Beppu Benten Pond, a Hidden Power Spot in Mine City

In Mine City, the Beppu Benten Pond is a beautiful spring pond within the precinct of Beppu Itsukushima Shrine, chosen among Japan top hundred waters. Its surface, glowing an emerald-like cobalt blue, looks mysterious, and in recent years it has drawn attention as a power spot. Rain falling on the karst plateau of Akiyoshidai seeps underground through sinkholes and wells up from the bottom of the pond rich in minerals. When light enters, only blue is reflected, giving rise to this dreamlike color. In 1985 it was selected among the top hundred waters of Japan as the Beppu Benten Pond Spring.

Highlights

• The mysterious surface of the pond glowing cobalt blue under the sun. About 4 meters deep, its water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom
• A legend that drinking the pond water grants longevity and bestows treasure
• Its other side as a water of beautiful skin, said to moisturize when applied
• A landscape unified with the quiet precinct of Beppu Itsukushima Shrine, which enshrines Benzaiten

Enjoying the Seasons

The water stays around 14 degrees throughout the year, so its clear blue can be enjoyed at any time. In summer the cool spring water feels pleasant, and on clear days the blue appears even more vivid. In autumn the surrounding greenery takes on color, and in winter you can quietly face the water in clear air. At the adjacent trout farm, rainbow trout and sturgeon raised on this spring water are farmed, and you can also enjoy fishing.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Beppu, Shuho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture (within the precinct of Beppu Itsukushima Shrine)
• A taxi from Ofuku Station on the JR Mine Line is convenient
• By car it lies along Prefectural Route 31, easy to fold into a drive from the direction of Akiyoshidai or Akiyoshido Cave
• A water station lets you take the spring water home
• Free to view

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: The blue shows most vividly around midday on a clear day when the sun is high. On cloudy or rainy days, and in the dim early morning or evening, the blue is more muted
• Avoiding crowds: The parking lot can fill during the day with locals and visitors coming to draw the famous water. For an unhurried view, aim for early morning right after opening
• Time needed: About 30 minutes for the pond and a visit to the shrine. Adding a meal or fishing at the trout farm makes for one to two hours
• Nearby spots: Karst landmarks such as Akiyoshido Cave and Akiyoshidai lie within driving distance, and a loop combining them is popular
• Budget guide: Viewing is free. If you bring an empty bottle you can take the famous water home at no cost. Meals and fishing at the trout farm cost extra

A Quick Tip

On clear days, the blue stands out most vividly when the sun is high. If you plan to draw some famous water to take home, having an empty bottle ready makes it easy. The neighboring trout farm lets you taste rainbow trout raised on the spring water, so pairing your visit with a meal is recommended.

📚 Sources

This article draws on sightseeing information published by Mine City and its tourism association, along with guidance on the Beppu Benten Pond, selected among Japan's finest waters, and Beppu Itsukushima Shrine. Signboards along the pond were also consulted. Opening hours of nearby facilities may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes to an hour for the spring pond and the shrine visit.
• Preparation: Comfortable shoes suit walking around the pond.
• Getting around: Viewing the pond within the precincts of Beppu Itsukushima Shrine and paying respects covers the highlights.
• Highlights: The cobalt-blue surface is a beauty selected among Japan's finest waters.
• Note: As a natural spring, watch your footing at the water's edge.