You haven't really done Beppu until you've met its most distinctive resident - the Yayoi Tengu with its massive red nose. While you'll spot Tengu (these legendary Japanese mountain spirit/goblin creatures) all over Japan, the one in Beppu is something else. We're talking about the granddaddy of all Tengu noses here - seriously, it's the most impressive one we encountered in our entire Japan trip.
This isn't just some random statue - it's become kind of a local celebrity in Beppu. If you're trying to figure out what to prioritize in this quirky hot spring town, put this on your must-see list. It's one of those uniquely Japanese experiences that makes for both great photos and great stories when you get home.