large numbers of crocodiles bred and kept on the grounds surrounding this hot spring, is nearby. Visitor attractions Beppu is part of the course of the annual Beppu-Ōita Marathon, which traces a path between Beppu and its neighboring city of Ōita. The competition has been held every year since 1952 and is classed as an IAAF Silver Label road race. Shidaka Lake is located above sea level. Otobaru Waterfall is a local natural attraction, located in the mountain area of Beppu city, 20 minutes' walk from Wonder Rakutenchi, a traditional amusement park. Takasakiyama Monkey Park is located 10 minutes from the center of Beppu by bus. The park is home to more than 1500 Japanese macaques. Kijima Kogen is a resort which includes an 18-hole golf course and hotel alongside an amusement park. It is located on a plateau en route to Yufuin. Beppu has not only usual hot springs but some sand and foot baths as well. One famous spot is "Beppu Kaihin Sunayu, Ashiyu", (”Beppu marine beach sand bath and foot bath"). It is 15 minutes by bus from Beppu station, on Route 10. is located in the center of the city, a 15-minute walk from Beppu Station. Beppu Fireworks Festival, held in late July, is one of the biggest fireworks displays in Oita. Five thousand fireworks are set off from boats floating on Beppu Bay. Beppu Contemporary Art Festival "Mixed Bathing World" is an art festival held every three years in Beppu. The Beppu Ropeway connects Beppu with Mount Tsurumi. Education Beppu University, a private university first chartered in 1954, also has a campus in Oita City. Beppu Mizobe Gakuen College, established in 1986, is a private junior college located in the north of Beppu. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, a private university established in 2000. Sports Beppu is home to the Oita Heat Devils basketball team. The team's season was canceled in 2011 due to the earthquake that struck Japan on March 11. International relations The city of Beppu has sister city relationships with the following locations. Atami, Shizuoka, Japan (since August 5, 1966) Bath, Somerset, England, United Kingdom (since October 31, 1994) Beaumont, Texas, United States (since May 20, 1985) Jeju, South Korea (since January 17, 2003) Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, South Korea (since October 1, 1984) Rotorua, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand (since July 10, 1987) Yantai, Shandong, China (since July 26, 1985) Buildings Beppu Tower