Cobalt water. Bubbling mud. Vermilion ponds. Billowing steam.
Welcome to the Hells of Beppu.
The Hells of Beppu, called Beppu Jigoku in Japanese, are seven hot springs located in the Kannawa and Shibaseki Districts of Beppu, Oita Prefecture. Unlike typical Japanese hot springs, these scalding ponds are not for bathing but rather, for viewing as they can reach temperatures of up to 100℃ (212℉). Their unique appearances—from their vivid hues to their unlikely crocodile companions—have made them exceedingly popular attractions for international and domestic travelers alike.
In this guide, we will introduce the city of Beppu, the special characteristics of each hell, jigoku mushi (hell-steamed cuisine), Beppu Jigoku ticket prices, and access information.
Are you ready? Let’s step into hell.
Beppu: One of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts
Located in Japan’s southern Kyushu region in Oita Prefecture, Beppu is one of the largest hot spring resorts in western Japan, producing more hot spring water than any other resort in the country. People from Japan and abroad flock to this city for its retro charm, historic inns, and of course, its plethora of baths. Here, rising hot spring steam intertwines with city life and the verdant mountains beyond, creating a captivating mingling of nature and man. For an incredible view of this scenery, visit Yukemuri Observation Deck where you are granted elevated panoramas of the steam-adorned Beppu and Kannawa Districts against Mt. Tsurumi and Mt. Ohira.
The Seven Hells of Beppu
Alongside the city’s innumerable relaxation offerings and nostalgic streets are the 7 Hells of Beppu. Of the seven hells, five are located in the Kannawa District and are easily explorable by foot. The other two reside in the Shibaseki District, which is about a 20-minute drive or bus ride away. Many visitors opt to travel by local bus or a sightseeing bus. We will have more details on the logistics later! First, let’s introduce the distinguishing features of each hell, four of which are designated as National Places of Scenic Beauty (Umi Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku, and Shiraiike Jigoku).
We will first list the five Kannawa hells, followed by the two Shibaseki hells.
- Kannawa District: Umi Jigoku, Oniishibozu Jigoku, Shiraike Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, and Oniyama Jigoku
- Shibaseki District: Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku
The entrance fee for each hell is ¥500. If you are planning to visit five or more hells, we suggest purchasing the Common Admission Pass for ¥2,400, which offers savings of up to ¥1,100. You can purchase this pass at any of the hells. Though please be aware that the pass is only valid for two days—the day of purchase and the day afterwards—and only permits you to enter each hell once.
1. Umi Jigoku: “Sea Hell”
Umi Jigoku is one of Beppu’s representative hells and has a roughly 1,200-year-old history. It is recognized as the largest of Beppu’s Hells, rests at roughly 98℃ (208.4℉), and is 200 meters deep. However, its most distinctive feature is its vivid cobalt water from which it earned the name “Sea Hell.” Around the pond, lush greenery, vermilion torii (gates), and plumes of white steam contrast with the alluring water. In addition to the hell, the site is also home to a beautiful Japanese garden, a pond with giant lilies (best viewed in the morning from summer to autumn), and a nourishing foot bath. It is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and try some hell-cooked cuisine (jigoku mushi). The hot spring-boiled eggs and pudding are especially popular.
2. Oniishibozu Jigoku: “Monk’s Head Hell”
Oniishibozu Jigoku is different from the other Beppu Hells. Instead of water, it is filled with bubbling, gray mud. When the bubbles dome on the surface, they resemble the shaven heads of monks, hence its name. As layered rings form around the bubbles, the pond takes on an almost celestial appearance. Near the pond is a geyser named Oni no Takaibiki, or “Demon’s Snoring.” As you may have guessed, the steam that spews from this geyser sounds like a slumbering demon. Similar to Umi Jigoku, Oniishibozu Jigoku also features hell-steamed pudding and eggs, as well as a foot bath where you can unwind to the sounds of burbling mud and dozing demons.
