Highlights of Nagasaki Walking Tour: Kite-Making Workshop
Fancy trying your hand at something truly ‘local’ and hands-on in Nagasaki? Don’t miss the chance to make your very own hata - a traditional Nagasaki kite, at the Ogawa Kite Shop (小川凧店). Ogawa Kite Shop Run by third-generation craftsman, Akihiro Ogawa, this small workshop is packed with history, colour and charm. Nagasaki’s hata kite-making is a traditional craft that has been passed down for nearly 400 years. A particularly enjoyable part is the cutting out of each other’s flags. Even today, these kites are still flown in exciting kite-battle festivals! Make Your Own Hata After learning about the history of hata, you’ll move on to crafting your own kite […]
Unzen by E-Bike: A Cool and Easy Mountain Ride
The Unzen E-bike tour - a scenic and relaxing way to explore the beautiful mountains of Unzen. Start at the Unzen Onsen Tourist Information Centre The tour starts at the Unzen Onsen Tourist Information Centre, where you’ll hire your e-bike. Be sure to dress comfortably and bring water with you! After a practice ride, you’ll commence your journey up the hill, taking in the cool breeze and deliciously fresh air. Nita Pass Observation Deck Your first stop will be the Nita Pass Observation Deck, about 1,000 metres above sea level. Enjoy stunning views of: This is a great place to stop and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature. Ropeway […]
Become a Local! A Walking Tour of Crafts & Onsen Culture in Obama, Nagasaki
Fancy escaping the busy tourist spots and seeing the real Japan? Join our walking tour in Obama, Nagasaki, where you’ll witness local lifestyle, handmade crafts and relaxing hot springs. About Obama Onsen Obama Onsen is in Unzen City, Nagasaki. The town is famous for its hot spring water, which gushes out at a scalding 105°C - the hottest in Japan! Packed with minerals, the water is fantastic for your skin, making it feel soft and smooth. Besides relaxing in hot spring baths with amazing ocean views, you’ll also have the rare chance to taste local delicacies, cooked using natural steam directly from the hot spring. Without a doubt the perfect […]
Beppu’s Artsy Side – 3 Creative Experiences to Try!
When you think of Beppu, the first thing that probably comes to mind is onsen. But step away from the steam for a while, and you’ll find something just as soothing; the quiet joy of creating art with one's own hands. In Minami-Beppu (southern Beppu), tucked away among the neighbourhood's cosy, local cafes, Space Beppu offers hands-on art workshops in which you can fully express yourself, whilst meeting passionate creators and connecting with the town in a more meaningful way. Here are 3 of our favourite art-&-craft-related things to try: ✨ Coming up next: the crafty part! Bamboo, wood & more! GLIDE JAPAN Inc. Mission As ambassadors of our region, we connect […]
Limited Time Only! Cool Down this Summer at Space Beppu with Flowing Noodles ('Nagashi Somen')!
Written by Audreay, 12 May 2025 A Glide Japan intern from the 2024 batch and now a staff member, Audreay's favoruite summer activity in Japan is definitely 'nagashi somen'! What could be better than a sip of icy cold somen noodles in the scorching summer heat? Space Beppu is back with our Summer Limited-Time Activity! Last year, we were blessed with a shower of reservations for our 'Bamboo Flowing Noodles' activity - Summer Fun with Flowing Noodles ('Nagashi Somen'). It proved the most popular activity of summer 2024! This year, we’re proudly bringing it back! But hurry, as it’s only available for a limited time! Slots fill up quickly around […]
5 Hidden Gems in Beppu, Oita : Explore Beyond the Guidebooks
Beppu, known for its iconic hot springs and rich culture, offers so much more than what you’ll find in a typical travel guide. If you’re looking to uncover the secrets of this charming city, here are five hidden gems that promise unique and unforgettable experiences. I. Fukuroku：Bakery Cafe Ⅱ. SPICA：Shop and gallery Ⅲ. Watanabe Tomi Shoten : Cafe Ⅳ. Space Beppu : Cafe・Shop・Gallery Ⅴ. Rokusei ：Cold Noodle Shop GLIDE JAPAN Inc. Mission As ambassadors of our region, we connect local communities with the world, paving the way for a prosperous future. Vision Our goal is to become Japan’s leading engine of regional revitalisation, making it a norm to attract young […]
Crafting Memories: Our Woodcraft Workshop at Space Beppu
Written by Jazmin Safena, 22 February 2025 An intern at Glide Japan in 2025, Jazmin joined us on a journey through Minami Beppu, capturing her thoughts and experiences along the way. If you're looking for a fun, hands-on experience in Beppu, Space Beppu’s Woodcraft Workshop is definitely worth checking out! We had the chance to join a session led by Sakamoto-sensei, who patiently guided us through the process of making our very own wooden keyrings. The best part? We got to customise our keyrings with our favourite kanji characters or initials, making them truly one-of-a-kind souvenirs. From carefully carving the letters to adding the finishing touches, the whole process was […]
Onsen Wonderland: Kannawa
Written by HNIN THET HAY MANN, 22 February 2025 An intern at Glide Japan in 2025, Mann joined us on a journey through Minami Beppu, capturing her thoughts and experiences along the way. Kannawa - a wonderland where one can truly sink into the charms of a traditional Japanese hot spring town. With its abundance of hot springs, historical ambience and - most palpable of all - its steam-billowing streetscape, Kannawa is indeed a place where hot spring steam seeps into every corner of life. Unstoppable natural hot spring steam continuously rises through the ground, the surrounding hot spring machinery and bathhouses, as though the town itself were breathing. A […]
Bamboo Lantern Workshop: Crafting Light and Memories in Beppu
Written by Audreay, 12 March 2025 A Glide Japan intern from the 2024 batch and now a staff member, Audreay was among the first participants of the Bamboo Lantern Workshop. Since then, she has been instructing the workshop, witnessing its growth into one of Space Beppu’s most popular activities within just a year of its launch. Reserve your slot now! ▶︎ CLICK HERE ◀︎ Bamboo and Beppu Besides being an onsen town, bamboo is also a significant part of Beppu’s heritage. In the past, before plastic products became mainstream, bamboo-made items were essential in daily life. A shift in bamboo production occurred when Japan’s economy began rising during the 1950s. […]
The Art of Japanese Calligraphy at Space Beppu
Written by Audreay, 12 March 2025 A Glide Japan intern from the 2024 batch and now a staff member, Audreay’s first-ever workshop experience during her internship was the calligraphy class at Space Beppu. She enjoyed it so much that she even bought her own calligraphy set to continue practising at home. For her, calligraphy is not just an art but also a therapeutic escape from a busy life. Reserve your slot now! ▶︎ CLICK HERE ◀︎ Discovering the Art of Calligraphy in Beppu My first-ever Japanese calligraphy class was with Haruka-san, the calligrapher at Space Beppu, in 2024. It was during this class that I learned that shodō (書道) is […]