Chikugōgei Yamashō

Top choice in Beppu


Opened in 1948 and recently renovated, this gallery feels like an intimate museum of Japanese bamboo art. Many of the works were made by well-known artists from around Beppu and range from sky-high-priced baskets for ikebana (flower arranging) to tableware and even shoehorns.

It's the tan, stucco-front building just outside the Yayoi Arcade, across from Okinado.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Beppu attractions

1. Beppu Tower

0.38 MILES

Built in 1957, this erector-set-style tower near the bay has an observation deck with 360-degree views. It's a popular visit for couples.

2. Beppu Traditional Bamboo Crafts Centre

1.85 MILES

You may be blown away by the versatility of bamboo, which grows copiously in the Beppu region. In the ground-floor gallery, intricate, refined pieces span…

3. Kamado Jigoku

3.25 MILES

So named because it was once used for cooking (kamado means stove in Japanese). One of the Kannawa group's jigoku (hells; boiling hot springs).

4. Shira-ike Jigoku

3.25 MILES

One of the Kannawa group's hells, Shira-ike has blue-white water and a Japanese garden. It tends to be the quietest of the neighbourhood's jigoku (hells;…

5. Oni-yama Jigoku

3.26 MILES

Oni-yama is especially known for the 80-plus crocodiles that have been bred here since the Taishō period (1912–26). It's one of the Kannawa group's jigoku…

6. Oniishibōzu Jigoku

3.26 MILES

One of the Kannawa group's jigoku (hells; boiling hot springs), Oniishibōzu has bubbling grey mud that looks like a monk's shaved head.

7. Yama Jigoku

3.28 MILES

Yama is not included in the onsen meguri ticket and must be visited separately. A variety of animals are kept here in enclosures that look uncomfortably…

8. Umi Jigoku

3.29 MILES

Umi is a steamy blue due to iron oxide in its 98°C water. It's said to be about 200m down to the source. One of the Kannawa group's jigoku (hells; boiling…