everyone
Beppu is the world's second-largest source of thermal water
after Yellowstone National Park in the United States
<a title="Kyodo News Plus" href="https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/01/39bce8c54254-feature-all-blacks-wallabies-wales-to-play-in-hot-spring-prefecture-oita.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rugby: All Blacks, Wallabies, Wales to play in "hot spring prefecture" Oita</a>
<a title="Kyodo News Plus" href="https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/01/68568d29691d-hell-tour-in-japanese-hot-spring-town-beppu.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Hell Tour" in Japanese hot spring town Beppu</a>
<a title="Kyodo News Plus" href="https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/01/865c9327f6c7-newsmaking-japanese-monkey-park-ready-to-make-noise-again.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Newsmaking Japanese monkey park ready to make noise again</a>
<a href="/articles/s41598-018-33805-0/metrics" data-track="click" data-track-action="view metrics" data-track-label="link" rel="nofollow">Metrics details</a>
Detailed three-dimensional images of P and S wave velocity and Poisson’s ratio (σ) of the crust and upper mantle beneath Kyushu in SW Japan are determined
with a focus on the source area of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake (M 7.3) that occurred in the Beppu-Shimabara graben (BSG) where four active volcanoes and many active faults exist
The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake took place in a high-velocity and low-σ zone in the upper crust
which is surrounded and underlain by low-velocity and high-σ anomalies in the upper mantle
in and around the source zone of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake
strong structural heterogeneities relating to active volcanoes and magmatic fluids exist
low-velocity and high-σ anomalies do not exist everywhere in the upper mantle but mainly beneath the active volcanoes
suggesting that hot mantle upwelling is not the only cause of the graben
The BSG was most likely formed by joint effects of northward extension of the Okinawa Trough
westward extension of the Median Tectonic Line
and hot upwelling flow in the mantle wedge beneath the active volcanoes
the detailed structure and origin of the BSG are still not very clear
These studies have generally shown that the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake occurred in a high-velocity (high-V) and low-attenuation (high-Q) zone in the upper crust
whereas low-velocity (low-V) and high-attenuation (low-Q) anomalies exist in the lower crust and upper (or uppermost) mantle beneath the source area
we utilized a large number of arrival-time data of local shallow and intermediate-depth earthquakes including many Kumamoto aftershocks to determine detailed 3-D Vp
Vs and Poisson’s ratio (σ) images of the crust and upper mantle down to 100 km depth beneath the entire Kyushu Island
with a focus on the 2016 Kumamoto source area and the BSG
Our results provide new insight into the structural heterogeneity in the crust and upper mantle beneath the BSG and its influence on the generation of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence
the effects of magmatic fluids and earthquake-volcano interactions in Kyushu
This study also sheds new light on the formation mechanism of the BSG
because the BSG is located in the volcanic arc and back-arc areas where active volcanoes and magmatic fluids exist and the temperature is generally higher
the Eurasian plate becomes much thinner and mechanically much weaker in the BSG than that in Shikoku and central Japan
it is easier for the MTL to extend to northern Kyushu
being driven by the oblique subduction of the PHS plate
Taking into account all the previous results and the present findings
we deem that the BSG is produced by the joint effect of three factors: (1) northward extension of the opening Okinawa Trough; (2) westward extension of the MTL; and (3) hot and wet upwelling flow in the mantle wedge beneath the active volcanoes (Tsurumi
High-resolution tomographic images of P and S wave velocity and Poisson’s ratio of the crust and upper mantle under Kyushu are determined using a large number of high-quality arrival-time data of local earthquakes
Our results provide new insight into the seismotectonics in Kyushu and the formation of the BSG
New findings of this study are summarized as follows
The 2016 Kumamoto mainshock occurred in a high-V and low-σ zone in the upper crust underlain by low-V and high-σ anomalies in the upper mantle
indicating that in and around the Kumamoto source zone
which may have affected the seismogenesis in the BSG
low-V and high-σ anomalies do not exist everywhere in the upper mantle but mainly beneath the active volcanoes
suggesting that hot mantle upwelling is not the main cause of this rift zone
The formation of the BSG was caused by joint effects of the northward extension of the opening Okinawa Trough
and hot and wet upwelling in the mantle wedge beneath active volcanoes
Our optimal 3-D Vp and Vs models (Supplementary Figs <a data-track="click" data-track-label="link" data-track-action="supplementary material anchor" href="/articles/s41598-018-33805-0#MOESM1">S1</a> and <a data-track="click" data-track-label="link" data-track-action="supplementary material anchor" href="/articles/s41598-018-33805-0#MOESM1">S2</a>) have a lateral grid interval of 0.2° and a vertical grid interval of 9–20 km
The P-wave root-mean-square (RMS) travel-time residuals before and after the inversion are 0.252 s and 0.196 s
and the corresponding S-wave RMS residuals are 0.334 s and 0.294 s
The variance reductions of the P and S wave data are 54% and 44%
The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request
Contemporaneous ascent of within-plate type and island-arc type magmas in the Beppu–Shimabara graben system
Seismic structure and magmatism of the young Kyushu subduction zone
Seismotectonics beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area
Japan: Effect of slab-slab contact and overlap on seismicity
Imaging the subducting slabs and mantle upwelling under the Japan Islands
Tottori earthquakes and Daisen volcano: Effects of fluids
Age of the subducting Philippine Sea slab and mechanism of low-frequency earthquakes
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA): <a href="http://www.jma.go.jp" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="http://www.jma.go.jp">http://www.jma.go.jp</a>
Prestate of stress and fault behavior during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake (M 7.3)
Kato, A., Nakamura, K. &amp; Hiyama, Y. The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence. Proc. Japan Acad. Ser. B. <a href="https://doi.org/10.2183/pjab.92.359" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.2183/pjab.92.359">https://doi.org/10.2183/pjab.92.359</a> (2016)
Materials for Comprehensive List of Destructive Earthquakes in Japan
Seismic structure of the crust and uppermost mantle in the incipient stage of back arc rifting—northernmost Okinawa Trough
Itoh, Y., Kusumoto, S. &amp; Takemura, K. Evolutionary process of Beppu Bay in central Kyushu, Japan: a quantitative study of the basin-forming process controlled by plate convergence modes. Earth Planets Space 66, 74, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/1880-5981-66-74" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1186/1880-5981-66-74">https://doi.org/10.1186/1880-5981-66-74</a> (2014)
Toda, S. et al. Slip-partitioned surface ruptures for the Mw 7.0 16 April 2016 Kumamoto, Japan earthquake. Earth Planets Space 68, 188, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-016-0560-8" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1186/s40623-016-0560-8">https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-016-0560-8</a> (2016)
Mochizuki, K. &amp; Mitsui, Y. Crustal deformation model of the Beppu−Shimabara graben area, central Kyushu, Japan, based on inversion of three-component GNSS data in 2000–2010. Earth Planets Space 68, 177, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-016-0550-x" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1186/s40623-016-0550-x">https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-016-0550-x</a> (2016)
Ozawa, T., Fujita, E. &amp; Ueda, H. Crustal deformation associated with the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake and its effect on the magma system of Aso volcano. Earth Planets Space 68, 186, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-016-0563-5" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1186/s40623-016-0563-5">https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-016-0563-5</a> (2016)
Rupture process of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake in relation to the thermal structure around Aso volcano
The 2016 Kumamoto Mw = 7.0 earthquake: A significant event in a fault–volcano system
Seismic attenuation tomography of the source zone of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake (M 7.3)
Komatsu, M., Takenaka, H. &amp; Oda, H. Three-dimensional P- and S-wave attenuation structures around the source region of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Earth, Planets Space 69, 101, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-017-0683-6" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1186/s40623-017-0683-6">https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-017-0683-6</a> (2017)
Seismic velocity structure in the source region of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence
Crustal tomography of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake area in West Japan using P and PmP data
Recent progress of seismic observation networks in Japan – Hi-net
Anisotropic tomography of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake area and the lowermost mantle
Tomographic evidence for the subducting oceanic crust and forearc mantle serpentinization under Kyushu
Along-arc variation in water distribution in the uppermost mantle beneath Kyushu
as derived from receiver function analyses
Tomographic imaging of P and S wave velocity structure beneath northeastern Japan
Melting and seismic structure beneath the northeast Japan arc
Japan: New insight into arc magmatism and forearc seismotectonics
Subduction influence of Philippine Sea plate on the mantle beneath northern Kyushu
SW Japan: An examination of boron contents in basaltic rocks
Deep structure of island arc magmatic regions as inferred from seismic observations
and semi-volcanic deep low-frequency earthquakes in western Japan
3-D electrical resistivity structure based on geomagnetic transfer functions exploring the features of arc magmatism beneath Kyushu
and flow-thermal structure in subduction zone
Seismic velocity structure around the Hyuganada region
derived from seismic tomography using land and OBS data and its implications for interplate coupling and vertical crustal uplift
Seismic attenuation tomography of the Southwest Japan arc: New insight into subduction dynamics
Seismological evidence for the existence of serpentinized wedge mantle
Stable isotope compositions of serpentinite seamounts in the Mariana forearc: Serpentinization processes
Tomographic imaging of the Cascadia subduction zone: Constraints on the Juan de Fuca slab
Seismic attenuation tomography of the Mariana subduction system: Implications for thermal structure
Imaging fluid-related subduction processes beneath central Java (Indonesia) using seismic attenuation tomography
Strong along-arc variations in attenuation in the mantle wedge beneath Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Attenuation of seismic waves in dry and saturated rocks: I
Tomography of the source area of the 1995 Kobe earthquake: Evidence for fluids at the hypocenter
Tomography of the 2011 Iwaki earthquake (M 7.0) and Fukushima nuclear power plant area
Tomography of the source zone of the 2016 South Taiwan earthquake
Quantitative measure of the variation in fault rheology due to fluid-rock interactions
Evolution of strength recovery and permeability during fluid–rock reaction in experimental fault zones
Stress rotations due to the M6.5 foreshock and M7.3 mainshock in the 2016 Kumamoto
earthquake sequence: Stress field after the M 7.3 earthquake
Seismicity controlled by resistivity structure: The 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes
Rupture propagation with finite stress in antiplane strain
Three-dimensional simulation of spontaneous rupture: the effect of nonuniform prestress
Universal nucleation length for slip weakening rupture instability under nonuniform fault loading
On the initiation of sustained slip-weakening ruptures by localized stresses
A water wall in the Tohoku forearc causing large crustal earthquakes
Volcanic history and tectonics of the Southwest Japan arc
Reinitiation of subduction and magmatic responses in SW Japan during Neogene time
Tectonic evolution of the Japanese island arc system
Kusumoto, S. Dip distribution of Oita–Kumamoto Tectonic Line located in central Kyushu, Japan, estimated by eigenvectors of gravity gradient tensor. Earth Planets Space 68, 153, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-016-0529-7" data-track="click_references" data-track-action="external reference" data-track-value="external reference" data-track-label="10.1186/s40623-016-0529-7">https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-016-0529-7</a> (2016)
Birth of a major strike-slip fault in SW Japan
Active right-lateral strike-slip fault zone along the southern margin of the Japan Sea
Comparison of the Baikal and Kenya rift zones
Depth of the Moho discontinuity beneath the Japanese islands estimated by traveltime analysis
LSQR: An Algorithm for Sparse Linear Equations and Sparse Least Squares
improved version of Generic Mapping tools released
<a data-track="click" data-track-action="download citation references" data-track-label="link" rel="nofollow" href="https://citation-needed.springer.com/v2/references/10.1038/s41598-018-33805-0?format=refman&amp;flavour=references">Download references</a>
We used local-earthquake arrival-time data selected from the JMA unified earthquake catalogue and the seismological database of Tohoku University
This study was partially supported by a research grant from the Japanese Ministry of Education
We appreciate helpful discussions with Drs
conceived and executed this research project and wrote the manuscript
contributed to the data collection and analysis
plotting figures and interpretation of the results
Publisher’s note: Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
<a data-test="citation-link" data-track="click" data-track-action="download article citation" data-track-label="link" data-track-external="" rel="nofollow" href="https://citation-needed.springer.com/v2/references/10.1038/s41598-018-33805-0?format=refman&amp;flavour=citation">Download citation</a>
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-33805-0
Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science
Japanese rider back to the WorldTour from Nippo Delko One Provence
"I am excited for this opportunity to contribute to EF Pro Cycling in 2021," Beppu said in a press release. "My impression of the team is that it is a professional cycling team that is unique and always has gorgeous cycling kits and bicycles. The team does great at the Classics and at the GrandTours and the teamwork is always solid. I am excited to ride with them as a team."
The Japanese rider, aside from three seasons in the Pro Continental ranks, has been on WorldTour teams since turning pro in 2005 with the Discovery Channel team. He spent three years on Johan Bruyneel's squad until the team folded and he moved to Skil-Shimano. He reunited with Bruyneel at RadioShack for two years before moving on to Orica-GreenEdge and then back to Trek-Segafredo, where he has raced for six years.
The five-time Japanese national champion lives in the Ain department in France and trains regularly in the Jura mountains for a versatile calendar of races.&nbsp;
"I am highly motivated, which is probably my best asset as a rider," Beppu said. "Having experiences in many different types of races such as Grand Tours or Monuments is also a strength that has allowed me to keep being successful so far."
He will join compatriot Hideto Nakane in moving across to the WorldTour squad from Nippo-Delko One Provence.
The American squad have been heavily linked with Nippo as a future co-sponsor. The Japanese company will also support a developmental Continental team, Nippo-Provence-PTS, after cutting ties with the Delko One Provence squad, which faced several complaints of unpaid wages during the 2020 season, with the UCI initiating bank guarantee proceedings.
