The Beppu Onsen in Oita prefecture has the largest hot spring emission in Japan. Starting in the Meiji Period, new railroads and the Seto Inland Sea route development boosted the number of guests visiting the hot springs. Initially most of the guests where long-term hot spring visitors who came for curatives. During their stay the guests used rice sieves and miso strainers produced on the side by farmers around Beppu and then took them back home.