Japan Study Abroad Program | Day 6 | May 15

Today was all about geothermal energy during the fun one day excursion to Oita:

We woke up really early and set off for Oita prefecture. During the 90 minutes ride, Professor Henderson gave us a lecture on geothermal energy.  When we arrived in Oita, we first went to visit the Hatchobaru Geothermal Power Plant, the largest geothermal plant in the country. The first thing you notice is the smell of sulfur! We started the tour with a short film with English subtitles which gave us comprehensive information about the geothermal power in Kyushu and other parts of the country. Afterwards, we walked with the tour group while Professor Henderson explained additional information about the plant. It was fascinating to see the facility and learn more about different type of energy that Kyushu area is providing to the communities.

After the geothermal plant tour, we went to the Beppu “Hells,” where we saw a few types of boiling water and mud; "Umi Jigoku" and "Bozu Jigoku". Those were different colors, Ao, Aka, and Haiiro, due to different types of minerals in it. We also dipped our feet in a hot spring for a while which was very relaxing. This was such an amazing sight and will never be forgotten.

Then, we were off to experience one of the most traditional and cultural activities we all were looking forward to: taking a bath in onsen! We had a good time experiencing sand baths, saunas, and natural hot springs galore. The feeling of relaxation and meditation that came with it was amazing. The feeling of sitting under the waterfall was serene and a perfect time to sit and reflect. 

Dinner was another unique cultural experience; Jigoku Mushi where we cooked our food in a natural geothermal steamer after we picked our own ingredients from a grocery store. Between all of us, we were able to finish all the food that we had brought, which we didn’t think we would be able to do. 

Once we got back to Tanga Table, we all were tired and very relaxed, so we decided to just go straight to bed. We are ready for the University of Kitakyushu Hibikino campus visit tomorrow!

Today was possible thanks to Hiro-san from our wonderful Fukuoka based travel agency, Mizu Trans Corporation! Thank you! 

Oyasumi!

Amazing experience to see Hachobaru

Foot bath

Blue...

Brown/red...

... and gray :)

Time for a grocery shopping!

It took only 15~20 minutes to steam all those food!
Power of geothermal energy in this onsen city!

Vocabulary:
Ao – Blue
Aka – Red
Haiiro – Grey
Onsen – Hot Spring

By Blake, Jason & Jonathan

Comments

  1. Tod TreatMay 15, 2018 at 4:44 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tod TreatMay 15, 2018 at 4:45 PM

    It looks really hot there, but that just makes the food taste better! Enjoy....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ShaunMay 15, 2018 at 5:00 PM

      Yes each day is getting a little hotter. Mostly high 70’s to low 80’s but humid.

      Delete
  3. UnknownMay 15, 2018 at 4:47 PM

    Great post, it looks like another amazing day! How much of the city's requirements are generated
    by geothermal? How is the area's stability with regards to earthquake activity? Thanks for keeping us updated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ShaunMay 15, 2018 at 5:07 PM

      The island of Kyushu needs about 9GW of power do this plant supplies only about 1% of that. Renewables account for about 17% of the islands power needs but that is increasing fast.
      As for earthquakes, there is a lot of work going to strengthening structures. This geothermal plant is required to withstand a 7.5 and automatically shuts down with a 7 or higher.

      Delete
    2. Tod TreatMay 16, 2018 at 8:59 AM

      Wow. Great opportunity to learn about construction techniques.

      Delete

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