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
</a><a class="button-social   " href="https://www.cyclingnews.com" target="_self" aria-label="WEBSITE"></a><a class="button-social   " href="mailto:cyclingnews@cyclingnews.com" target="_self" aria-label="EMAIL"></a>Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling
Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell
the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English
The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999
and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling
major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features
The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling
Vincent Kipchumba and Eliud Kipchoge during the 2020 London Marathon /FILE
The meeting was held at the Kenya Air Force Headquarters in Nairobi
Standing in Jepchirchir’s way is Ruth Chepng’etich
the 28-year-old Kenyan insists he is unfazed
<a href="/investors/shareholder-centre/share-price">Share price 8416.00p 2 May 2025 at 16:42</a>
<a class="link-icon link-news" href="/en/news-and-media/news-releases">News releases</a>
Located in the Oita Prefecture in Southwestern Japan
the world-class resort opens as the region&rsquo;s first international luxury resort
offering sophisticated travellers a unique fusion of traditional hot spring culture and the InterContinental brand&rsquo;s promise of modern design
award-winning dining and world-class service
The opening strengthens the long-term venture with ANA and <a href="https://www.ihgplc.com/">IHG&reg;</a> in Japan and joins over 200 InterContinental Hotels &amp; Resorts worldwide
the resort is one of four immersive resorts to open in 2019
with InterContinental Hayman Island Resort opened on 1 July and InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and InterContinental Phuket Resort opening in September
said: &ldquo;On behalf of IHG and IHG/ANA Japan
we are extremely proud to open the first international luxury hot spring resort and spa in Beppu
InterContinental has been pioneers in luxury travel for over 70 years
delivering the allure of the InterContinental Life in all corners of the world
We are delighted to continue bringing the brand&rsquo;s iconic hospitality
combining international know-how and local wisdom to new destinations as IHG continues to grow its luxury presence across the globe and in Japan.&rdquo;
ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa
added: "The opening of ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa presents a new era in travel for Beppu
The resort has been designed to embody the tremendously rich nature and history of the city
bringing to life a meaningful connection to the surrounds and offering a memorable stay for both locals and international guests alike.&rdquo;
Home to a City of Authentic Japanese Experiences
Renowned for its rich culture and distinguished local craftsmanship, Beppu lends itself to offering guests rare access into authentic Japanese experiences. To celebrate the opening, ANA InterContinental Resort &amp; Spa has curated a once-in-lifetime package, the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://anaicbeppu.com/en/offers/beppu-luxury-collage/" target="_blank">Beppu Luxury Collage</a>
offering guests immersion into ancient Japanese art and craftsmanship
The Insider Experiences include a demonstration and masterclass from local Shuji Calligraphy Masters where guests learn the wonder of kanji characters and the artistic form of written expression
Guests will also enjoy  the art of bamboo weaving &ndash; an intrinsic part of the local culture with Beppu being the largest producer of madake (Japanese timber bamboo) &ndash; for an unforgettable class on bamboo ware
Elevated dining experiences include dinner at Atelier restaurant with a private sommelier
and a sunset dinner on-board the resort&rsquo;s private yacht
Full inclusions available online; the package is priced from USD$13,800 for two people
Introducing a deep connection to Onsen heritage
As the world's second largest volume of hot spring water
the onsen tradition is a synonymous part of the guest experience in Beppu
The resort offers two large outdoor onsens
each meticulously designed with the selection and arrangement of Beppu stones selected by skilled masons
and placed to create a waterfall effect as if the hot spring water is overflowing from the mountain
The private onsen rooms offer a modern onsen experience within an exclusive space complete with a luxurious day bed
The heart of the resort is the iconic infinity pool
designed to unite the sky with the view overlooking Beppu&rsquo;s hot springs below
Elevating the cleansing and healing powers of myoban water is the resort spa
In partnership with luxury Thai spa brand HARNN
the spa offers a selection of tailor-made treatments and therapies using materials derived from nature
along with rich aroma scent to rejuvenate the mind and body
The spa offers five treatment rooms with private en suites and outdoor garden
and two double massage rooms featuring a jacuzzi made from Japanese cypress
Distinct design inspired by nature and local artisans
ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa welcomes guests into a distinct design philosophy
steeped in tradition and inspired by the elements
Featured across the resort is work from local artists and craftsmen
using traditional materials from various parts of Kyushu and local Oita prefecture
the soaring space is reminiscent of an art gallery with its high-quality bamboo art work
ancient pottery and wooden furniture with bold designs
range from a luxurious 62-212 square meters
spacious design and an abundance of natural materials for a sense of relaxation
All Suites and Club InterContinental rooms feature private open-air baths on the terrace with views sweeping the Beppu Bay
Introducing the Restaurant &amp; Bars Experience
Continuing the philosophy of harmonious nature and design
the resort features five restaurants and bars inspired by Japan&rsquo;s five elements: earth
Atelier blends French and international cuisine with high-quality Kyushu and local ingredients
created with local firewood and bamboo charcoal in a modern open kitchen
The all-day dining restaurant Elements offers a variety of Japanese and Western dishes
each enlivened with seasonal ingredients and freshly-made pastries enveloped by stunning Myoban mountain views
guests will enjoy a unique selection of whiskey and Japanese shochu
as well as original cocktails using Beppu's unique citrus fruits
Aqua is the pool-side bar surrounded by endless Beppu vistas and complete with large sofas and sun loungers
while a more traditional indoor setting in The Lounge offers an authentic afternoon tea experience
For reservations and further information, please visit here: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://anaicbeppu.com/" target="_blank">https://anaicbeppu.com/</a>
Rooms at ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa start from JPY60,000 (AUD$800.00) per night
Images can be <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zju28cfhppyvnus/AABhZX34eKFkcvCcfdbs0i4ka?dl=0" target="_blank">downloaded HERE</a>
IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns more than 5,700 hotels and nearly 856,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with over 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ihg.com/rewardsclub/gb/en/home">IHG&reg;&nbsp;Rewards Club</a>
which has more than 100 million enrolled members
<a href="https://www.ihgplc.com/">InterContinental Hotels Group PLC</a>&nbsp;is the Group&rsquo;s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales
More than 400,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally
IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan was born out of IHG and ANA&rsquo;s business partnership
they run 32 hotels and around 10,000 rooms
within Japan the following are scheduled for open: InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa in August 2019
Kimpton Tokyo Shinjuku and ANA Holiday Inn Resort Shinano Omachi Kuroyon in Spring 2020
InterContinental Hotels &amp; Resorts have a history spanning 70 years
in which they have cultivated rich experiences
They currently operate around 200 hotels in 60 countries
delivering trips full of charm the world over
They offer a friendly welcome and an unparalleled quality of accommodation and facilities so that each and every customer can feel at home
and enjoy a sophisticated and special stay
those customers in pursuit of the highest quality of service are encouraged to join the InterContinental Ambassador Program or Club InterContinental
they offer charming new experiences of the region that are sure to enrich
At each and every InterContinental Hotels &amp; Resorts
enjoy the glamourous InterContinental Life
InterContinental website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.intercontinental.com" target="_blank">www.intercontinental.com</a>
This article was published more than 6 years ago
The Takegawara Onsen is in a 19th-century wooden structure in the centre of Beppu.JNTO
it is with great trepidation that I remove my towel – that last bastion of modesty – in public
I step into the impenetrable murk of the muddy
then linger at the back near a pile of rocks
several young dudes laugh and steal glances at the other side of the space
while across the divide – marked by a single bamboo pole
mineral-rich water – a handful of young women
all of them wearing shower caps and nothing else
Japan is a country shot through with hot springs
and I’m here in Beppu – the most famous onsen town of them all
an onsen visit is steeped in tradition; according to legends dating back to ancient times
deities here were healed by the hot springs’ powers
The experience also involves strict protocols
and those who visit these baths are expected to respect the mores set out for this important cultural practice
Sometimes they’re allowed – but check first
Don’t BYOB (it’s not that kind of hot tub)
You must be – at all times – completely naked
Beppu is a small city of about 120,000 perched on a mountainside on Japan’s southern Kyushu Island
Famous in Japan but almost unknown to westerners
Beppu descends from Kyushu’s mountains to the sea
with steam rising from vents in the earth seemingly every few steps
The slopes steam year-round and the area’s 2,000 hot springs have long attracted people from across the country
the city will welcome visitors from around the globe as a host site for the Rugby World Cup
the “eight hells of Beppu,” a series of bubbling pools – each one with a different theme – that descend down the mountain
you can cook your lunch using magmatic power
and I enjoy a steam bun meal thoroughly heated from forces far beneath the earth
The approximately 2,000 hot springs in the Beppu area have long drawn visitors from across Japan.JNTO
But it’s not long before I’m back in the buff
a 19th-century building in the heart of town
paying a minimal fee to the woman behind the window
I trade my shoes for a pair of rubber slippers
robing up only after first following intricate onsen bathing rituals
including sitting on a little stool and showering off near a steaming pool of geothermal water
tossing aside the heavy sand with their spades
One directs me to my designated excavation and I lie flat
and I sweat freely while I fight a mild bout of claustrophobia
I am relieved – but my skin no doubt enriched – as I climb out and head back to the locker room
brush off all the sand that has migrated into my every nook and cranny and head to a hot pool
I share the space with a father and son from Osaka and we make stilted conversation as the three of us scoop water over our heads
brazen bravery and we share an awkward combination high-five and handshake that seems to stretch on forever
well-moisturized and ready for the next opportunity to toss aside my pants
Chi-no Ike Jigoku – one of the &#x27;eight hells of Beppu.&#x27;JNTO
Soak: <a href="https://www.welcomekyushu.com/event/?mode=detail&id=9999900048686&isSpot=1&isEvent" target=_blank>Hoyo Land </a>offers clean, functional facilities for mineral-reach, co-ed bathing – a day pass costs 1,000 yen ($11.75). And for about the same price at <a href="https://www.city.beppu.oita.jp/seikatu/gaikokujinmuke/ei/detail7.html" target=_blank>Takegawara Spa</a>
you can get buried up to your neck in sand at Beppu’s most famous onsen
Almost all itineraries to Kyushu and Beppu will run through Tokyo. There, tucked away from the mayhem in the Toranomon Hills, the Andaz Tokyo occupies the top floors of the city’s second-tallest building, mixing Japanese design elements (round tubs, lanterns, washi paper partitions with traditional western comforts. Great place for a two-to-three-day layover, en route south to Kyushu. Rooms from 55,000 yen ($646); <a href="https://tokyo.andaz.hyatt.com/">tokyo.andaz.hyatt.com</a>
Get there: <a href="https://aircanada.com/" target=_blank>Air Canada</a> provides direct flights from Toronto to Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport
you can either take a day to ride the high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train)
or hop onto a short connector flight to Oita or Kagoshima on Kyushu Island
The writer received a complimentary stay at Myoken Ishiharaso
<a href="https://globeandmail.my.site.com/helpcentre/s/report-an-error" class="text-gmr-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Report an editorial error</a>
<a href="https://globeandmail.my.site.com/helpcentre/s/contactsupport" class="text-gmr-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Report a technical issue</a>
<a href="/about/editorial-code/" class="text-gmr-4">Editorial code of conduct</a>
Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in <a class="default__StyledLink-sc-17921yt-2 fqXgqb text-gmr-4" href="/your-globe/#following">Following</a>
Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community. This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff. Non-subscribers can read and sort comments but will not be able to engage with them in any way. <a href=\"https://subscribe.theglobeandmail.com/#/digital?cmpid=subscribe-to-comment\">Click here to subscribe</a>
If you would like to write a letter to the editor, please forward it to <a href='mailto:letters@globeandmail.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>letters@globeandmail.com</a>. Readers can also interact with The Globe on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/theglobeandmail' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Facebook</a> and <a href='https://twitter.com/globeandmail' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Twitter </a>
Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community
This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff
We aim to create a safe and valuable space for discussion and debate
If you do not see your comment posted immediately
it is being reviewed by the moderation team and may appear shortly
We aim to have all comments reviewed in a timely manner
Comments that violate our community guidelines will not be posted
UPDATED: <a href=\"https://www.theglobeandmail.com/privacy-terms/community-guidelines/\">Read our community guidelines here</a>
We have closed comments on this story for legal reasons or for abuse. For more information on our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our <a href='https://www.theglobeandmail.com/privacy-terms/community-guidelines/'>Community Guidelines</a> and our <a href='https://www.theglobeandmail.com/privacy-terms/terms-and-conditions/'>Terms and Conditions</a>
Retro Mystery Club Vol. 2: The Beppu Case first launched in Japan for Switch on July 7, 2022, followed by PC via <a class="link-external" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2014180/_/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steam</a> on August 8
It is unclear whether Shinyuden plans to release the PlayStation 4 version in the west
Play the latest installment in this retro mystery series that travels across Japan
hearts that pass each other by can&#8217;t help but grow twisted&#8230; Uncover the truth behind a mysterious death with your junior detective
Encounter a cast of intriguing characters in this suspense-filled drama and discover the truth behind the case
the head of a famous family of bamboo craftspeople in Beppu
The manga artist Kiyokazu Arai continues his work on the series and designed all the characters
Oita Prefecture&#8230; In this scenic locale
with the hope of fusing Beppu&#8217;s traditional bamboo crafts with the latest digital art
the head of a prominent family of bamboo craftspeople
Word of their collaboration quickly spreads and sparks anticipation
all the attention makes them the object of envy and resentment
and harassment soon devolves into death threats
in recognition of your unique investigative achievements
are hurriedly dispatched to Oita and tasked with strengthening security at the event
Empathizing with the event&#8217;s organizers
you decide to devote yourselves to Technomix&#8217;s success
Watch a new gameplay video below. View a set of screenshots <a class="link-internal" href="/gallery/retro-mystery-club-vol-2-the-beppu-case/january-29-2024/">at the gallery</a>
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without acknowledgment of Gematsu is prohibited
Use of this site is governed by all applicable laws
Website by <a title="44 Bytes Ltd - Intelligent Internet Services" class="credit-44bytes" href="https://www.44bytes.net" rel="noopener" target="_blank">44 Bytes</a>
it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of the world
to the pulsating music and cultural traditions of Brazil
few places in the world have left an impact on me quite like Japan
The first time I landed in the country in 2017
I was enamored by Tokyo’s glowing skyscrapers
Kyoto’s quiet kissatens (cafes) and countryside hills blanketed in electric shades of orange and fuschia that flashed like neon lights aboard the country’s famous bullet train
And though the bustling streets and quiet corners of the country are reason enough for a visit
it’s the culture of excellence upheld in Japan
This intentional approach is inspired by a number of Japanese philosophies
Ikigai is a concept that encourages finding one’s purpose and passion in order to live a life of joy. In Héctor García’s book, <a href="https://amzn.to/4dgXkrR" target="_blank" >Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life</a>
more than 100 elderly residents in Okinawa
shared that the key to their long life was rooted in finding something worth living for—hobbies that gave them purpose and community
the Japanese philosophy of kaizen encourages constant improvement in both professional and personal facets of life
This approach is one of many reasons that Japan remains a global powerhouse in education
The world-class culinary scene and natural wonders don’t hurt either
here are a few of the best places to visit in Japan
The launching point for my deep love for Japan, Tokyo is a city steeped in history, exhilarating quirkiness, unforgettable dining experiences and skyline views that never get old. To witness some of those views, check into <a href="https://www.princehotels.com/kioicho/" target="_blank" >The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel</a>
which lends views to a network of twinkling skyscrapers from its two-story atrium entrance.&nbsp;
You could easily spend a week in Tokyo and still not scratch the surface of its many offerings
but there are a few quintessential experiences that are not to be missed
The beauty of much of the city rests in discoveries rather than planned points of interest
Roam the streets and take your pick at a number of vending machines
