Jay Dubya
Google
This is a little off the beaten path, but if that's what you are looking for, this place will deliver. The fee is reasonable, but there is no indication from anyone or any signs that you need to be tottaly capable of doing a lot of stairs and uphill grades. The Buddas are amazing, and many are carved right into the cliff face. The map they give you does not show everything, so after number 2, go up the path to your right, and you will find some very old stones and a beautiful bamboo forest walk. The bamboo walk leads to an old Budda hut of sorts with carvings and a bell to ring if you donate a small amount. There are areas with steps and some with very steep inclines, and I wish I had brought some water. Near the end, there is another set of Buddas with a beautiful view over their small valley. When you leave here, if you are going back to Beppu, I recommend you turn right and go along the coastal road. It takes you through many small villages, and you are on a non busy road right at the seaside. Then you go through the heart of a massive industrial area, which is interesting itself. There is a nuclear power plant and Nippon Steel, and it's just interesting to see. The only thing I could compare it to in size is the refinery areas around Houston, Texas. Great stop on a day road trip from Beppu.
