The Blood Hell Ponds called Chinoike Jigoku in Japanese, in the hot spring town of Beppu, Oita Prefecture is a spring that is blood red. It has existed for over 1300 years and its color is said to be a result of some chemical reaction occurring underground. The color has remained this way ever since the beginning except for a 6 month period in the 1970's. The nearby Aso Volcano in neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture, had a very unstable period which affected the coloring of the water.
I found this information out from the owner who I was fortunate to meet in my first few years in Japan. In fact, I was a guest at their holiday house on site and of course the water that came out of the faucet for the hot bath was indeed red. An excellent opportunity was had to test the quality of the water and its therapeutic benefits. Result, thumbs up, fully recommended! Therefore for those that feel inclined, there is a footbath here can can be used on the premises. It's not the full body experience but it feels amazing nevertheless. Of course, I will bring the towels and all you have to do is sit and relax. For those who have never had a thermal mineral enriched footbath this will be a heavenly experience, guaranteed!
Today, this is a major attraction on the tourist sites of the region. Although there are 7 Hell pond attraction sites, without a doubt the Chinoike Jigoku is by far the most popular. On our private tours of Beppu we will only visit this one as there are obviously many more other remarkable sites in and around Beppu City specifically and Oita Prefecture in general.
We normally stay here for 20 to 25 minutes but they have an incredible gift shop that will be another excellent stop with many keepsakes and superb gift ideas. Those shopaholics and customers who want to find at least 1 special item from their travels, this is definitely the place for you.
Please check out the Chinoike Jigoku on this map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
Memory photo
Devil horns, lookout where you sit!
Footbath time
Lots of souvenirs
Onsen symbol
The local Oni (devil)
It is indeed Blood Red
Steam rises!
Great color and views
Lots of products to browse.
Worth trying some red beer?
Click find out more about the Chinokie Jigoku on these videos below:
On our 2 night/ 3 day tours of Kyushu, on the 2nd night we have the option of staying in Minamiaso (3 or 4 star) or Kurokawa Onsen (5 star). Most of my clients chosen Kurokawa Onsen because staying in a Ryokan enjoying Japanese Omotenashi (hospitality) and having an exquisite 8 course Kaiseki washoku (traditional Japanese food) dinner ticks all their boxes.
On this particular tour the Kurokawaso Onsen was chosen as their accommodation of course. This was a lucky omen for me as I stayed here before many years ago with my family when the kids were a lot smaller. It also gave me satisfaction as a guide knowing that the next day when I picked up the team there would be many smiling faces the next morning.
This is exactly what I got!! The atmosphere and the general outlook was so positive. The dinner course and the hot spring experiences (both public and private hot spring experiences are available) were still on everyones lips with many different stories from nights past being relived for everyones pleasure.
This is what a guide attains to achieve on every tour especially ones that are multiple days in succession. The joy, the stories and the experiences will forever be etched in the memory banks with months and years of enjoyment.
Please check out Kurokawa Onsen here on a map below:
Please click on these photos to enlarge:
Surrounded by nature
Private rooms
Dinner menu
Of course there is Wagyu
Party atmosphere
Sake please
Fabulous all year round
Highly recommended
Memories galore
Please click on these video below to see more about the Kurokawaso Ryokan in the Kurokawa region of Kumamoto Prefecture.
It's been a while between posts and actually a longer time between tours to be truthfully honest! Dream Tours Japan has been on hiatus but that doesn't mean we have been twiddling our thumbs and not doing anything to improve.
To rest on your laurels means that you are satisfied with your product but nothing could be further from the truth. Over the last 2 years we have been redefining our services, streamlining activities and generally adding more content and attractions to our private tours.
I am sure 2023 will be a great year. A chance for everyone to get back to a normal life again and to enjoy one of our true passions in life, travel and adventure. Many new concepts and experiences will be added to our customized tours and I am sure this will entice a whole new group of travelers to our offerings. Tourists have been flocking back into Kyushu, especially Fukuoka and Nagasaki. I can hear a lot more languages being spoken instead of just Japanese on the streets these days. The cruising scene looks fantastic, with many ships returning to Kyushu cities in record numbers. Shore Excursion Travel Companies may not be ready for the influx of numbers but we certainly will be!
Another region of Kyushu will soon be added to our travel list and this will be announced in due course.
Suginoya Brewery is one of the most popular stops on our Itoshima Peninsular Day Tours out of Fukuoka. Why is this? Well, it all about the tradition of the Sake Brewing process, exploring the old but esthetically pleasing building as well as the tasting experience that gets everyone fully involved in the process.
The Brewery is over 140 years old and it shows but in a traditional and authentic way. No one wants to go to a brand new building that lacks character and history, it is for this reason that a huge majority of our customers have rated this attraction as their favorite one on the day.
On this rather cold and cloudy winters day, I took a wander around the facilities and enjoyed all of the scenes and experiences that were on offer. You can take your time and inspect all the materials and equipment that is used, otherwise you can just jump to the tasting side with friendly and informative staff ready to answer you questions.
But really the proof of the product is in the taste and you have many an opportunity to taste their Japanese sake, a wide selection of beers and of course everyone`s favorite Umeshu (Japanese Plum Wine). Just be careful, because for many people this is seen as a rather weak drink but Suginoya Brewery produces a Umeshu at 20%, which is the strongest but most delicious variety that I have ever tasted. A recommendation by moi, for all to enjoy.
Please look below to see the Suginoya Brewery on a map:
Please click of the photos below to enlarge:
A real Sake Factory
Old traditional machinery
Space to roam
Another happy customer
Today's choices
Special tasting rooms
Lots to observe
Stout Beer anyone?
Gift packs
Please click on the videos below to see more about the Suginoya Brewery.
This video above shows highlights of both the Suginoya Brewery and the Ichiran Ramen Factory.
Check out more about the Suginoya Brewery on this above videos.