easily noticeable on corners and offering everything from super caffeinated drinks to cake in a can
Step into a kissaten (tea and coffeehouse) for a taste of well-crafted beans whipped into works of art
My favorite cafe is Café de l’Ambre in the Ginza neighborhood
The shop has been open since 1948 and offers an intimate peek into the heart of kaizen—as baristas here prepare drinks with a type of meticulousness that is almost surgical
Grab a seat at the wooden bar and take your pick of Mexican beans harvested in 1972 or a café oeuf
a hot coffee fortified with the addition of raw egg yolk that gives it a lovely foamed top.&nbsp;
with favorites that include Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and its sprawling lawns and stunning blooms during cherry blossom season
A favorite retreat when I visit that is often filled with fewer tourists
close enough to the bustling streets of Shibuya
families walk dogs and runners find shaded paths for a good cardio adventure.&nbsp;
Nearby sits one of my favorite hotels in the city, the recently opened <a href="https://yoyogipark.trunk-hotel.com/en/about" target="_blank" >Trunk (hotel) Yoyogi Park</a>
Views from the boutique hotel’s rooftop on balmy summer afternoons and springtime blooms are a sight to behold
that’s a great time to grab a bento box for a picnic and take in the awe-inspiring cherry blossoms that envelop the park
The hotel is also walking distance from the famous Shibuya Crossing—considered one of the world’ busiest intersections
with some 3,000 people crossing it at the same time.&nbsp;
For some nightlife fun, head to Golden Gai: a network of alleyway bars, some of which date back to World War II. For incomparable views of the city and an international crowd, step into <a href="https://restaurants.tokyo.park.hyatt.co.jp/en/nyb.html" target="_blank" >Park Hyatt’s New York Bar</a>
located on the 52nd floor and well-known because of the movie Lost In Translation
a live jazz band performs while onlookers enjoy wagyu burgers and martinis
so prepare to queue if you’re not a hotel guest
Worlds away from Tokyo in both feel and location
Beppu sits in Japan’s southwestern region of Kyushu—famous for its dramatic mountain peaks
subtropical forests and foods that include rich pork-based ramens and citrus fruits like satsuma mandarins and yuzu lemon.&nbsp;
which offers cityscape views and a cascading mountainside onsen retreat that’s worth a visit for the views alone.&nbsp;
Another popular onsen is the white sulfur springs of Okumyoban Sanso
The collection of seven hot springs include waters over 100 degrees Celsius that sprout in colors of turquoise and brown
where you can try an onsen tamago: an egg that’s been steamed by the hot spring heat.&nbsp;
How to get there: A two-hour flight from Tokyo will land you at Oita Airport
where you can then take a train or shuttle to arrive in Beppu in about 45 minutes
you can take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kokura Station and transfer to the Sonic limited express train for Beppu
streets are lined with various ice cream shops and a number of other sweets and savory snacks to sample as you walk
is lined with glowing orange torii gates and a trail that leads to a wooded forest
Another popular landmark is the Buddhist shrine of Kinakuji-ji
also referred to as the Golden Pavilion because its top two floors are covered in gold
which also has a peaceful garden where you can sit and unwind
the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama is a can’t-miss experience
The stalks that tower above in this forest are truly breathtaking to behold
For a taste of <a href="https://www.success.com/danny-taing-bokksu/">Japanese street food</a> and vintage shopping
Nanzenji Harada is a memorable experience of flavors utilized in their purest form
so the flavors of the food really shine through
How to get there: Located 500 kilometers south of Tokyo
Kyoto can be reached via Shinkansen (bullet train) in about two hours and 15 minutes
A flight takes approximately an hour from Tokyo.&nbsp;
Nikkō is located in the northwestern part of Tochigi prefecture
Travelers are drawn to this region in particular for its mountainous range
which is set ablaze with color during spring’s foliage bloom
Hikers will be inspired by the number of pathways waiting to be explored
which includes Shiobara Valley’s deep river gorge and woodlands
and the lush Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest Trail.&nbsp;
Nikkō is also home to some of Japan’s most magnificent shrines and temples
many UNESCO World Heritage site shrines and temples
including the carvings of sleeping cats and elephants at Toshogu Shrine and the lanterns of Futarasan-jinja Shrine
My check-in at <a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/tyonz-the-ritz-carlton-nikko/overview/" target="_blank" >The Ritz Carlton, Nikko</a> also came with a number of wellness and nearby <a href="https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/ritzcarlton-nikko-activity/reserve" target="_blank" >excursions</a>
including stargazing and rafting on nearby Lake Chuzenji
guests can even try snow cycling and snowshoe hiking
meditation in their garden is an inspiring way to set the intention for the day.&nbsp;
How to get there: The Shinkansen is the most efficient way to get to Nikko
and the ride takes just under two hours.&nbsp;
Japan’s northernmost island has remained on my travel wish list for years now—so much so that I even have an itinerary
Also known for seasonal events that include an annual Snow Festival in the winter and blooming cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park in the spring
you’ll be entertained no matter what time of year you visit.&nbsp;
Hokkaido is the birthplace of three different types of ramen
including the butter and sweet corn Sapporo variation
as well as Hokkaido milk—the star ingredient that gives a velvety flavor to the region’s ice cream.&nbsp;
About two hours from Sapporo, <a href="https://shiguchi.com/en" target="_blank" >Shiguchi</a> hotel in Niseko is an architectural stunner that consists of a collection of farmhouses in a forested haven
and an on-site library and impressive art collection give guests plenty of opportunity to unwind and be inspired.&nbsp;
As one of the most popular ski areas in the world, Niseko is also home to five properties—including the luxurious <a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ctsrz-higashiyama-niseko-village-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/" target="_blank" >Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve</a>—as well as ski trails with access to 2,191 acres of skiable terrain
A private members club called Mandala also recently launched in the village.&nbsp;
day trips people often take in Hokkaido include Furano
a harbor city that offers fresh sushi and a beautifully preserved canal area
How to get there: The most picturesque option to Hokkaido will be the Shinkansen
the journey takes around four and a half hours
a flight is just one and a half hours to Sapporo from Tokyo
<a href="#" target="_blank" >5473 Blair Road, Suite 100</a>PMB 30053Dallas
Unlock the Latest Knowledge that Can You Help You Achieve More in Life with More Confidence
You’ve reached your limit of free articles for this month
(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed to help you excel in life and business)
Please enter your username or email address
You will receive an email message to log in
By signing up you are also added to SUCCESS® emails
you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Get unlimited access to SUCCESS®(+ a bunch of extras)
The exclusive article you&#8217;re trying to view is for subscribers only
it might feel like you've been banished to hell
the "Hell Tour" of boiling hot springs in Beppu
might be worth your while when looking for unique attractions during a trip to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan
"Rugby fans will be busy watching matches during the World Cup," said Yasunari Takahashi
section chief of the Beppu Jigoku Association's tour operations
"But we want many of them to visit the hells
We'll try to enable them to do so as smoothly as possible."
The tour's name is derived from the fact that more than 1,000 years ago the area was home to fuming gas expulsions
bubbling mud and steaming hot water in the Bungo topography and known as a place that people feared as being cursed
and White Pond Hell -- are within walking distance of each other
about five minutes from the Beppu interchange by car and 10-20 minutes by car or bus from Beppu train station
The Beppu Jigoku Association recommends visitors to start their tour at Sea Hell or Blood Pond Hell because it allows easier access to the next hells
Blood Pond Hell and Waterspout Hell -- have been designated as National Places of Scenic Beauty
Sea Hell is a favorite for many visitors because of its beautiful cobalt blue water
Blood Pond Hell is a red mud pool rich in iron and magnesium oxide and well suited to its name
(Around 70 crocodiles and alligators are kept at Oniyama -- demon's mountain -- Hell)
a total of about 70 crocodiles and alligators are kept in cages
some of which measure 4 meters long and weigh as much as 500 kilograms
Stores serving the steamed hot spring cuisine of "Jigoku Mushi" are in the Hell Tour area
seafood and vegetables are cooked quickly by the onsen steam in a very traditional way
<a title="Kyodo News Plus" href="https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/01/c1057c380013-tattoo----no-problem-at-most-hot-springs-in-beppu-japan.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tattoo? -- No problem at most hot springs in Beppu, Japan</a>
Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp
Discover southern Japan through these 5 incredible destinations hidden along the Southern West JR line
Japan's JR train network is one of the most respected in the world for a multitude of reasons! Coming from a country like Malaysia that’s still developing its network, the efficiency, cleanliness and punctuality of Japanese trains are a joy to experience every time, alongside attractions like <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/my/story/themed-train-japan-asoboy-hello-kitty/" target="_self">themed trains</a> that offer unique experiences not found anywhere else
there are also hidden gems scattered throughout Japan's JR lines that are just waiting to be discovered
we’ll explore five amazing destinations along the JR Lines that run throughout Hyogo to Kyushu
Add one of these destinations to your itinerary
or maybe plan your own trip down the Southern West JR Line for an unforgettable adventure—but be sure that any of these destinations would be the highlight of your trip
The first thing you see when you step out of the Central exit of the Himeji JR Station are the majestic rooftops of <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1030/" target="_self">Himeji Castle</a>
one of Japan’s national treasures and a World Heritage site
The almost 700-year-old castle’s origins date back to the 14th century
It was dismantled in 1346 to make way for Himeyama Castle
The castle has since been restored and expanded several times before the Himeji Castle we can see today was established in 1617
after the end of the turbulent Sengoku Period
Surrounding the castle itself is yet another marvel—<a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1029/" target="_blank">Kōko-en Garden</a>
Built in 1992 to celebrate Himeji City’s 100th anniversary
the garden contains nine separate walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period
This includes a pond with a waterfall and a tea garden where visitors can enjoy green tea in a tea ceremony house for an additional fee
Restaurant GONTA in Himeji City is just a 20-minute walk from Himeji Castle itself and serves halal wagyu certified by the Japan Halal Foundation and other local dishes—including their wagyu beef steak don. Do note in your plans that it’s closed every Sunday. The restaurant is also close to the Harima Cycle Station, which houses Himeji’s only Muslim <a href="https://www.masjid-finder.jp/pray/270#map-area" target="_blank">prayer space</a>
A quick transfer off the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama to the JR Marine Liner rapid train to <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/shikoku/kagawa/takamatsu-area/" target="_blank">Takamatsu</a> brings you to the home of <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/833/" target="_blank">Ritsurin Park</a>
Often called one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan
the park was built by the local feudal lords during the early Edo Period and features 6 ponds
Many of the pine trees in the park are a testament to that legacy
 The park’s ancient pines are maintained by skilled gardeners
The park is divided into the north and south gardens
with the north garden undergoing renovations upon becoming a public park in 1875
The park is also home to a folk museum and some shops
Those looking to experience a taste of high-class Japanese culture during the feudal area can visit the Kikugetsu-tei teahouse in the southwest part of the gardens
you can enter and enjoy tea on its verandas
The park is also in close vicinity to several guesthouses for those looking to take in the atmosphere on their visit
so be sure to check the official website before making plans to visit
a 20-minute ride by car to the seaside brings you to ‘by age 18’ in Takamatsu City
Specializing in halal and gluten-free Sanuki udon
the restaurant features lunch and dinner courses and hosts a design shop filled with creatively designed products from all over the world curated by the restaurant’s founders
Be sure to make your reservation two days in advance to allow the restaurant to curate a halal menu
More information is available on the restaurant’s website
The scenic Loop 1 on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route
The 70km journey across Shimanami Kaido can be crossed in a single day by bicycle
but you can opt to send your luggage ahead via the takkyubin delivery service and take your time exploring the islands of Mukaishima
which feature plenty of guesthouses along the way
On Miyakubo Island just off the coast of Imabari is seafood restaurant Noshima Suigun
located just 11 minutes’ drive from the Shimanami Kaido exit on the island
which sees sea bream sashimi dipped in a special sauce and mixed with condiments and eaten over rice and offers DIY seafood barbecues on a deck overlooking the sea
Those intending to visit can call ahead for the restaurant to prepare a halal menu and non-alcoholic and vegan soy sauce at +81 0897-86-3323
A ride on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin Osaka to Kokura Station and a transfer to the Limited Express Sonic train will bring you to <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/oita/beppu-and-yufuin-around/" target="_blank">Beppu City</a>, which is famous for its hot springs. The city is home to the <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/713/" target="_blank">Beppu Hells</a>
a collection of 7 hot springs and geothermal features that are part of the eight distinct major thermal spring zones that lie below the city
Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty
the 7 hot springs each display unique characteristics and vibrant colors
is a stunning sight with its cobalt blue appearance and depth of 200 meters
Bathing may not be permitted in the Beppu Hells
but visitors can check out the practice of Jigoku Mushi
which sees fresh vegetables and seafood steamed using the vapors from the hot springs
the Central Kyushu Masjid hosts a vibrant community and often hosts open events inviting locals to learn more about the religion
It is easily accessible from Beppu Hells via the Kamenoi Bus at Umijigoku Mae
and will bring you within 3 to 5 minutes’ walking distance of the masjid after disembarking at Mochigahama 2 Kumi
The solemn but resplendent <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/742/" target="_blank">Nagasaki Peace Park</a> sits on the site of the atomic bombing of the city on August 9
and is a reminder of the might of nuclear technology and a stark symbol of why humans should never wield them against one another
which are filled with monuments to peace donated from a total of 15 countries
The park was also shown in the 1991 Akira Kurosawa film
A tram-way ride heading to Sakuramachi Station brings us to MALAYA Restaurant
which situated in front of the Nagasaki City Library
MALAYA Restaurant serves halal Malaysian/Indonesian and Japanese food for guests
Local favorites available include Kari Ayam and Satay
If you’re in the middle of planning your next trip
why not consider adding one of these destinations to your itinerary
There is so much of Japan to fall in love with
and we hope this article inspires you to embark on a Japanese train discovery and
uncover what you truly love about Japan along the way
Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages
The dates displayed for an article provide information on when various publication milestones were reached at the journal that has published the article
activities on preceding journals at which the article was previously under consideration are not shown (for instance submission
Science of the Total EnvironmentCitation Excerpt :The Anthropocene is proposed to have begun in the mid-20th century
ranging from 1945 to 1964 CE (Lewis and Maslin
corresponding to a “Great Acceleration” of human population
which results in a distinctive stratigraphic boundary (Steffen et al.
The Anthropocene GSSP research team in Beppu Bay has been seeking stratigraphic evidence of the start of the Anthropocene from multiproxy records in Beppu Bay during the mid-20th century (Inoue et al.
2020) Our record of microplastic pollution revealed the first appearance of microplastics in the sediment stratigraphy at 1957 CE
which corresponded to a rapid increase in polychlorinated biphenyls
which is another key marker and is likely to be absorbed on sinking materials (Berglund et al.
2000) in Beppu Bay sediment (Takahashi et al.
which are a high-resolution recording medium of the sedimentation history of these materials
updated information on temporal trends of BFRs in the Japanese environment is probably not available
especially for current-use formulas like DBDPE
The historical profiles of a typical POP class
were reasonably reconstructed by using a well-preserved sediment core from Beppu Bay
As information about temporal trends of PBDEs and their alternatives in Japan is still scarce
the same sediment core was examined to provide insights into the occurrence and historical inputs of these flame retardants
Science of the Total EnvironmentCitation Excerpt :Concentrations of CB-11 varied over a narrow range (from lower than detection limits to few ppb) in sediment samples from China (Yu et al.
and were markedly higher than those found in Antarctic samples at ppt levels (Wang et al.
Highly chlorinated PCBs such as CB-209 and nona-CBs (i.e.
and -208) have been monitored in sediments
but their concentrations and proportions in total PCBs were quite minor in the samples collected from the Korea Strait (Guerra et al.
some studies on source apportionment of PCBs in aquatic environments identified a novel factor comprising elevated proportions of CB-209 and nona-CBs (hereinafter referred to as deca factor)
which was likely attributed to local production activities of titanium compounds (Rowe et al.
All content on this site: Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V., its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. For all open access content, the relevant licensing terms apply.
