Beppu, Oita
A drive to Jumonjibaru Highland At the lookout in early autumn, take your time watching where the sea meets the city.
What I came to love was seeing the bright city and dark sea together. Looking at the bay between the lights, rather than focusing only on the lights, makes me want to keep watching.
The story of an early-autumn night looking at Beppu Bay. Follow the city lights and find the sea’s shape too.
AutumnAn early-autumn night
Following the lights revealed the bay’s shape
One early-autumn afternoon, my driving friend and I stopped at Okamotoya Shop in Myoban. I chose jigokumushi pudding, made using hot-spring steam. Savouring it spoon by spoon, we talked about seeing the city from Jumonjibaru that night.
On the road to the lookout, I drove with my hands on the wheel and eyes ahead. When I go out to see the city lights, I look forward to taking in the view once I arrive. Once I left the car and stepped out to the lookout, city lights continued far into the distance.
My coat was still draped over my arm. With my hands together in front of me, I looked towards the sea from this side of the wooden fence. Beside all those lights, the dark bay spread out.
Following the lights along the shore, I grew more curious about Beppu Bay’s shape. “The city goes all the way over there,” I told my friend, then looked a little farther. Near and distant lights gave a sense of depth too, and I couldn’t choose where to look.
Jumonjibaru looks not only over Beppu but towards Oita too. Before leaving, I looked once more at the bay’s darkness and slowly followed the bright city’s edge. Next time, I wanted to come by day and find the same outline of the sea.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Okamotoya Shop’s jigokumushi pudding
A pudding made with hot-spring steam, served at Okamotoya Shop in Myoban Onsen. I chose it as an afternoon treat and enjoyed the stop before heading for the night view.
Highlights
City lights and dark Beppu Bay
From the highland overlooking the sea, you can see the city lights stretching into the distance. I even became curious about the water visible between the lights.
A view I’d like to see by day too
A place looking over Beppu City and towards Oita. Once you know the shoreline’s shape at night, you can look forward to a daytime drive to see the same view.
Driving and walking details
Access to Jumonjibaru Highland lookout
- By car from JR Beppu Station
- About 30 minutes
- Spaces for regular cars
- 8 spaces
Drive to the highland above Beppu. After arriving, I’d like to take my time looking at the bay and city lights.
About 30 minutes is the estimated drive from JR Beppu Station. Parking has 8 spaces for regular cars and 1 reserved for buses.
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