Beppu Jigoku Hells
Kyushu-Okinawa Region
The Beppu Jigoku Hells, located in Beppu, Ōita Prefecture, Japan, are a famous group of hot springs designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. Unlike typical onsen hot springs meant for bathing, these 'hells' are for viewing only, showcasing various geothermal features such as boiling mud, vibrant colored waters, and erupting geysers. The site includes seven main hells: Sea Hell known for its intense blue water; Oniishibozu Hell with bubbling mud resembling monk heads; Kamado Hell featuring color-changing hot springs; Crocodile Hell housing about 80 crocodiles in a warm habitat; Shiraike Hell with light blue water next to a tropical fish aquarium; Chinoike Hell, the oldest natural hell with red hot mud; and Tatsumaki Hell, a geyser that erupts every 30-40 minutes. The entire circuit, called Beppu Jigoku Meguri, takes about two to two and a half hours to complete. The vivid colors and unique geothermal activity make these hells a captivating natural attraction, blending geological wonder with cultural significance in the onsen town of Beppu.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Consider purchasing a combined ticket for all seven hells to save time and money. The geyser at Tatsumaki Hell erupts every 30-40 minutes, so plan your visit accordingly to witness this spectacular natural display. Crocodile feeding demonstrations occur on weekends at Crocodile Hell, offering a unique viewing opportunity. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the main cluster of hells is within walking distance, but some require bus or car access.
Interesting facts
- •The name 'Jigoku' means 'hell' in Japanese, reflecting the area's historical reputation as a forbidding and dangerous place due to its intense geothermal activity.
- •Tatsumaki Hell is the only geyser among the hells and can erupt up to 30 meters high, though a protective roof limits the height for spectators.
- •Oniishibozu Hell's boiling mud bubbles resemble the shaved heads of Buddhist monks, which is the origin of its name.
- •Crocodile Hell was the first crocodile breeding facility in Japan, utilizing the natural heat to create a suitable environment for about 80 crocodiles.
- •Chinoike Hell is the oldest natural hell in Japan, known for its distinctive red-colored hot mud.
History
The Beppu Jigoku Hells have been known for over a thousand years, with references found in the ancient 'Bungo Fudoki' describing the area as a forbidding place due to its steaming vents, boiling mud, and hot springs.
The term 'jigoku' or 'hell' originated from local people's fear and avoidance of these geothermal sites.
Over time, these natural features were developed into tourist attractions.
Several of the hells, including Sea Hell, Blood Pond Hell, Tornado Hell, and White Pond Hell, have been nationally designated as Places of Scenic Beauty due to their distinctive colors and forms.
Place Guide
Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku)
The starting point of the Jigoku Meguri tour, featuring vibrant blue water heated to 98 degrees Celsius, used traditionally to boil onsen eggs.
Oniishibozu Hell (Oniishibozu Jigoku)
Known for its boiling gray mud ponds, with bubbles resembling the bald heads of Buddhist monks, giving the hell its name.
Kamado Hell (Kamado Jigoku)
Features a variety of hot springs with one spring changing color depending on temperature and weather conditions.
Crocodile Hell (Oniyama Jigoku)
Home to about 80 crocodiles, this hell was Japan's first crocodile breeding facility, taking advantage of the natural heat to create a suitable habitat.
Shiraike Hell (Shiraike Jigoku)
A light blue pond located next to a tropical fish aquarium which houses species such as pirarucus and piranhas, supported by the steam from the hot spring.
Chinoike Hell (Chinoike Jigoku)
Japan's oldest natural hell, famous for its red-colored hot mud which gives it the name 'Blood Pond Hell'.
Tatsumaki Hell (Tatsumaki Jigoku)
The only geyser among the hells, erupting every 30-40 minutes and reaching up to 30 meters in height, though a roof limits the visible height for visitors.
Contact
Phone: 0977-66-1577