Volume 9 - 2022 | <a class="ArticleLayoutHeader__info__doi" href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.843824">https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.843824</a>
Stratigraphic cluster analysis using aquatic palynomorphs preserved in the core sediments revealed a rapid eutrophication due to anthropogenic activities from the mid 1960s in Beppu Bay
These assemblages were divided into three major units: BP-I
and also only dinoflagellate cyst assemblages were divided into the following four units in Beppu Bay: BP-A
Unit boundaries based on aquatic palynomorphs and dinoflagellate cysts were different except in the upper part
both of which clearly indicated anthropogenic eutrophication in both sea water and bottom sediments
Unit BP-A was characterized by stable occurrence of Spiniferites bulloideus and Spiniferites hyperacanthus
Lingulodinium machaerophorum of Gonyaulacales
and reduction of heterotrophic Peridinioid Brigantedinium spp
In Unit BP-C there was a clear decrease of L
Unit BP-B was characterized by decreases of S
and little increase of Spniferites bentori
Unit BP-C was characterized by an increase in S
bulloideus and heterotrophic Peridinioid Echinidinium spp
Unit BP-D was subdivided into Subunit BP-D1 where dinoflagellate cysts showed a marked increase in S
bulloideus accompanied by the appearance of L
machaerophorum and Tuberculodinium vancampoae
and Subunit PB-D2 where there was a decrease of total dinoflagellate cysts
the marine environment of the period of BP-A Unit was suggested to be warm and stable
machaerophorum started to decrease in BP-B
machaerophorum suggest that the marine environment became cooler than that of Unit BP-A
and Polykrikos kofoidii were characteristic of Unit BP-D
The increase in total dinoflagellate cyst density and the increase of the ratio of heterotrophic dinoflagellate cysts in Subunit BP-D1 are manifestations of the Oslo fjord Signal and Heterotroph Signal
the decrease in microforaminiferal lining that continued from Unit BP-C to Unit BP-D might indicate deterioration of the bottom sediment environment
In recent years, research on palynomorphs other than dinoflagellate cysts, including microforaminiferal linings, crustacean resting eggs, resting cysts and lorica of ciliates, turbellarian egg capsules, testate amoebas, and others has progressed (<a href="#B5">Belmonte and Rubino, 2019</a>; <a href="#B42">McCarthy et al., 2021</a>; <a href="#B45">Mudie et al., 2021</a>; <a href="#B56">Shumilovskikh et al., 2021</a>)
Research on these microfossils is expected to play an important role in studying coastal environmental changes
it is necessary to know the changes in ecosystems over time in order to clarify when and to what extent they have progressed
Since the changes in the ecosystem in the coastal areas are extremely regional phenomena
we try to clarify the historical changes of coastal marine environments based on the findings about aquatic palynomorph assemblages and to discuss the primary factors leading to these changes in Beppu Bay for understanding how and when anthropogenic activities affected the low-trophic ecosystems
important aquatic palynomorphs which are not so much familiar to other than palynologists are briefly introduced for future study
(A,B) Sampling location map and operation points for the shallow sea constant line survey (Senkai Teisen Chosa (STC) in Japanese) carried out by the Oita Prefectural Fisheries Research Department
Three cores, namely KT-09-1 BP09-6, BG10-3-1, and BG19 S1-2, collected at the innermost part of Beppu Bay on 2009/3/8, 2010/9/10, 2019/9/10, respectively (<a href="#F1">Figure 1</a> and <a href="#S10">Supplementary Material 1</a>) were obtained for palynomorph analysis
The respective cores were collected using a 10-m-long piston core
and were used as time markers and for dating the core samples used in this study
Samples for the palynomorph analysis were obtained from the stratigraphic sequence which was dated back to 1000 years using core samples from event (Ev) 8c to Ev 0 for BP09-6
Each sample was divided into portions that were then treated according to the method of <a href="#B39">Matsuoka and Fukuyo (2000)</a> described below to prepare a concentrated sample for observation of palynomorphs
About 1 to 2 g of a wet sample was picked up from the divided samples and transferred to a 15-ml chemical-resistant plastic tube
the sample was treated with hydrochloric acid (37%) and hydrofluoric acid (46%) for 24 h to remove calcareous and siliceous particles
The sample was fractionated using a sieve with a mesh size of 125 &#x03BC;m and then a mesh size of 10 &#x03BC;m
and distilled water was added to the residue on the sieve with a mesh size of 10 &#x03BC;m to prepare a purified sample for observing palynomorphs
All processes were carried out at the room temperature
A part of the concentrated sample for observation was taken with a micropipette (GILSON
and palynomorphs were identified and counted using an upright microscope (ASONE Digital Biological Microscope
For calculating water content of the samples
the collected columnar sediment cores were cut in half vertically
and a 1cc cube was pushed into the cross section to collect samples
After drying the cube at 50&#x00B0;C for 2 days in dry oven
A minimum of 200 palynomorphs were counted per sample to obtain homogeneous data for the statistical analyses
The age of each sample was determined by linear-interpolation of the ages and depths of two successive events
Data of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in the inner and mouth parts of Beppu Bay (St
19 of the shallow sea constant line survey (Senkai Teisen Chosa; STC) in Japanese) respectively measured at STC carried out by the Oita Prefectural Fisheries Research Department was employed
these data were left from year 1972 onward only
Microforaminiferal linings sometimes accounted for more than 50% of total palynomorphs in the middle and lower depth (for example
but they decreased rapidly after year 1969
Dinoflagellate cysts were 40 to 50% in the lower middle depth and 60% or more in the upper depth (1979 and 2003)
The maximum output of aquatic palynomorphs was 8863 palynomorphs/g in year 1771
the minimum was 2203 palynomorphs/g in year 1960
After the maximum output was recorded in year 1771
it decreased significantly after year 1824
After a slight increase from year 1880 to 1933
the minimum output was recorded in year 1960
it increased toward year 1979 and decreased after that
These increases and decreases were mainly due to the production of dinoflagellate cysts and microforaminiferal linings
Stratigraphic distribution of all aquatic palynomorphs observed in the core samples of Beppu Bay and Unit division based on stratigraphic cluster analysis using Bray-Curtis method
List of aquatic palynomorphs observed in sediments of Beppu Bay
The results of the cluster analysis using the aquatic palynomorph assemblage data of Beppu Bay core revealed that these palynomorph assemblages were stratigraphically divided into three major units: BP- I Unit, BP- II Unit, and BP- III Unit. The boundaries were placed at year 1771 between BP- I Unit and BP- II Unit, and year 1964 between BP- II Unit and BP- III Unit (<a href="#F2">Figure 2</a>)
The average concentration of dinoflagellate cysts appearing throughout all samples was 1954 cysts/g
accounting for about 20% (year 1933) to about 70% (year 2003) of the total aquatic palynomorph assemblage
The maximum number of dinoflagellate cysts was 3546 cysts/g in year 1984
and the minimum number was 661 cysts/g in year 1955
There was a marked decrease in dinoflagellate cysts between year 1854 and 1873
and an increase between year 1960 and 1979
Stratigraphic distribution of major aquatic palynomorphs (dinoflagellate cysts
microforaminiferal linings and crustacean resting eggs) observed in the core samples of Beppu Bay
Unit division in the left column based on the result for dinoflagellate cyst assemblages according to stratigraphic cluster analysis using Bray-Curtis method
Dinoflagellate cysts (1-11) and acritarch (112-14) observed in sediments of Beppu Bay
(1) Spiniferites bulloideus (Deflandre and Cookson) Sarjeant; photosynthetic
(2) Spiniferites delicatus Reid; photosynthetic
white arrow indicating larger precingular archeopyle
In statistical analysis this species is included in Spiniferites spp
(4) Lingulodinium machaerophorum (Deflandre and Cookson) Wall; photosynthetic
(5) Tuberculodinium vancampoae Rossignol; photosynthetic
(6) Selenopemphix nephroides Benedeck; heterotrophic
(9) Cyst of Protoperidinium latissimum&#x002A; (Kofoid) Balech; heterotrophic
(11) Cyst of Polykrikos kofoidii&#x002A; Chatton; heterotrophic
The photosynthetic group mainly includes species belonging to Gonyaulacales
Peridiniales such as Scrippsiella&#x002A; and Gymnodiniales such as Levanderina fissa&#x002A;
Pseudocochlodinium profundisulcus&#x002A; and Gymnodinium catenatum&#x002A;
The relative contribution of all dinoflagellate cysts was 61% (year 1979) to 12% (year 1890) of the total palynomorphs observed
Diplopsalid) and Polykrikos&#x002A; of Gymnodiniales were the main components
and they accounted for more than 50% of all dinoflagellate cysts except for a few samples with lower counts
accounting for more than 90% of Gonyaulacales in year 1979
bentori constituted nearly 20% from year 1964 to 1984
Lingulodinium machaerophorum was abundant before year 1824
accounting for more than 40% of Gonyaulacales in year 1222 and 1557
Tuberculodinium vancampoae was also observed in almost all samples
although its densities were relatively low
The appearance of Operculodinium centrocarpum sensu Wall and Dale was very low
which accounted for about 70% of Peridiniales throughout this taxon
species that could be identified based on the archeopyle morphology and cyst size were B
various cysts belonging to the family Protoperidiniaceae occurred
They constituted around 10% of dinoflagellate cyst assemblages and did not become dominant
and others frequently appeared in the Diplopsalid group
although they constituted only a few percent
In the Gymnodiniales, a small amount of Polykrikos hartmannii&#x002A; appeared in year 1395 and year 1452, but after year 1955, it occurred in a few percent of all dinoflagellate cyst assemblages. There were many heterotrophic Polykrikos kofoidii&#x002A; (<a href="#F5">Figure 5</a>)
Stratigraphic distribution of major groups of dinoflagellate cysts and Unit division based on stratigraphic cluster analysis using Bray-Curtis method
Stratigraphic abundances of dinoflagellate cysts and Unit division based on stratigraphic cluster analysis using Bray-Curtis method
The ratio between the photosynthetic group (auto-mixotroph) mainly composed of Gonyaulacales and calciodinellid and the heterotrophic group mainly composed of Protoperidinid and Diplopsalid was ranged between 80% (year 1824) to 40% (year 1989)
when the photosynthetic group increased to 50% or more
the heterotroph group was dominant throughout the cores
Microforaminiferal linings were the next most abundant after dinoflagellate cysts with an average of 1802 linings/g in all samples, and the highest number being 4055 linings/g in year 1744, and the minimum number being 366 linings/g in year 1989 (<a href="#F8">Figure 8</a>)
the number increased slightly from year 1854 to 1955
and then after year 1960 it increased slightly until year 1984 (929 linings/g)
it decreased (412 linings/g) almost continuously from then until year 2003
Aquatic palynomorphs except for dinoflagellate cysts and acritarchs observed in sediments of Beppu Bay
(2) Microforaminiferal lining uniserial type (Reophax sp.)
(3) Microforaminiferal lining biserial type (Textularia cf
(4) Microforaminiferal lining coiled type (Buccella sp.)
(6) Ciliate; damaged lorica of Dadayiella sp
(7) Crustacean resting egg with finely granular surface
(8) Crustacean resting egg with smooth surface
(9) Crustacean resting egg ornamented with long flexuous spines
(10) Crustacean resting egg ornamented with short and solid spines
(11) Turbellarian egg capsule with short and stout stalk
(12) Turbellarian egg capsule with very short stalk
(13) Turbellarian egg capsule with very long stalk
Stratigraphic distribution of microforaminiferal linings
Unit division in the left column based on the result for dinoflagellate cyst assemblages resulting from stratigraphic cluster analysis using Bray-Curtis method
Among microforaminiferal linings, the biserial type was dominant, followed by the uniserial type. Before year 1744, the average number of the biserial type (<a href="#F7">Figure 7(7)</a>) was 1281 linings/g, but after then it dropped sharply to 866 linings/g until year 1955 and 195 linings/g until year 2003. The uniserial type (<a href="#F7">Figure 7(2)</a>) showed an average of 495 linings/g before year 1744
but thereafter their occurrence did not change (465 linings/g until year 1955)
but it decreased sharply to 159 linings/g until year 2003
The number of the coiled type linings was smaller than that of uniserial and biserial types
and although they did not dominate in all samples
Ciliophora were present in very low percentages throughout all samples
but 711 cells/g were recorded in year 1984 and 147 cells/g in year 1995
This was due to the abundance of loricae of Dadayiella&#x002A;
resting cysts of Favella&#x002A; and Cyrtostrombidium&#x002A; sometimes occurred
Crustacean resting eggs were the most abundant after dinoflagellate cysts and microforaminiferal linings
The average number of resting eggs was 751 eggs/g in all samples; the highest was 1709 eggs/g (year 1709)
their occurrence patterns were different from those of dinoflagellate cysts and microforaminiferal linings
the output was almost constant (615 eggs/g on average)
it increased (1005 eggs/g) until year 1944
and then decreased sharply until year 1960 (336 eggs/g)
Testate amoebae (<a href="#F7">Figure 7(1)</a>) were also obtained from almost all samples
Their occurrence was a little higher in the sample before year 1771
Turbellarian egg capsules (<a href="#F7">Figures 7(11-13)</a>) occurred in almost all samples with various morphologies
consisting of less than a few percent of all palynomorphs
but were relatively abundant in the samples before year 1771 (263 capsules/g; highest value) and decreased thereafter
Acritarchs were also obtained from all samples
but always constituted less than 10% of all palynomorphs and never dominated
they decreased from about 200 to 146 cells/g
Palynomorphs ranged from 2957 to 7583 (5440 on average) palynomorphs/g
Dinoflagellates dominated by Spiniferites hyperacanthus
Lingulodinium machaerophorum and Brigantedinium spp
The foraminiferal linings were also dominant at 2165 linings/g on average
and constituted more than 40% of total palynomorphs
Crustacean resting eggs were present as 642 eggs/g on average and constituted ca
Palynomorphs slightly increased to within the range of 4968&#x2013;8863 (6556 on average) palynomorphs/g
The density of dinoflagellate cysts was approximately the same as the density of BP- A Unit
machaerophorum remarkably decreased in this unit
The microforaminiferal linings slightly increased in concentration
and represented 40&#x2013;50% of total palynomorphs; however
Palynomorphs clearly decreased to within the range of 2957&#x2013;7583 (3380 on average) palynomorphs/g
Dinoflagellate cysts also decreased to 986 cysts/g on average
but their relative proportion among total palynomorphs was over 50% in the upper strata
and 1517 cysts/g were recorded in year 1964
The microforaminiferal linings were present at 1492 linings/g
they showed a clear decrease from 20% to 40% of the total palynomorphs in the upper layer
The crustacean resting eggs were present at 777 palynomorphs/g on average and increased their relative proportion to 40% (2070 palynomorphs/g) of total palynomorphs at year 1890
Palynomorphs were present as 2325&#x2013;5546 palynomorphs/g(3751 on average)
Dinoflagellate cysts remarkably increased to 2141cysts/g on average and constituted ca
Spiniferites bulloideus was dominant in this unit
The microforaminiferal linings constituted 40&#x2013;50% of total palynomorphs; however
both uniserial and biserial types continuously decreased to 449 linings/g on average
The crustacean resting eggs slightly increased to 913 palynomorphs/g
Temporal changes of DO and COD at the inner (St
BP-D Unit had a lower similarity between each sample than those of other Units
and it is specific that the year 1979 sample did not belong to any cluster
This was only due to extremely dominant Spiniferites bulloideus in the year 1979 sample
the cysts of heterotrophic species were common to each sample
but their relative ratios were not constant
The production of such unstable occurrence of dinoflagellate cysts suggested that the coastal marine environment became unstable after year 1964
dinoflagellate cysts were most dominant in the aquatic palynomorphs
and their eco-physiologies were well investigated
for understanding the environmental changes of Beppu Bay
the temporal changes of dinoflagellate cyst assemblages should be clarified
dinoflagellate cyst assemblages were divided into four major units as shown previously
the occurrence of all palynomorphs fluctuated
but it was within a certain range and nearly stable
The number of aquatic palynomorphs in this unit is 5759 palynomorphs/g
Dinoflagellate cysts and microforaminiferal linings account for 80 to 90% of all palynomorph assemblages
