Kinrin-ko

Kyūshū


On the eastern side of town, the small 'Lake of Golden Fish Scales' was named by a Meiji-era philosopher and is a local landmark. Shops, cafes and restaurants line its northern shore and the pedestrian route from the town centre, and there's an lovely shrine on the southeastern shore. When it's not crowded, the ripples on the water and the reflections of trees and mountains on its surface can be enchanting.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kyūshū attractions

1. Oniishibōzu Jigoku

6.7 MILES

One of the Kannawa group's jigoku (hells; boiling hot springs), Oniishibōzu has bubbling grey mud that looks like a monk's shaved head.

2. Umi Jigoku

6.71 MILES

Umi is a steamy blue due to iron oxide in its 98°C water. It's said to be about 200m down to the source. One of the Kannawa group's jigoku (hells; boiling…

3. Yama Jigoku

6.75 MILES

Yama is not included in the onsen meguri ticket and must be visited separately. A variety of animals are kept here in enclosures that look uncomfortably…

4. Kamado Jigoku

6.89 MILES

So named because it was once used for cooking (kamado means stove in Japanese). One of the Kannawa group's jigoku (hells; boiling hot springs).

5. Oni-yama Jigoku

6.91 MILES

Oni-yama is especially known for the 80-plus crocodiles that have been bred here since the Taishō period (1912–26). It's one of the Kannawa group's jigoku…

6. Shira-ike Jigoku

6.94 MILES

One of the Kannawa group's hells, Shira-ike has blue-white water and a Japanese garden. It tends to be the quietest of the neighbourhood's jigoku (hells;…

7. Beppu Traditional Bamboo Crafts Centre

7.04 MILES

You may be blown away by the versatility of bamboo, which grows copiously in the Beppu region. In the ground-floor gallery, intricate, refined pieces span…

8. Chi-no-ike Jigoku

7.6 MILES

Chi-no-ike is named for its photogenic waters, said to be red like blood (chi). The colour comes from iron oxide and magnesium oxide. This is said to be…

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