🗺️ Beppu Bentennike別府弁天池

Benfuten Pond is located within the grounds of the Beppu Itsukushima Shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and it is a pond with a circumference of about 40 meters. The underground water that flows from Mount Hanai in the northwest of the pond cascades down along a fault line, resulting in a water quality with extremely high transparency developed over a long period of time. The limestone geology gives the pond water a chilly temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, and depending on the angle of sunlight, the clear cobalt blue gradient creates a beautiful, dreamlike atmosphere. In 1985, it was selected as one of the "One Hundred Famous Waters of Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment. Visitors can bring their own containers, such as plastic bottles, to take home the pond water for free, so it's worth a taste. In recent years, there has been a legend that drinking the pond water can extend life and bring wealth, making it a popular energy spot. Additionally, the pond water is used for breeding rainbow trout, and visitors can enjoy the experience of fishing for trout at the nearby Miya City Trout Farm. The surrounding area also features well-known tourist attractions such as Akiyoshidai. According to legend, in ancient times, a chieftain who developed this land was troubled by a lack of water sources. Following the guidance of a deity in his dreams, he dedicated offerings to Benzaiten and subsequently discovered this pond. Therefore, every autumn, a "Beppu Nenbutsu Dance" is held as a ritual dance to express gratitude.

You can see the mysterious and breathtaking scenery of gradients. You can taste the sweet water quality selected as one of the "Top 100 Famous Waters of Japan." It is an energy spot where you can pray for longevity and enhance your fortune. The Yamaguchi Prefecture intangible cultural asset, "Beppu Benten Festival," is also worth seeing.