and crustacean resting eggs also fluctuated
The relationship between these fluctuations and the rapid tide of the Kuroshio
which has a relatively short cycle and affects the marine environment of the Bungo Channel
diatom flora also changed around year 1850 in their D2a zone of Beppu Bay core sediments
This change of the vegetation on the land might have influenced the transport of sediment into the coasts of Beppu Bay and then changed the coastal environments
the appearance of Polykrikos&#x002A; suggests an increase in swimming-powered prey organisms such as flagellar microalgae
schwartzii&#x002A; cysts suggest the emergence of flagellates such as C
which favor the environment of stratified seawater
the primary production in the BP-D1 Subunit might be dependent on flagellates rather than diatoms
The existence of BP-D1 and -D2 Subunits could be controlled by the eutrophication of seawater due to the reclamation of tidal flats and the increase of urban wastewater by the regulation of the discharge of nutrients by law and the increase of sewage treatment capacity
This strongly suggests that it is difficult to improve the bottom sediment over a wide area
Observational data are only available after year 1972
but COD around year 1974 suggest that the entire bay was rich in nutrients
which coincides with the frequent red tides in the entire Seto Inland Sea
DO of the bottom layer has remained almost unchanged since year 1972 at the mouth of the bay
but it shows that oxygen consumption was predominant at the inner part of the bay until around year 1990
This reflects the fact that organic matter in the water was deposited on the seafloor and its decomposition promoted oxygen consumption
it can be judged that eutrophication was progressing around year 1972 included BP-D1 Unit
and once the water quality improved slightly
but the improvement of the bottom layer environment in the inner part of the bay was not remarkable
The environment of seawater and sediment in the inner part of the bay shown in the observation data is consistent with the environmental change inferred from the aquatic palynomorph community (BP-III Unit and BP-D1 Unit)
In Beppu Bay core samples, the biserial type and the uniserial type dominated, and the coiled type was rather few as mentioned above. The foraminiferal community indicated that the bottom sediments of the inner part of Beppu Bay consisted of mud with rich organic substance. <a href="#B28">Kuwae et al. (2022)</a> suggested that total sulfur in sediments clearly increased after year 1968
This increase induced hypoxia bottom sediments and then decreased microforaminiferal linings
The remarkable deterioration of the bottom habitats suggested by the decrease of microforaminiferal linings in BP-D1 Subunit, especially the biserial type and uniserial type, continued to BP-D2 Subunit and progressed further in BP-C Unit. This deterioration of sediments may be due to the rapid decrease in tidal flat area due to reclamation on the southern coast of Beppu Bay during the BP-D1 Subunit period (1970s)<a id="footnote6a"></a><a class="footnoteanchor" href="#footnote6">6</a>
when industrialization along the southern coast of this Bay started
As in Ariake Sound of Western Kyushu discussed below
similar bottom environmental changes occurred in Beppu Bay
The analysis of dinoflagellate cyst and other aquatic microfossil assemblages in coastal sediments in Japan has revealed that artificial eutrophication has progressed since the 1960s and that the lower trophic system has changed significantly
including the occurrence of large-scale red tides
The cause of artificial eutrophication in the Ariake Sound was not urbanization but large-scale tidal flat reclamation after the 1960s
similar artificial eutrophication progressed around Beppu Bay after the 1960s
In Osaka Bay, paleoenvironmental studies were conducted on materials other than dinoflagellate cysts using diatoms (<a href="#B20">Hirose et al., 2008</a>), ostracods (<a href="#B75">Yasuhara et al., 2003</a>), and benthic foraminifera (<a href="#B66">Tsujimoto et al., 2006</a>)
these results showed that the marine environment recovered once in the latter half of the 1940s after a slight increase in nutrient load in the 1900s
the artificial nutrient load has increased sharply until the present
The factors that led to such environmental changes are thought to be the reclamation of tidal flats
industrialization and urbanization around Osaka Bay
such coastal environmental changes have been well preserved in not only dinoflagellate cyst but also other aquatic palynomorph assemblages
further eco-physiological investigations for these aquatic palynomorph groups are needed
The sediment cores collected at the innermost part of Beppu Bay included various planktonic and benthic aquatic palynomorphs consisting of dinoflagellate cysts
crustacean resting eggs and fragments of bodies
As results of stratigraphic cluster analysis for all aquatic palynomorph assemblages and dinoflagellate cyst assemblages
these palynomorphs and dinoflagellate cysts were divided into several units respectively
BP-III Unit for all palynomorphs and BP-D Unit for dinoflagellate cysts
was the same era between year 1964 and 1969
This might have been caused by their different ecological components
since microforaniniferal linings represent a benthic life form
whereas dinoflagellate cysts and Crustaean resting eggs indicated planktonic life form
Results from BP-III and BP-D Units suggested that artificial eutrophication started in year 1964 and in 1969
and this change of biota in Beppu Bay was the most drastic in the past 1000 years
The eutrophication might have been induced by anthropogenic activities such as reclamation of tidal flats
and industrialization involving the development of larger plants around Beppu Bay
Since non-dinoflagellate aquatic palynomorphs like microforaminiferal linings
turbellarian egg capsules and other micro-remains will be useful for reconstructing paleoenvironments
further taxonomical and eco-physiological studies of these palynomorphs are needed
The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors
KM and MK planned the basic design of the project
MK collected the samples and contributed to making an age model
KM and NK analyzed the samples and observed the palynomorphs and revised the earlier draft of the manuscript
All authors approved the submitted version
This study was supported financially by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (22340155
and 18H01292) from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and a research grant from the Mitsui and Co.
and 19A007) of the Center for Advanced Marine Core Research
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations
Any product that may be evaluated in this article
or claim that may be made by its manufacturer
is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher
We thank Hidejiro Onishi for conducting sampling with E/R/V ISANA of Ehime University and the crew of the R/V Tansei-Maru (cruises KT-09-01) of the Ocean Research Institute
We also appreciate Wen Liu for his technical support in statistical analysis and Oita Prefectural Fisheries Research Department for kindly providing the data of STC
We also thank three reviewers and Fernando Rubio whose constructive suggestions and comments were very useful for improving the earlier manuscript
The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.843824/full#supplementary-material">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.843824/full#supplementary-material</a>
Oligotrophocation and its measures in the Seto Inland Sea
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Oligotrophocation+and+its+measures+in+the+Seto+Inland+Sea%2E&#x0026;journal=Jpn%2E+Fish%2E+Res%2E+Educ%2E+Agen%2E&#x0026;author=Abo+K.&#x0026;author=Yamamoto+T.&#x0026;publication_year=2019&#x0026;volume=49&#x0026;pages=21&#x2013;26" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
<a name="B2" id="B2"></a>Anthropocene Working Group (2020)
Newsletter of the Anthropocene Working Group
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;journal=Report+of+activities+2020%2C+Newsletter+of+the+Anthropocene+Working+Group%2E&#x0026;publication_year=2020" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
The Calculation of Lead-210 Dates Assuming a Constant Rate of Supply of Unsupported 210Pb to the Sediment
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=The+Calculation+of+Lead-210+Dates+Assuming+a+Constant+Rate+of+Supply+of+Unsupported+210Pb+to+the+Sediment%2E&#x0026;journal=CATENA&#x0026;author=Appleby+P.+G.&#x0026;author=Oldfield+F.&#x0026;publication_year=1978&#x0026;volume=5&#x0026;pages=1&#x2013;8" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;journal=Microfossils&#x0026;author=Armstrong+H.+A.&#x0026;author=Brasier+M.+D.&#x0026;publication_year=2007" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
&#x201C;Resting cysts from coastal marine plankton,&#x201D; in Oceanography and Marine Biology: Annual Review
&#x201C;A historical perspective on eutrophication in the Pensacola Bay Estuary
Kana (Switzerland: Springer International Publishing)
Cell lyses of a phagotrophic dinoflagellate
Polykrikos fokoidii feeding on Alexandrium tamarense
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Cell+lyses+of+a+phagotrophic+dinoflagellate%2C+Polykrikos+fokoidii+feeding+on+Alexandrium+tamarense%2E&#x0026;journal=Plank+Biol%2E+Ecol%2E&#x0026;author=Cho+H.-J.&#x0026;author=Matsuoka+K.&#x0026;publication_year=2000&#x0026;volume=47&#x0026;pages=134&#x2013;136" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Long-term trends in eutrophication and nutrients in the coastal zone
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Long-term+trends+in+eutrophication+and+nutrients+in+the+coastal+zone%2E&#x0026;journal=Limnol%2E+Oceanol%2E&#x0026;author=Clarke+A.+L.&#x0026;author=Conle+Y.+D.+J.&#x0026;author=Anderson+N.+J.&#x0026;author=Adser+F.&#x0026;author=Andren+E.&#x0026;author=de+Jonge+V.+N.&#x0026;publication_year=2006&#x0026;volume=51&#x0026;pages=385&#x2013;397" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Eutrophication signals in the sedimentary record of dinoflagellate cysts in coastal waters
Dinoflagellate cysts as indicators of cultural eutrophication in the Oslofjord
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Dinoflagellate+cysts+as+indicators+of+cultural+eutrophication+in+the+Oslofjord%2C+Norway%2E&#x0026;journal=Est%2E+Coast%2E+Shelf+Sci%2E&#x0026;author=Dale+B.&#x0026;author=Thorsen+T.+A.&#x0026;author=Fjellsa+A.&#x0026;publication_year=1999&#x0026;volume=48&#x0026;pages=371&#x2013;382" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
&#x201C;Introduction to tintinnids,&#x201D; in The Biology and Ecology of Tinntinid Ciliates
Stoecker (United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell)
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Dinoflagellates%2C+hystrichospheres%2C+and+the+classification+of+the+acritarchs%2E&#x0026;journal=Stanford+Univ%2E+Publ%2E+Geosci%2E&#x0026;author=Downie+C.&#x0026;author=Evitt+W.+R.&#x0026;author=Sarjeant+W.+A.+S.&#x0026;publication_year=1963&#x0026;volume=7&#x0026;pages=1&#x2013;16" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic fossil dinoflagellates and other palynomorphs from the Scotian Margin off shore eastern Canada
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Late+Cretaceous+and+Cenozoic+fossil+dinoflagellates+and+other+palynomorphs+from+the+Scotian+Margin+off+shore+eastern+Canada%2E&#x0026;journal=J%2E+System%2E+Palaeont%2E&#x0026;author=Fensome+R.+A.&#x0026;author=Williams+G.+L.&#x0026;author=MacRae+R.+A.&#x0026;publication_year=2009&#x0026;volume=7&#x0026;pages=1&#x2013;79" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Extracellular digestion in marine dinoflagellates
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Extracellular+digestion+in+marine+dinoflagellates%2E&#x0026;journal=J%2E+Plank%2E+Res%2E&#x0026;author=Gaines+G.&#x0026;author=Taylor+F.+J.+R.&#x0026;publication_year=1984&#x0026;volume=6&#x0026;pages=1057&#x2013;1061" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
&#x201C;Chapter Thirteen Transfer Functions: Methods for Quantitative Paleoceanography based on microfossils,&#x201D; in Developments in Marine Geology
The affiliation of Hexasterias problematica and Halodinium verrucatum sp
to ciliate cysts based on molecular phylogeny and cyst wall composition
Quantitative importance and trophic role of heterotrophic dinoflagellates in a coastal pelagical food web
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Quantitative+importance+and+trophic+role+of+heterotrophic+dinoflagellates+in+a+coastal+pelagical+food+web%2E&#x0026;journal=MEPS&#x0026;author=Hansen+P.+J.&#x0026;publication_year=1991&#x0026;volume=73&#x0026;pages=253&#x2013;261" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Uzubennmousou Kaseki wo Mochiita Beppuwann ni okeru Kohyouki no Kaiyoukannkyou Hennsenn no Fukugen (Reconstruction of the post glacial marine environments using dinoflagellate cysts in Beppu Bay)
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Uzubennmousou+Kaseki+wo+Mochiita+Beppuwann+ni+okeru+Kohyouki+no+Kaiyoukannkyou+Hennsenn+no+Fukugen+%28Reconstruction+of+the+post+glacial+marine+environments+using+dinoflagellate+cysts+in+Beppu+Bay%29%2E&#x0026;journal=Gekkan+Chikyu&#x0026;author=Harada+K.&#x0026;author=Endo+A.&#x0026;author=Matsuoka+K.&#x0026;publication_year=1994&#x0026;volume=16&#x0026;pages=709&#x2013;716" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
A two-millennium dinoflagellate cyst record from Gullmar Fjord
The succession of diatom assemblages and anthropogenically-induced environmental changes over the last 120 years
Contamination levels and temporal trends of legacy and current-use brominated flame retardants in a dated sediment core from Beppu Bay
Thecate heterotrophic dinoflagellates: feeding behavior and mechanism
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Thecate+heterotrophic+dinoflagellates%3A+feeding+behavior+and+mechanism%2E&#x0026;journal=J%2E+Phycol%2E&#x0026;author=Jacobson+D.+M.&#x0026;author=Anderson+D.+M.&#x0026;publication_year=1986&#x0026;volume=22&#x0026;pages=249&#x2013;258" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Predation by the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Protoperidinium cf
divergens on copepod eggs and early naupliar stages
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3354/meps114203" target="_blank">CrossRef Full Text</a> | <a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Predation+by+the+heterotrophic+dinoflagellate+Protoperidinium+cf%2E+divergens+on+copepod+eggs+and+early+naupliar+stages%2E&#x0026;journal=MEPS&#x0026;author=Jeong+H.-J.&#x0026;publication_year=1994&#x0026;volume=114&#x0026;pages=203&#x2013;208" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Ventilation time and anoxia of the Benthic cold water in Beppu Bay
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Ventilation+time+and+anoxia+of+the+Benthic+cold+water+in+Beppu+Bay%2E&#x0026;journal=Bull%2E+Coast%2E+Oceanogr%2E&#x0026;author=Kameda+T.&#x0026;author=Fujiwara+T.&#x0026;publication_year=1995&#x0026;volume=33&#x0026;pages=59&#x2013;68" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Observation of behavior and mode of life of benthic foraminifera in laboratory
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Observation+of+behavior+and+mode+of+life+of+benthic+foraminifera+in+laboratory%2E&#x0026;journal=Bull%2E+Earth+Sci%2E+Shizuoka+Univ%2E&#x0026;author=Kitazato+H.&#x0026;publication_year=1981&#x0026;volume=6&#x0026;pages=61&#x2013;71" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Characterization of a highly resistant biomacromolecular material in the cell wall of a marine dinoflagellate resting cyst
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Characterization+of+a+highly+resistant+biomacromolecular+material+in+the+cell+wall+of+a+marine+dinoflagellate+resting+cyst%2E&#x0026;journal=Org%2E+Geochem%2E&#x0026;author=Kokinos+J.+P.&#x0026;author=Eglinton+T.+I.&#x0026;author=Goni+M.+A.&#x0026;author=Boon+J.+J.&#x0026;author=Martog+A.&#x0026;author=Anderson+D.+M.&#x0026;publication_year=1998&#x0026;volume=28&#x0026;pages=265&#x2013;288" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Historical eutrophication in a river-estuary complex in mid-coast Maine
Evidence of human-induced marine degradation in anoxic coastal sediments of Beppu Bay
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Evidence+of+human-induced+marine+degradation+in+anoxic+coastal+sediments+of+Beppu+Bay%2C+Japan%2C+as+an+Anthropocene+marker+in+East+Asia%2E&#x0026;journal=Anthropocene&#x0026;author=Kuwae+M.&#x0026;author=Tsugeki+N.+K.&#x0026;author=Amano+A.&#x0026;author=Agusa+T.&#x0026;author=Suzuki+Y.&#x0026;author=Tsutsumi+J.&#x0026;publication_year=2022&#x0026;volume=37" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Stratigraphy and wiggle-matching-based age-depth model of late Holocene marine sediments in Beppu Bay
Estuarine eutrophication in the UK: current incidence and future trends
Changes in tidal currents in the Ariake Sound due to reclamation
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02784289" target="_blank">CrossRef Full Text</a> | <a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Changes+in+tidal+currents+in+the+Ariake+Sound+due+to+reclamation%2E&#x0026;journal=Estuar%2E+Coast%2E&#x0026;author=Manda+A.&#x0026;author=Matsuoka+K.&#x0026;publication_year=2006&#x0026;volume=29&#x0026;pages=645&#x2013;652" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
