Beppu, picturesquely wedged between the mountains and the sea, is not only Japan's hot spring central but in fact, it has the world's second-largest number of hot springs - only Yellowstone Park can boast of more.
On most days of the year, you can see thick clouds of steam wafting out from the Kannawa and Horita neighborhoods. There, the springs are boiling and the steam comes out everywhere between the houses, even through the asphalt of some parking lots.
In the 5 years I've been living in Beppu now, I've tried a good number of the springs myself and I've also taken plenty of visiting friends to the baths. Now, where would I take you if I were to be your local guide?
Read more: http://www.japanvisitor.com/japanese-culture/onsen/beppu-onsen#ixzz3sWAxZ4UQ