An Illustrated Japan / Yamaguchi / Famous Views
Also written: 別府弁天池 · 别府弁天池
A mysterious pond with crystal-clear cobalt-blue spring water; selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Water Freshwaters, its color shifts with the light.
Another illustration of this place, under Townscape & Scenery →
Beppu Benten Pond in Beppu Mizukami, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi, is a transparent cobalt blue spring pond inside shrine grounds of Beppu Itsukushima Jinja. Doline-type spring 20 m by 15 m, depth about 4 m, discharge 186 L per second about 11 tons per minute, water temperature 14°C year round, calcium 20 ppm responsible for blue color. Selected in 1985 as Beppu Benten Pond Spring Water among 100 Best Waters in Japan, geosite of Mine-Akiyoshidai Geopark. Sand boils at bottom shimmer mystically, once used for irrigation and life water, downstream trout fishing pond and sturgeon farm. Free shrine visit but no wading, swimming or fishing in sacred pond, no touching. Parking free 20 cars, toilets, 3 minutes walk from parking, 10 minutes from Akiyoshidai karst. Best photo morning when sun overhead lights blue. Nearby Akiyoshido and Akiyoshidai pottery workshops. Legend says that goddess Benten enshrined here controls water, and local children offering to goddess ensures abundant harvest, continuing spiritual respect for water source among community elders. Water filters 20 years through limestone. The area is well maintained with parking and toilets. Local cuisine and seasonal events enrich visit. Photography recommended early morning or sunset. Check tide tables and weather forecasts for best experience. Family friendly and accessible for most visitors with moderate walking. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers.