A reconstruction of regional and global temperature for the past 11,300 years
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science" target="_blank">CrossRef Full Text</a> | <a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=A+reconstruction+of+regional+and+global+temperature+for+the+past+11%2C300+years%2E&#x0026;journal=Science&#x0026;author=Marcott+S.+A.&#x0026;author=Shakun+J.+D.&#x0026;author=Clark+P.+U.&#x0026;author=Mix+A.+C.&#x0026;publication_year=2013&#x0026;volume=339" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Flux of sedimentary microplastics in Beppu Bay
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Flux+of+sedimentary+microplastics+in+Beppu+Bay%2C+Japan%2E&#x0026;journal=Proc%2E+Jpn%2E+Soc%2E+Civil+Engin%2E+B&#x0026;author=Masumoto+M.&#x0026;author=Kuwae+M.&#x0026;author=Hinata+H.&#x0026;publication_year=2018&#x0026;volume=2&#x0026;pages=1321&#x2013;1326" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Eutrophication recorded in dinoflagellate cyst assemblages - a case of Yokohama Port
Changes in the Aquatic Environment of Isahaya Bay
West Japan: from the view point of dinoflagellate cyst assemblage
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Changes+in+the+Aquatic+Environment+of+Isahaya+Bay%2C+Ariake+Sound%2C+West+Japan%3A+from+the+view+point+of+dinoflagellate+cyst+assemblage%2E&#x0026;journal=Bull%2E+Coast%2E+Oceanog%2E&#x0026;author=Matsuoka+K.&#x0026;publication_year=2004&#x0026;volume=42&#x0026;pages=55&#x2013;59" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Medium- to long-term environmental changes in the inner part of Ariake Sound recorded in the dinoflagellate cyst assemblages
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Medium-+to+long-term+environmental+changes+in+the+inner+part+of+Ariake+Sound+recorded+in+the+dinoflagellate+cyst+assemblages%2E&#x0026;journal=Sci%2E+Tot%2E+Environ%2E&#x0026;author=Matsuoka+K.&#x0026;publication_year=2006&#x0026;volume=264&#x0026;pages=65&#x2013;93" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Review-Turbellarian egg capsule as one type of aquatic palynomorph; reconsideration of Tintinnomorph
Observations of the feeding behavior and growth rates of the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Polykrikos kofoidii (Polykrikaceae
Technical Guide for modern dinoflagellate cyst study
Tokyo: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;journal=Technical+Guide+for+modern+dinoflagellate+cyst+study%2E+i%2B+29pp%2C+17+figures%2C+7+tables%2C+22+plates%2E&#x0026;author=Matsuoka+K.&#x0026;author=Fukuyo+Y.&#x0026;publication_year=2000" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Repercussions of the Great East Japan Earthquake tsunami on ellipsoidal Alexandrium cysts (Dinophyceae) in Ofunato Bay
Modern dinoflagellate cysts in hypertrophic coastal waters of Tokyo
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Modern+dinoflagellate+cysts+in+hypertrophic+coastal+waters+of+Tokyo%2C+Bay%2C+Japan%2E&#x0026;journal=J%2E+Plank%2E+Res%2E&#x0026;author=Matsuoka+K.&#x0026;author=Joyce+B.+L.&#x0026;author=Kotani+Y.&#x0026;author=Matsuyama+Y.&#x0026;publication_year=2003&#x0026;volume=25&#x0026;pages=1461&#x2013;1470" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
&#x201C;Non-pollen palynomorphs in freshwater sediments and their palaeolimnological potential and selected applications,&#x201D; in Applications of Non-Pollen Palynomorphs: from Palaeoenvironmental Reconstructions to Biostratigraphy
Shumilovskikh (London: Geological Society)
Cobricosphaeridium Harland and Sarjeant: Dinoflagellate cyst or copepod egg
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Cobricosphaeridium+Harland+and+Sarjeant%3A+Dinoflagellate+cyst+or+copepod+egg%B4&#x0026;journal=Micropaleontol%2E&#x0026;author=McMinn+A.&#x0026;author=Bolch+C.&#x0026;author=Hallegraeff+G.&#x0026;publication_year=1992&#x0026;volume=38&#x0026;pages=315&#x2013;316" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
1880,&#x201D; in The Illustrated Guide to the Protozoa
Bradbury (Kansas: Society of Protozoologists)
acritarchs and less well-known NPP: tintinnids
copepod and worm remains,&#x201D; in Applications of Non-Pollen Palynomorphs: from Palaeoenvironmental Reconstructions to Biostratigraphy
Use of comprehensive target analysis for determination of contaminants of emerging concern in a sediment core collected from Beppu Bay
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;journal=Science+of+Red+Tides+%28Akashio+no+Kagaku%29&#x0026;author=Okaichi+T.&#x0026;publication_year=1997" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
The genus Peterosperma (Prasinophyceae): species with a single equatorial ala
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=The+genus+Peterosperma+%28Prasinophyceae%29%3A+species+with+a+single+equatorial+ala%2E&#x0026;journal=J%2E+Mar%2E+Bio%2E+Ass%2E+U%2EK%2E&#x0026;author=Park+M.&#x0026;author=Boalch+G.+T.&#x0026;author=Jowett+R.&#x0026;author=Harbour+D.+S.&#x0026;publication_year=1978&#x0026;volume=58&#x0026;pages=239&#x2013;276" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Dinoflagellate fossils: Geological and biological applications
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Dinoflagellate+fossils%3A+Geological+and+biological+applications%2E&#x0026;journal=Rev%2E+Micropal%23x00E9%3Bont%2E&#x0026;author=Penaud+A.&#x0026;author=Hardy+W.&#x0026;author=Lambert+C.&#x0026;author=Marret+F.&#x0026;author=Masure+E.&#x0026;author=Servais+T.&#x0026;publication_year=2018&#x0026;volume=61&#x0026;pages=235&#x2013;254" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Spatial distribution of modern dinoflagellate cysts in polluted estuarine sediments from Buzzards Bay (Massachusetts
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Spatial+distribution+of+modern+dinoflagellate+cysts+in+polluted+estuarine+sediments+from+Buzzards+Bay+%28Massachusetts%2C+USA%29+embayments%2E&#x0026;journal=MEPS&#x0026;author=Pospelova+V.&#x0026;author=Chmura+G.+L.&#x0026;author=Boothman+W.&#x0026;author=Latimer+J.+S.&#x0026;publication_year=2005&#x0026;volume=292&#x0026;pages=23&#x2013;40" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Tintinnid+cysts%2E&#x0026;journal=J%2E+Mar%2E+Boil%2E+Assoc%2E+U%2EK%2E&#x0026;author=Reid+P.+C.&#x0026;author=John+A.+W.+G.&#x0026;publication_year=1978&#x0026;volume=58&#x0026;pages=551&#x2013;557" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Role of microbes in pelagic food webs: a revised concept
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Role+of+microbes+in+pelagic+food+webs%3A+a+revised+concept%2E&#x0026;journal=Limnol%2E+Oceanog%2E&#x0026;author=Sherr+E.&#x0026;author=Sherr+B.&#x0026;publication_year=1988&#x0026;volume=33&#x0026;pages=187&#x2013;197" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Late Holocene human impact on vegetation changes around Beppu Bay in northeast Kyushu
southwest Japan based on the influx pollen data dated by a wiggle-matching
Response of dinoflagellate cyst assemblages to salinity changes in Yeoja Bay
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Response+of+dinoflagellate+cyst+assemblages+to+salinity+changes+in+Yeoja+Bay%2C+Korea%2E&#x0026;journal=Mar%2E+Micropaleont%2E&#x0026;author=Shin+H.+H.&#x0026;author=Matsuoka+K.&#x0026;author=Yoon+Y.+H.&#x0026;author=Kim+Y.-O.&#x0026;publication_year=2010a&#x0026;volume=77&#x0026;pages=15&#x2013;24" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Reconstruction of historical nutrient levels in Korean and Japanese coastal areas based on dinoflagellate cyst assemblages
&#x201C;An overview of the taxonomic groups of NPPs
In Applications of Non-pollen Palynomorphs: from palaeoenvironmental reconstructions to biostratigraphy,&#x201D; in Applications of Non-Pollen Palynomorphs: from Palaeoenvironmental Reconstructions to Biostratigraphy
Phototrophic loricate euglenoids in palaeoecology and the effect of acetolysis on Trachelomonas loricae
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Non-pollen+palynomorphs+notes%3A+3%2E+Phototrophic+loricate+euglenoids+in+palaeoecology+and+the+effect+of+acetolysis+on+Trachelomonas+loricae%2E&#x0026;journal=Rev%2E+Palaeobot%2E+Palynol%2E&#x0026;author=Shumilovskikh+L.+S.&#x0026;author=Schl&#x00FC;tz+F.&#x0026;author=Lorenz+M.&#x0026;author=Tomaselli+B.&#x0026;publication_year=2019&#x0026;volume=270&#x0026;pages=1&#x2013;7" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Microforaminiferal linings: Their classification
with special reference to specimens from British Oxfordian sediments
<a href="https://doi.org/10.2307/1485676" target="_blank">CrossRef Full Text</a> | <a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Microforaminiferal+linings%3A+Their+classification%2C+biostratigraphy+and+paleoecology%2C+with+special+reference+to+specimens+from+British+Oxfordian+sediments%2E&#x0026;journal=Micropaleont%2E&#x0026;author=Stancliffe+R.+P.+W.&#x0026;publication_year=1989&#x0026;volume=35&#x0026;pages=337&#x2013;352" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Distribution of recent shallow water foraminifera of Bungo Suido
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Distribution+of+recent+shallow+water+foraminifera+of+Bungo+Suido%2E&#x0026;journal=Bull%2E+Geol%2E+Surv%2E+Jpn%2E&#x0026;author=Sugaya+M.&#x0026;author=Nakao+S.&#x0026;publication_year=1983&#x0026;volume=34&#x0026;pages=483&#x2013;496" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Characterization of mono- to deca-chlorinated biphenyls in a well-preserved sediment core from Beppu Bay
&#x201C;A role and position of zooplankton in marine ecosystem,&#x201D; in Marine Science Basic Series 6
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=A+role+and+position+of+zooplankton+in+marine+ecosystem&#x0026;journal=Marine+Science+Basic+Series+6&#x0026;author=Taniguchi+A.+(1975).+&#x201C;A+role+and+position+of+zooplankton+in+marine+ecosystem&#x201D;+in+Marine+Science+Basic+Series+6+ed.+Motoda+S.&#x0026;publication_year=1975&#x0026;pages=119&#x2013;235" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Climatically influenced distribution of Gymnodinium catenatum during the past 2000 years in coastal sediments of southern Norway
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Climatically+influenced+distribution+of+Gymnodinium+catenatum+during+the+past+2000+years+in+coastal+sediments+of+southern+Norway%2E&#x0026;journal=Palaeog%2E+Palaeoc%2E+Palaeoecol%2E&#x0026;author=Thorsen+T.&#x0026;author=Dale+B.&#x0026;publication_year=1998&#x0026;volume=143&#x0026;pages=159&#x2013;177" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Sewage effects on the food source and diet of benthic formaninifera living in anoxic sediment: a microcosm experiment
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Sewage+effects+on+the+food+source+and+diet+of+benthic+formaninifera+living+in+anoxic+sediment%3A+a+microcosm+experiment%2E&#x0026;journal=J%2E+Exp%2E+Mar%2E+Biol%2E+Ecol%2E&#x0026;author=Topping+J.+N.&#x0026;author=Murray+J.+W.&#x0026;author=Pond+D.+Z.+W.&#x0026;publication_year=2006&#x0026;volume=329&#x0026;pages=239&#x2013;250" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;journal=Paleopalynology&#x0026;author=Travers+A.&#x0026;publication_year=2007" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Temporal variations in phytoplankton biomass over the past 150 years in the western Seto Inland Sea
Impact of eutrophication on shallow marine benthic foraminifers over the last 150 years in Osaka Bay
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Impact+of+eutrophication+on+shallow+marine+benthic+foraminifers+over+the+last+150+years+in+Osaka+Bay%2C+Japan%2E&#x0026;journal=Mar%2E+Micropaleont%2E&#x0026;author=Tsujimoto+A.&#x0026;author=Nomura+R.&#x0026;author=Yasuhara+M.&#x0026;author=Yamazaki+H.&#x0026;author=Yoshikawa+S.&#x0026;publication_year=2006&#x0026;volume=60&#x0026;pages=258&#x2013;268" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Feeding interactions between planktonic copepods and red-tide flagellates from Japanese coastal waters
<a href="https://doi.org/10.3354/meps059097" target="_blank">CrossRef Full Text</a> | <a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Feeding+interactions+between+planktonic+copepods+and+red-tide+flagellates+from+Japanese+coastal+waters%2E&#x0026;journal=MEPS&#x0026;author=Uye+S.&#x0026;author=Takamatsu+K.&#x0026;publication_year=1990&#x0026;volume=59&#x0026;pages=97&#x2013;107" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
&#x201C;non-pollen palynomorphs,&#x201D; in Tracking Environmental Change Using Lake Sediments
Last (Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers)
Chitinous palynomorphs and palynodebris representing crustacean exoskeleton remains from sediments of the Banda Sea (Indonesia)
Geologica Ultraiectina Mededelingen van den Faculteit Aardwetenschappen Universiteit Utrecht 104
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Chitinous+palynomorphs+and+palynodebris+representing+crustacean+exoskeleton+remains+from+sediments+of+the+Banda+Sea+%28Indonesia%29%2E&#x0026;journal=Geologica+Ultraiectina+Mededelingen+van+den+Faculteit+Aardwetenschappen+Universiteit+Utrecht&#x0026;author=van+Waveren+I.+M.&#x0026;publication_year=1993&#x0026;volume=104&#x0026;pages=18&#x2013;51" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation (THM) in the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) of cultured and sediment-derived Lingulodinium polyedrum (Dinoflagellata) cyst walls
Evidence from Recent plankton regarding the biological affinities of Tasmanites Newton 1875 and Leiosphaeridia Eisenack 1958
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Evidence+from+Recent+plankton+regarding+the+biological+affinities+of+Tasmanites+Newton+1875+and+Leiosphaeridia+Eisenack+1958%2E&#x0026;journal=Geol%2E+Mag%2E&#x0026;author=Wall+D.&#x0026;publication_year=1962&#x0026;volume=99" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Modern dinoflagellate cysts and the evolution of the Peridiniales
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Modern+dinoflagellate+cysts+and+the+evolution+of+the+Peridiniales%2E&#x0026;journal=Micropaleont%2E&#x0026;author=Wall+D.&#x0026;author=Dale+B.&#x0026;publication_year=1968&#x0026;volume=14&#x0026;pages=265&#x2013;304" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
<a name="B73" id="B73"></a>Williams, G. L., Fensome, R. A., and MacRae, R. A. (2017). DINOFLAJ3. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists, Data Series 2. Available online at: <a href="http://dinoflaj.smu.ca/dinoflaj3">http://dinoflaj.smu.ca/dinoflaj3</a> (accessed January 20
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;journal=DINOFLAJ3%2E+American+Association+of+Stratigraphic+Palynologists%2C+Data+Series&#x0026;author=Williams+G.+L.&#x0026;author=Fensome+R.+A.&#x0026;author=MacRae+R.+A.&#x0026;publication_year=2017" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Basin filling related to the Philippine Sea Plate motion in Beppu Bay
Temporal changes of ostracode assemblages and anthropogenic pollution during the last 100 years
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Temporal+changes+of+ostracode+assemblages+and+anthropogenic+pollution+during+the+last+100+years%2C+in+sediment+cores+from+Hiroshima+Bay%2C+Japan%2E&#x0026;journal=Holocene&#x0026;author=Yasuhara+M.&#x0026;author=Yamazaki+H.&#x0026;author=Irizuki+T.&#x0026;author=Yoshikawa+S.&#x0026;publication_year=2003&#x0026;volume=13&#x0026;pages=527&#x2013;536" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Atlas of modern dinoflagellate cyst distribution based on 2405 datapoints
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Atlas+of+modern+dinoflagellate+cyst+distribution+based+on+2405+datapoints%2E&#x0026;journal=Rev%2E+Palaeobotan%2E+Palynol%2E&#x0026;author=Zonneveld+K.+A.+F.&#x0026;author=Marret+F.&#x0026;author=Versteegh+G.+J.+M.&#x0026;author=Bonnet+S.&#x0026;author=Bouimetarhan+I.&#x0026;author=Crouch+E.&#x0026;publication_year=2013&#x0026;volume=191&#x0026;pages=1&#x2013;197" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Preservation of organic walled dinoflagellate cysts in different oxygen regimes: a 10,000 years natural experiment
<a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?&#x0026;title=Preservation+of+organic+walled+dinoflagellate+cysts+in+different+oxygen+regimes%3A+a+10%2C000+years+natural+experiment%2E&#x0026;journal=Mar%2E+Micropaleont%2E&#x0026;author=Zonneveld+K.+A.+F.&#x0026;author=Versteegh+G.+J.+M.&#x0026;author=De+Lange+G.+J.&#x0026;publication_year=1997&#x0026;volume=29&#x0026;pages=393&#x2013;405" target="_blank">Google Scholar</a>
Kojima N and Kuwae M (2022) Marine Environmental Change Induced by Anthropogenic Activities &#x2013; From a Viewpoint of Aquatic Palynomorph Assemblages Preserved in Sediment Cores of Beppu Bay
Copyright &#x00A9; 2022 Matsuoka, Kojima and Kuwae. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY)</a>
distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted
provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited
in accordance with accepted academic practice
distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms
*Correspondence: Kazumi Matsuoka, <a id="encmail">a2F6dS1tdGtAbmFnYXNha2ktdS5hYy5qcA==</a>
Disclaimer:  All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher. 
