About
Okamotoya Shop with traditional yunohana huts visible in the background
Okamotoya Shop stands as Beppu's most famous destination for jigoku-mushi (hell-steamed) pudding and authentic yunohana products, operating since 1988 in the Myoban hot spring district. 🔗 Located at 3 Kumi, Myoban, with panoramic views toward Beppu Bay and surrounded by traditional yunohana-goya straw huts, the shop represents the intersection of Beppu's hot spring culture and culinary innovation.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Okamotoya achieved fame through repeated research creating the "Original Beppu Special Jigoku-mushi Pudding," a unique dessert that has maintained its original recipe since debut in 1988. 🔗 The pudding derives its distinctive character from being steamed in extremely hot sulfur-laden vapor erupting from underground hot springs - the naturally occurring sulfur acts as a preservative while creating the pudding's signature mineral flavor and exquisitely soft texture. 🔗
The shop uses luxurious amounts of fresh eggs, milk, and cream, crafting each pudding carefully by hand with no artificial preservatives. 🔗 The result is a well-balanced dessert that avoids excessive sweetness while achieving both firmness and exquisite softness through the unique hell-steaming process. 🔗 The slightly bitter caramel complements the rich, creamy custard, while the mineral taste from hot spring-steamed eggs creates a unique flavor profile impossible to replicate elsewhere. 🔗
Beyond pudding, the shop sells natural bathwater additives called "Yunohana" harvested in the traditional yunohana-goya huts visible throughout the property. These 100% natural bathing powders are created when steam erupting from underground permeates blue clay-covered floors, with yunohana crystals separating from the clay surface after approximately one month. This production method has been designated an important intangible folk culture asset by the Japanese government. 🔗
Visiting Information
Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM daily (Last Order 5:30 PM) 🔗
Access:
- By Bus: From JR Beppu Station, approximately 25 minutes by bus to Myoban area 🔗
- By Car: Look for the huge pudding sign at the roadside 🔗
- Walking from Myoban Yunosato: 5 minutes' walk between the two shops
Cost: Free to browse shop; pudding and products priced individually
Current Status: Open and operating normally with full product range
The Experience
Upon arrival, visitors experience the distinctive sulfur aroma and views of numerous yunohana-goya straw huts used for manufacturing sulfur-based bath salts. 🔗 The shop offers panoramic views spreading toward Beppu Bay with rising hot spring steam and yunohana-goya with straw-thatched roofs creating an atmospheric backdrop. 🔗
The primary experience centers on purchasing and tasting the fresh jigoku-mushi pudding. Each pudding is handmade and steamed to order using the traditional hell-steaming method. 🔗
The shop covers roughly 330 square meters and stocks a wide range of Oita and Beppu specialties and original products, including the famous ointment "Chinoike Nanko" and location-exclusive items. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Shopping Strategy:
- Purchase pudding fresh to enjoy on-site - the warm, just-steamed experience is optimal
- Puddings also available to-go but best consumed within hours due to preservative-free nature 🔗
- Compare yunohana bath salt offerings with Myoban Yunosato prices and formulations
- Ask about Chinoike Ointment if interested in traditional remedies
- Online shop allows domestic shipping of non-perishable items 🔗
Best Visit Time: Mid-morning (9:30-10:30 AM) for freshest pudding selection and fewer crowds; combine with nearby Myoban Yunosato shop visit
Seasonal Considerations (Early November):
- Comfortable cool weather enhances the experience of enjoying warm, freshly steamed pudding
- Steam from yunohana huts particularly visible in cooler morning temperatures
- Clear autumn weather provides excellent views toward Beppu Bay
Photography:
- Iconic giant pudding roadside sign serves as landmark photo opportunity
- Traditional yunohana huts with steam rising create atmospheric shots
- Panoramic Beppu Bay views from shop property
Cultural Etiquette:
- Don't disturb the working yunohana production huts
- Sulfur smell is natural and authentic - part of the genuine onsen experience
- Dispose of pudding containers in designated recycling bins
Weather Preparation:
- Mountain location can be 2-3°C cooler than central Beppu
- Light jacket recommended for early November
- Outdoor seating available for pudding enjoyment in pleasant weather
Important Notes:
- Jigoku-mushi pudding contains eggs and dairy - check ingredients for dietary restrictions
- Puddings are preservative-free and should be consumed same day for optimal quality 🔗
- Shop can get crowded during lunch hours (12:00-1:00 PM) - visit earlier or later
- The sulfur aroma throughout the area is authentic and safe, though strong for first-time visitors
- Cash and major credit cards accepted
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/beppu/okamotoya-shop.md