Yufuin, nearby, offers even more hot springs.
Beppu can serve as a resting point before or after a trip to Mount Aso. The Kyushu Oudan Bus departs for Mount Aso from a depot about a block and a half east of JR Beppu Station on Ekimae-dori.
The African Safari Wildlife Park Tel. 0978-48-2331 is a 60 minute bus ride from JR Beppu Station. Look for the kangaroo-covered posters outside the west exit. Yes, kangaroos.
Takasakiyama
Tel. 097-532-5010 Open daily 8:30AM-5:00PM ticket office closes at 4:30PM; ¥500 About half-way between Oita and Beppu, where a colony of over 500 Japanese macaques can be visited in a pleasant surrounding. The macaques walk among you and one of the best sights is feeding time when a frenzy starts. For photos and video the best time to visit is from morning to early afternoon when the sun is behind you. At the base of the mountain is the visitors' center and Oita's Marine Palace, an aquarium with a dolphin show and trained fish. Those going to both can get a discount ticket at the Beppu Tourist Office in Beppu Station.Fukuoka is 2 hours away via Sonic Limited Express trains.