94% of researchers rate our articles as excellent or goodLearn more about the work of our research integrity team to safeguard the quality of each article we publish.
2023A view of Takachiho-kyo Gorge in the Miyazaki prefecture of Kyushu
Photo: Getty ImagesSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors
we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links
The town of Beppu with its distinctive “steam vents.”Photo: Getty ImagesBeppu is located on Kyushu—the most southerly of Japan’s four largest islands—a destination revered throughout the rest of the country for its rich history and endless natural wonders
It was here that Buddhism first reached Japanese shores in the sixth century
before blending with the local tradition of nature worship to form the Shinto sect
the city of Nagasaki—was also the only port open to foreign trade during the centuries of self-imposed isolation by the Tokugawa Shogunate
Although contact with the outside world was drastically curbed
influence from Portuguese merchants quietly trickled through
especially in the local cuisine and textiles
Kyushu is best known for its nature—where Japan’s quaking
volcanic earth unfolds into a dramatic flourish of steaming mountaintops
including a panoply of unique citrus fruits
grow abundantly; and boiling rivers are cooled and corralled at resort towns where visitors from all over the world come to soothe their weary bones
A winding road near Mount Aso.Photo: Getty ImagesBeppu is one of the island’s most sought-after spa destinations
Its onsen (hot spring) culture is so prevalent that many of its senior citizens don’t have running water in their homes
preferring to use one of the myriad communal bathing houses nearby for merely a few yen a day
“It’s our country’s secret to long life,” my guide noted as we began what is known as the jigoku meguri
a tour of the city’s so-called “hells”: naturally occurring cauldrons of mineral water and mud
and verges on kitsch as the various pools—each a different tint of pearlescent blue
and red—are festooned with ghoulish deities
The real reason to visit is to sample a variety of foods that harness the extreme power of these boiling hot sites to steam meat buns
and even entire nabe pots full of vegetables and seafood to perfection
the focus of the resort is squarely on rest and relaxation
bolstered by a rambling spa that melds Thai wellness treatments and remedies with Japanese curative customs
An onsen room at the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa.Courtesy of IHG Hotels &amp; ResortsThe next day I venture further inland
to the village of Yufuin; the bucolic counterpoint to urban Beppu
It’s here that the distinctiveness of onsen culture melds with a certain European flair instead of other East Asian traditions
a group of entrepreneurs settled on tourism as the key to buoying their local economy and set off to Germany to seek inspiration from the country’s resort towns
cobblestone streets were laid and dwellings with gingerbread trim were erected between a scatter of small resorts that leveraged the area’s bevy of naturally occurring hot water
The modish dwellings designed by famed architect Kengo Kuma sit in stark contrast with the swirl of terraced rice fields all around
guests feast on elaborate multi-course kaiseki meals honoring the produce grown and raised in the region—then
open-air hot spring baths shaded by the privacy of fruit-bearing trees all around
The suites with outdoor baths at KAI Yuifin
muscles unclenched and skin slippery as a seal
I made my way to the train station to begin my journey home—a far more hellish prospect by comparison
mineral-rich water have been well documented throughout the last 1,500 years of Japanese history
and many of its rules and practices have barely changed over the centuries
While several high-end inns throughout the country have private bathing facilities
most onsen are geared toward public or communal use
Follow these easy steps to quickly become a pro
Baths at a ryokan in Yamanaka Onsen.Photo: Getty ImagesEnteringAt the entrance to every bathing facility
there will be an area to remove your shoes
Further inside there will be a second area to remove all of your clothing and leave your cell phone behind
All guests must bathe completely naked—there are no exceptions—and tattoos are prohibited as well
tattoos can be covered up with a bandage if they’re small
Bathing pools are separated by gender—a blue flag marks the entrance for men
and a red flag marks the entrance for women
it’s essential that you wash your entire body
Shower stalls will be evident as soon as you enter the bathing area
Have a seat on a low-slung stool and thoroughly wash yourself with the oft-provided soap and shampoo
Long hair should be fixed up and out of the way
make sure you’re free of suds before entering the spring
which many bathers use for modesty as they head toward the pool
your hair and the hand towel must never touch the water; some guests place the towel on the tops of their heads when they aren’t using it to dab their brows or dry their hands
there may be multiple pools with water gurgling at different temperatures—every guest is on their own wellness journey soaking for a few minutes in each
sitting around the pool’s edge to cool off
You may hear visitors using special breathing techniques
which many believe can increase your body’s absorption of the water’s minerals
conversation must always be kept to quiet voices and whispers
consider stopping by the showers on the way out to lightly rinse off
but it’s not customary to thoroughly wash your body again
as you want to keep the natural minerals on the skin so they continue working their magic
It is polite to use your small hand towel to dry your body off as best as possible before entering the changing area where larger drying towels await
If you don’t have time to venture out to Kyushu
there are plenty of other onsen towns and resorts scattered throughout the country with their own naturally occurring brew of bubbling mineral water
a Relais &amp; Chateaux property run by a husband and wife team who dote on all of their guests within pared-back surrounds that feel postmodern rather than spartan
and be sure to luxuriate in the Yakushiyama beauty products after bathing
the handwritten menus at dinnertime are an added personal touch and make for a beautiful keepsake
The onsen spa at Aman Kyoto. Courtesy of Aman ResortsYou don’t have to venture into the countryside to enjoy an onsen session. At the <a data-offer-url="https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-kyoto" class="external-link" data-event-click="{&quot;element&quot;:&quot;ExternalLink&quot;,&quot;outgoingURL&quot;:&quot;https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-kyoto&quot;}" href="https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-kyoto" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Aman Kyoto</a>
rich mineral water is pumped in from miles away to be enjoyed onsite
just blocks from some of the ancient capital’s most coveted temples
Soaking sections are part of Aman’s holistic approach to care that blends bathing with contemplating walks through the property’s forested grounds
A stay here comes with one warning: guests are often lulled into such extreme relaxation that they often toss their temple to-do list and hole up on the property instead
<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/danish-neurolighting-trend-hygge">The Danish Home Lighting Trend That Can Improve Your Mental Health</a>
<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/sauna-trend">In America’s Cities, Saunas Are Becoming the Hottest Social Spot</a>
<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/now-serving-millie-bobby-brown">Millie Bobby Brown Shares Her Favorite Paella Recipe—and Details About Her Wedding to Jake Bongiovi</a>
<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/nakasendo-trail-japan-guide">A Day-by-Day Guide to Hiking the Legendary Nakasendo Trail in Japan</a>
Never miss a Vogue moment and <a href="https://www.vogue.com/v2/offers/vog300?source=Site_0_VOG_EDT_GLOBAL_RECIRC_0_CONTROL_300">get unlimited digital access</a> for just $2 $1 per month
ANA InterContinental&reg; Beppu Resort &amp; Spa will be a destination for both Japanese and overseas visitors
blending luxury hotel and traditional Japanese spa experience
has long been a favourite with locals as an onsen retreat
the city will enjoy a boost as an international spa resort destination with the announcement of the execution of a hotel management agreement for the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa between IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC and GHS K.K
The exclusively designed ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa will be InterContinental&reg; Hotels &amp; Resorts' first onsen resort and will feature a unique experience including a public onsen bath
restaurants &amp; bars and Club InterContinental&reg; lounge
Each of the 89 luxury guest rooms also will feature both common and private onsen supplied with water from a local hot spring.&nbsp;
this will be Oita&rsquo;s first international luxury branded hotel and is expected to be a key attraction for both Japanese and overseas visitors
catering to the burgeoning luxury traveller segment
The resort - which is situated on 82,000m2 of land overlooking the city and bay - will be developed by Tokyo Century Corporation
with the support of Oita prefecture and Beppu City
commented: &ldquo;InterContinental is a world-renowned
located in most of the world&rsquo;s key cities and many resort destinations
blessed with rich cuisine and fine hot springs
As InterContinental&rsquo;s first onsen resort
ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa will be a globally unique luxury resort
and I am confident it will be a highly sought-after destination for both domestic and international travellers
This ANA and InterContinental co-branded hotel will attract both international and domestic travellers.&rdquo;
Representative Director of Tokyo Century Corporation said: &nbsp;&ldquo;This is the first luxury resort development for Tokyo Century Corporation
and we are especially excited to work with an internationally acclaimed global hotel brand as InterContinental for this project
Through the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa development
our aim is to contribute to Beppu&rsquo;s ambition to be a world-class international tourist destination.&rdquo;
which has leased the property from Tokyo Century Corporation and which has engaged IHGANA to manage the Hotel
added: &ldquo;With its natural beauty and more than 2,400 natural springs
Beppu has built a reputation throughout Asia as one of Japan&rsquo;s most renowned onsen destinations
We are very focused on further developing the city&rsquo;s potential as a destination for travellers who seek a world-class luxury resort experiences
We look forward to providing the iconic true luxury experience that InterContinental offers and to raising the international profile of the destination.&rdquo;
Oita Prefecture has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination in recent years
and that is expected to grow as Oita City prepares to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup
Luxury hotels like ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort &amp; Spa help support this influx of tourism by responding to the need for premium
There are currently 69 InterContinental Hotels and Resorts&reg; across Asia, Middle East and Africa, representing over one third of a total 187 of the brand&rsquo;s properties globally, with 27 in the development pipeline set to open in the coming three to five years. For more information on InterContinental Hotels &amp; Resorts, visit <a href="http://">www.intercontinental.com</a>
IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 5,200 hotels and 770,000 guest rooms in almost 100 countries, with nearly 1,500 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ihg.com/rewardsclub/gb/en/home" target="_blank">IHG&reg; Rewards Club</a>
<a href="/en">InterContinental Hotels Group PLC</a> is the Group&rsquo;s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales
More than 350,000 people work across IHG&rsquo;s hotels and corporate offices globally
<a href="/~/media/Files/I/Ihg-Plc/news/2017/press-release-ana-intercontinental-beppu-resory-spa-ana.pdf" class="link-icon link-download" target="_blank"> Japanese PDF 2.64MB</a>
the world-class resort opens as the region's first international luxury resort
offering sophisticated travellers a unique fusion of traditional hot spring culture and the InterContinental brand's promise of modern design
The opening strengthens the long-term venture with ANA and <a href="https://www.ihgplc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IHG®</a> in Japan and joins over 200 InterContinental Hotels &amp; Resorts worldwide
Renowned for its rich culture and distinguished local craftsmanship, Beppu lends itself to offering guests rare access into authentic Japanese experiences. To celebrate the opening, ANA InterContinental Resort &amp; Spa has curated a once-in-lifetime package, the <a href="https://anaicbeppu.com/en/offers/beppu-luxury-collage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beppu Luxury Collage</a>
Guests will also enjoy the art of bamboo weaving - an intrinsic part of the local culture with Beppu being the largest producer of madake (Japanese timber bamboo) - for an unforgettable class on bamboo ware
and a sunset dinner on-board the resort's private yacht
designed to unite the sky with the view overlooking Beppu's hot springs below
the resort features five restaurants and bars inspired by Japan's five elements: earth
<a href="https://anaicbeppu.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="external">Hotel website</a>
Brand Owner<a href="/organization/17000716/ihg.html">IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts</a>
one of the nine soloists (file photo)For nearly three hours a group of confident young people played like 99.44% pure professionals
with mature musicianship and expert technique
all playing with a self-assurance that was fully earned
These instrumentalists will be tomorrow’s respected and even renowned professionals
I didn’t manage to ascertain the ages of all of them
but the oldest one I talked to was 19-years-old (one was 20
high school kids—but they are already much more accomplished than all but one or two students I knew half a century ago in a very fine college
They are all players in the three-year-old Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
which founder/director Benjamin Zander has brought to a degree of precision and collective sound that approaches the best that our national orchestras can offer
filled Sanders Theater as fully as I’ve ever seen
Though not all seemed to be playing in the accompanied works
The program began with Schoenberg’s Five Pieces for orchestra
composed in 1909 and one of the great monuments of 20th-century orchestral music
Even though after a century it is considered standard repertory
What most audiences don’t yet grasp—it took me some years
but that was long ago—is that this music is really beautiful
The first piece Vorgefühle (Premonitions) and the fourth Peripetie (Moving around) are as explosive as The Rite of Spring; the second piece Vergangenes (Yesteryears) is the most variable in its expression
and yet it is on the tonal verge of D minor
Robert Craft once told me that of the five pieces
and this could be because of the four-against-three meter as well as the simultaneous different contrapuntal lines
is genuine atonal impressionism (the new title
“Summer morning by a lake” was added in the 1949 revision)
Das obligate Rezitativ (The obligatory recitative) Schoenberg may have included as a joke
is a contrapuntal fantasy of intensely melodic lines in steady 3/8
in which no repetition of any kind occurs except for a few short rhythms
And what a reassurance it was to see all of this controlled by Benjamin Zander’s scrupulously clear beat pattern
and perfectly attentive to the actual music
It’s absolutely the kind of leadership that is needed by alert and respectful young musicians who have never played this music before
were the soloists for the second and third movements of Bach’s beloved Concerto in C Minor
The ripieno strings were reduced to 4-4-3-2-1
and the violins and violas played standing
and the players controlled their own ensemble with no difficulty
The single movement we heard from a Concerto by Reinhold Glière was a stark reminder that the concerto repertory for the harp deserves to have more works that are better than this one
and this penetration persisted through an agreeable cadenza
This was also a work that might have benefited
from a string complement only half as large
Hayley Miller is studying flute at Boston University
Chaminade had an expert technique and a solid harmonic imagination; some think of her as a French Mendelssohn
More than a few were astounded by the fearless performance of Ilana Zaks
but who was not in the least daunted by the Allegro vivacissimo finale of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
(It has a dominant preparation 52 bars long—about as long
as the one in the first movement of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.) This is the same concerto that its original dedicatee
