The Garan-dake Crater Remains
Hot Spring Overview
The Garan-dake Crater Remains are located on the slope (at approximately 800m elevation) of Mt. Garan (1,045m), an active volcano in Tsukahara, Yufuin Town, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture. Also known as "Sulfur Mountain," this crater area continues to show active fumarolic activity today. The crater contains multiple steam vents, creating a "hell-like" landscape filled with the scent of sulfur. Near the crater remains is a formation called a mud volcano, which began forming in 1995. Mt. Garan is situated at the northern end of the volcanic group with Mt. Tsurumi as its main peak, and in 2003 it was officially recognized as an active volcano by the Japan Meteorological Agency. This area is said to be the source of the Beppu Hatto (eight hot spring areas of Beppu: Hamawaki, Beppu, Kankaiji, Horita, Myoban, Kannawa, Shibaseki, and Kamegawa). Visitors can access the crater remains through the Tsukahara Onsen "Kakonoizumi" facility.
Hot Spring Details
Practical Info
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Facilities
Access Information
To reach the Garan-dake Crater Remains, drive northeast from Yufuin along Prefectural Roads 617 and 616 for about 30 minutes to arrive at Tsukahara Onsen "Kakonoizumi." To visit the crater, pay the entrance fee (200 yen for adults, 100 yen for elementary school students) at the reception of "Kakonoizumi," then walk up the maintained mountain path behind the facility buildings for about 5 minutes. The path starts with a gentle slope but becomes steeper along the way. The path is well-maintained, but the area around the crater is fenced off, and visitors must stay within designated viewing areas for safety. As there is considerable distance from the nearest public transportation, access by private car or taxi is most convenient.
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About Secluded Rating
Access (Difficulty to Reach)
15min walk
The Garan-dake Crater Remains and the Tsukahara Onsen "Kakonoizumi" at its foot are relatively accessible, being about 30 minutes by car from Yufuin, with parking facilities available. However, its location is away from the typical touristy hot spring areas, situated in a natural environment on the slope of Mt. Garan. Although the crater remains themselves are only about a 5-minute walk, visitors must climb a steep mountain path, and the area around the crater maintains its primitive natural state. The facilities are simple with minimal but adequate amenities, and there are relatively few tourists, making it a quiet place beloved by locals as well. Combined with its unique strongly acidic spring quality, it is known among hot spring enthusiasts but rarely prominently featured in general tourist guides, making it a hidden gem. Therefore, it is rated as "Somewhat Secluded."