Beppu Bentenike

Befuitsukushima Shrine has a pond about 40m in circumference in the precincts. Mt. Hanao to the north west of the pond is said to be the source, providing the underground water that runs along the fault line and has been filtered over the years. The water of the pond is so clear.

Distinct to the karst formations, the clean water stays at 14°C (34°F) and transparent cobalt blue water in lovely gradation almost puts you in a fantasy world. In 1985, Ministry of the Environment selected it into 100 Best Waters in Japan. If you have your water bottle, you are free to take some water and taste it.

There is a mythology that drinking this water brings longevity and prosperity and visitors began frequenting this power spot in recent years. This pond is also used as a trout farm. You can catch rainbow trout in the neighboring Mine City’s fishing pond.

There is a mythology that a wealthy man opened this area in ancient days but suffered from water shortage. As told in a dream, he built Benzaiten Shrine and found this pond. In every fall, locals dedicate Beppu Nenbutsu Dance to the shrine in appreciation for this water.