Day 17 We left early again for a relaxing day in Beppu which is famed in Japan for its natural hot springs, or Onsen as they are known over here. Before we were able to get out of the door in Yafuin Youth Hostel we were serenaded by the hostel owner, his wife and little girl with a rousing rendition of Country Roads, the name of their hostel. It was fantastic and sent us on our way with a smile, albeit laden down with all our luggage. Stepping off the train, Beppu looked much like any other Japanese city, untill you looked a little closer and saw plumes of steam rising from many of the buildings and grates in the street! Our first stop was to visit two of the local "hells", places where steaming
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