Beppu in Oita Prefecture, in the northeast of the island of Kyushu, sits on a geological hot spot that produces a wide variety of natural onsen, or hot springs, making it a popular destination for bathers from around the country. There are so many that plumes of steam can be seen rising from all around the city day and night. At the beginning of April, the Beppu Hatto Hot Spring Festival as a kind of "hot spring thanksgiving day". Many of the springs are open for free during this time, allowing visitors to experience many different types.