is a high school student who also studies at NEC
He played Tchaikovsky’s Pezzo capriccioso with naturalness and poise
This piece isn’t as well known as the familiar Variations on a Rococo Theme
I was especially impressed by the effortless negotiation between soloist and conductor of the complicated changes of tempo
a 17-year-old who began playing the violin when she was four and has studied at NEC for 11 years
gave a scintillating rendition of the sizzling Vivacissimo scherzo from Prokofiev’s Concerto No
There was a small dislocation right at the beginning of this dangerous movement
but not three seconds later she was back on track as expertly as any international soloist
and I was reminded also of the finale of the “Classical” Symphony No
I have heard a dozen performances of the last movement of Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto (his and Haydn’s are the only such concerti that are known everywhere) and each one is different
Every trumpeter puts in extra notes or ornaments ad libitum
a native of Peru currently studying at NEC
garnering lot of cheers from his friends on stage
The last solo of the day was particularly unusual for a youth orchestra: the first movement of Alban Berg’s Violin Concerto
This great work isn’t a matter of virtuoso display nearly as much as it is of warmth of expression and subtlety of nuance
requiring the utmost of cooperation between soloist and conductor
Like the Schoenberg which began the concert
this music would have been unthinkable for performance by any but a top professional orchestra only a few years ago; yet now we are hearing it beautifully executed by teenagers
Prodigious technique and training are obviously important; but these young people are acquiring a new kind of understanding that all of us took decades to achieve
The program concluded with Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite No
was such a favorite that it had been performed by the Boston Symphony approximately 250 times
it is a heroic workout for any professional orchestra
which provided inspiration for decades of Hollywood sound
the harmony moves so quickly that it can become easily blurred
such as the flute in Chloé’s dance (hats off to Katie Velasquez) and the whirling E-flat clarinet (Brittnee Pool)
eight percussion players were simultaneously at work
Comments Off on A Youth Orchestra Like Ivory Snow
If you would like to contribute articles or reviews to the Intelligencer, please familiarize yourself with our <a href="/about/policies">submission guidelines</a>.&nbsp; <a href="/subscribe">Subscribe to the Intelligencer.</a>
2023 - ORIX Real Estate Corporation (&ldquo;ORIX Real Estate&rdquo;) announced that it will open the second new guest room building
as part of a large-scale renovation project*1 underway at its Beppu SUGINOI HOTEL
Sora Kan is located at the northwesternmost part of the hotel premises
The open-air bath on the top floor offers a panoramic view of Beppu from a height of approximately 250 meters above sea level
leveraging Sora Kan's location with a view of Beppu Bay
Guest rooms are available in five various types (approximately 26 to 90 square meters)
including western-style and Japanese-western-style rooms
the company in principle acquires external certifications (CASBEE*2
etc.) for its new development properties (office buildings
which can be used to display environmental performance to third parties
and promotes sustainable initiatives such as reducing environmental impact
Sora Kan has acquired the highest rank of S in the CASBEE building assessment certification at the completion of construction
through the introduction of energy-saving facilities
ORIX Real Estate will continue to contribute to promoting and revitalizing local communities by developing facilities that meet customers&rsquo; needs while striving for environmental friendliness, safety, and security.  *1 <a href="https://www.orix.co.jp/grp/en/newsrelease/190612_ORIXG.html">ORIX Real Estate to Begin Large-scale Renovations of Beppu Suginoi-Hotel (June 12, 2019)</a> *2 A system that comprehensively evaluates the quality of buildings
such as energy conservation and the use of materials and equipment with low environmental impact
as well as indoor comfort and consideration for the landscape
*3 A certification system for buildings with a total floor area of 10,000 square meters or above
in which measures are taken to achieve further energy conservation in addition to the use of high-performance building envelopes and high-efficiency energy-saving facilities
and meeting halls are required to reduce their primary energy consumption by 30% or more from the base amount
[Comment from General Manager Tatsuya Kurama of Beppu SUGINOI HOTEL]
I am very pleased to announce that we will soon be welcoming guests to our second guest room building
as part of a large-scale renovation project that has been underway since 2019
Sora Kan will feature an open-air bath with a panoramic view
offering guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing time in a luxurious space with a spectacular view
We will continue to make SUGINOI HOTEL an appealing facility and boost Beppu tourism as we move toward the completion of the large-scale renovation in 2025
About ORIX Real Estate Corporation ORIX Real Estate is developing real estate-related businesses in a wide range of areas
These include development and investment in facilities such as office buildings
and commercial facilities; development and management of condominiums; real estate brokerage
and construction contracting; and management of facilities such as onsen hotels
It is pursuing the creation of new value in the real estate business based on its accumulated expertise
About ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS is the business brand for onsen hotels and hotels run by ORIX Hotel Management (Minato-ku
the brand covers a wide range in both onsen hotels and hotels
providing visiting guests with experiences to match their various life stages in order to be &ldquo;a location to which customers wish to return.&rdquo; ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS currently has 15 onsen hotels and hotels under five brands throughout Japan
from Hokkaido in the north to Beppu in the south
<a href="/grp/en/newsrelease/orixg/2023.html" class="back">2023 News Releases List</a>
 which shows theme park visitors enjoying various rides with hot tubs fitted into the carriages
 promises that if it receives 1 million hits
The video has gone viral and the target was reached just a few days after posting
 explains the thinking behind the concept: ”As the world’s biggest hot spring city
 we will develop innovative ways to show people the appeal of a hot spring
SPAmusement is an initiative that we want to make a reality and the first step in making Onsen to evolve into a new era.”
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/11/24/national/spa-themed-amusement-park-come-fruition-beppu-city-video-goes-viral/#.WDf-xfmLRPa
Get the latest attractions industry
 news direct to your inbox
Blooloop is taking climate action and is now B Corp Certified
Yasuhiro Nagano, the mayor of Beppu city in the south of Japan, posed the concept of a spa/amusement park hybrid in a YouTube video.   Back in November 2016, the municipal government created a <a href="https://blooloop.com/link/spamusement-park/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">promotional video about a fictional amusement park</a> in which visitors took baths and wandered around in bathrobes
if more than a million people watched the video
The video went viral and the threshold was met in just three days
renting out an existing amusement park and renovating a number of its attractions
a play on the Japanese for ‘amusement park’ and ‘hot water’
The 12 attractions include a watery roller coaster and a merry-go-round that has bathtubs instead of seats
Visitors are asked to wear swimsuits and relax in bathtubs filled with hot water or bubbles
Beppu has the most hot springs of anywhere in the world
 83,058 litres of water flows through the popular tourist spot per minute
The city raised ¥82 million through crowdfunding and other measures for its bathtub park
About 12,000 people are set to visit Yu-enchi over the three days
However only those who donated ¥8,000 or more to the city
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/07/29/national/beppu-makes-splash-bathtub-theme-park/#.WX4yR4jytPY
We meet a cat who fearlessly patrols crocodile enclosures heated by onsen steam
we encounter early rising cats and a tengu statue
2022Galleria Midobaru: A Beppu Art OasisThis luxury hotel with stellar views and en suite hot spring baths houses a superb collection of contemporary art.The lobby of Galleria Midobaru (Photo: Jennifer Pastore)
<a class="adLink-text" href="/en/aboutAd">AD</a>
Japan has no shortage of creatively inspired art hotels, but one that should be on every connoisseur&#x27;s list is Beppu&#x27;s <a href="https://beppu-galleria-midobaru.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Galleria Midobaru</a>
Opened in December 2020 in the Kyushu city
this elegant retreat won a 2021 Good Design Award for its seamless fusion of geography and culture
Its artworks were created specifically for the site by 12 Japanese individuals and art groups
who incorporated materials and themes unique to this area renowned for its hot springs
The collection was personally curated by Jun&#x27;ya Yamaide
an NPO putting Oita Prefecture on the map as a hub for contemporary art
Galleria Midobaru is situated at the base of Mount Tsurumi overlooking Beppu Bay
It consists of two sleekly modernist concrete buildings: a five-story structure with 35 guest rooms is connected to a two-story restaurant by a network of roofed outdoor corridors
which features floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean
The interior is chicly outfitted by the Osaka design unit graf
The hotel can be reached with a 15-minute taxi ride from Beppu Station
Akiko Nakayama&#x27;s video installation &quot;Medium&quot; (2020) greets arriving guests in the foyer
This three-screen work shows the boiling volcanic mud of Oni-ishi Bozu Jigoku
a Beppu site famed for its bubbles of ooze said to resemble the smooth
each video plays at a different speed and captures the geyser-filled landscape in different weather conditions
Mika Aoki&#x27;s glass sculpture stands at the foyer
While Aoki typically creates delicate works with motifs of tiny life forms such as cells and fungi
“Fluidity” (2021) is a sturdier piece that takes a macro view with the universe as its theme
Two works by the prominent installation artist Shinji Ohmaki punctuate the  lobby space
&quot;Gravity and Grace – Yudama&quot; (2020) is a stainless steel ball 150 centimeters in diameter suspended from the soaring ceiling
Its globular shape recalls the bubbles of hot spring water known as yudama in Japanese
A closer inspection reveals the work&#x27;s surface is covered in a menagerie of local motifs
such as Beppu Tower and indigenous flora and fauna
a set of LEDs with computer-controlled brightness generates patterns of light and shadow around the room
Illumination shows using the sculpture take place every morning and evening
&quot;Echoes Crystallization&quot; (2020) is the sphere&#x27;s companion
white Nihonga painting is made with crystal powder on Mino washi paper
Acting as the moon to the &quot;sun&quot; of &quot;Gravity and Grace – Yudama,&quot; &quot;Echoes Crystallizatoin&quot; depicts Kyushu plant species that are either extinct or on the verge of dying out
These pieces function as a pair to express the &quot;light and shadow&quot; of the region as a tourist destination
alluding to the double-edged sword of development and destruction
Hiraku Suzuki creates works including paintings
and films about the relationship between drawing and language
His painting &quot;Yuragi kara Hikari e&quot; (2020)
which translates to &quot;From Fluctuations to Light,&quot; is nearly five meters high
extending from the first-floor lobby up to the second level
Suzuki painted the work in silver ink directly onto the wall
Milky Way-like imagery suggests that the universe could be made up of this same wavering &quot;yuragi&quot; pattern
which is used to describe the movements of hot spring steam
The hotel&#x27;s open-air corridors were inspired by downtown Beppu&#x27;s famously intricate alleyways
Shafts of shadow and sunlight interact with the geometry of the resort&#x27;s architecture
The distinctive reddish hue of the walls and ceilings comes from iron powder added to the concrete to reproduce the natural color of excavated Beppu soil
Its complexion changes with the climate and the passage of time
Galleria Midobaru prioritized local materials with a low environmental impact in its construction process
The concrete slabs that form the building were cast in molds made from Oita cedar
Plaster used for the lobby was created with oyster shells from the surrounding Setouchi Inland Sea
Figurines from Olectronica&#x27;s &quot;Mou Hitotsu no Fukei&quot; (One More Landscape) series are dotted around the shared spaces of each level of the hotel
They were made by the Oita-based art unit Olectronica (Ryo Kato and Junpei Kodama)
which produces diverse works ranging from sculptures and large public installations to these diminutive carvings imagined as &quot;travelers.&quot; Nine of these works made from materials including wood
and metal can be found at Galleria Midobaru
is a rising star in the Japanese contemporary art scene with recent shows at major museums and galleries
mé created a black-and-white illustration of the cosmos filled with celestial bodies
The work – a meditation on perspective – has pride of place above the room&#x27;s bed section
The illustrator Izumi Ine splits her time between Tokyo and Beppu
She has collaborated with art museums and fashion brands and participated in Beppu&#x27;s Kiyoshima Apartment artist residency
Her light and lively &quot;Yu wa Kiku Iro&quot; (The Color Hot Water Hears)
Rooms on the third floor present the work of Nerhol (Yoshihisa Tanaka and Ryuta Iida)
a pair renowned for its carved photo sculptures
Nerhol typically creates portraits of people from intricately layered and cut photographs
but for Galleria Midobaru it produced works depicting Beppu&#x27;s forests and hot springs with the same intriguing realism and rich textures
Each spacious guest room comes with a bed area
The basin is continuously filled with water sourced from Horita Onsen
a local sulphur spring that has been soothing travelers for centuries with water said to relieve ailments like stiff muscles and fatigue
The bath faces an enormous window and opens to the balcony
creating a splendid feeling of airy openness
Another highlight of Galleria Midobaru is the dining experience. The in-house restaurant, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepeakbeppu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">The Peak</a>
is open to guests as well as non-guests and serves breakfast
offering both courses and à la carte meals made with fresh local ingredients in a refined setting
The Peak specializes in grilled dishes and uses an Italian brick oven that preserves the nutrients of the food
and other spirits pair well with the Western-style meat and seafood
Works of art can also be found inside The Peak
affectionately called &quot;Iwao-kun,&quot; that was excavated during the hotel&#x27;s construction
Iwao-kun was carefully selected from among the many rocks unearthed at the site
He has his own seat at one of the restaurant&#x27;s tables
the artist responsible for Iwao-kun and an important contributor to Beppu Project
explained that during his international travels he has stayed at countless
so he wanted to give Galleria Midobaru visitors a truly memorable experience
Masamitsu Katsu is an award-winning Osaka-born artist who moved to Beppu and has been involved with the local art scene for more than a decade
The Peak displays five of his stunningly photographic pencil drawings on paper
which depict the natural wonders of Beppu and the surrounding area
The work above shows the rippling waters of a Shinto shrine&#x27;s natural spring said to be immune to drought
Hot Spring Bar on the hotel&#x27;s second level offers drinks and desserts
This space is envisioned as a hot spring-esque gathering place where people from near and far can come together
The boards installed at the bar were colored with water from Beppu&#x27;s Tsukahara and Horita hot springs
Vividly colored photographs on the wall capture images from &quot;jigoku meguri&quot; (hell tours) around local thermal sites
The bar serves up creatively inspired drinks such as the bright-orange &quot;Blood Pond Hell&quot; citrus cocktail
museum-like hotel that keeps its unique location in mind
creating a one-of-a-kind experience for the visitor
From its architecture to its artworks to its cocktails
it lets its local roots shine while achieving a retreat experience that is both relaxing and stimulating for guests from all over
When asked why he wanted the hotel to focus on art
who comes from a Beppu family of inn keepers
explained that he believes &quot;art has an international appeal with the power to transcend language.&quot; Guests can enjoy free guided tours of the artworks each day from 4:00 p.m