Another feature that sets this hell apart from the others is the adjacent day spa, Onishi-no-Yu. In the midst of your adventure, this facility offers a naturally lush haven where you can pause and relax in an indoor or outdoor bath that still echoes the sounds of bubbling mud.
3. Shiraike Jigoku: “White Pond Hell”
As its name suggests, Shiraike Jigoku is known for its milky white water. Around the pond, a beautiful Japanese garden adds a touch of serenity to the area. This hell is known to be one of the quietest Beppu Hells, so it is a perfect stop when you need a moment of peace. Interestingly, the hot spring is also home to a Tropical Fish Aquarium that houses numerous species—most notably, the pirarucu, which is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.
4. Kamado Jigoku: “Cooking Pot Hell”
According to legend, the fumarolic gases of Kamado Jigoku were used to steam rice for the guardian deity of the Kamado Hachimangu Shrine Festival—giving the spring its name “Cooking Pot Hell.” However, this hell is not a singular “pot.” Instead, it is made up of six mini hells, featuring vivid pools of cobalt and red, as well as a mud pond. It is almost like a mini culmination of the Hells of Beppu.
When you first enter the hell, you will be greeted by its representative demon statue, standing over a collection of steaming rocks. In between admiring the springs, you can relax with a moisturizing steam bath for the hands, feet, throat, and skin, soak your feet in beautifying cobalt hot spring water, and try some hell-steamed eats.
5. Oniyama Jigoku: “Crocodile Hell”
You may have assumed that Oniyama Jigoku got its name from a story or myth related to crocodiles, but this is not the case. The Crocodile Hell is actually home to about 70 crocodiles and is known as the first facility in Japan to raise this animal. Naturally, this spring is a must-visit for people who love these ancient reptiles. In addition to live crocodiles, the facility also has an exhibition room with taxidermied crocodiles and a demon monument. It holds crocodile feedings every Sunday and Saturday at 10am.
The main star of Oniyama Jigoku is Ichiro III. Born in 1992, this famous crocodile is about four meters (13 feet) long and weighs 500 kg (1,102 lbs). Be sure to say hi when you visit.
6. Chinoike Jigoku: “Blood Pond Hell”
Perhaps one of the more sinister hot springs, Chinoike Jigoku is characterized by its vivid vermilion color. The blood-red water and billowing plumes of white steam create a truly hellish landscape. Luckily, the encircling foliage adds lush life to the scenery as well.
Also recognized as Japan’s oldest hell with 1,300 years of history, Chinoike Jigoku has a foot bath, a souvenir shop, and a restaurant serving popular eats like the Chinoike Burger and Chinoike Pudding. As a memento of your visit, we recommend picking up some Chinoike ointment, made from clay that boils out of the hell. The red clay is said to help soothe skin issues, including eczema, athlete’s foot, itchy skin, and acne.
7. Tatsumaki Jigoku: “Tornado Hell”
Rather than a hot spring, Tatsumaki Jigoku is a geyser that erupts about every 30 to 40 minutes. If not for the stone roof above the geyser, it would have the power to reach approximately 30 meters (98 feet) high. Here, you can also enjoy lovely azaleas from mid-April to early May and beautiful migrating chestnut tiger butterflies in October. Be sure to stop by the local souvenir corner for fresh gelato made from Oita ingredients and refreshing mandarin juice made from Tatsumaki Farm’s fruit.
Jigoku mushi: Hell-steamed cuisine
Now, let’s talk about jigoku mushi. Dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868), this cooking method uses hot spring steam to cook food. Typically, the ingredients, such as vegetables, fish, meat, pudding, and more, are arranged in a colander and placed in a “jigoku kettle,” which releases high-temperature steam. They are then left to softly cook. The ingredients are not seasoned since they absorb the slightly salty taste of the hot spring steam. With this technique, the natural flavors of the ingredients truly shine.
In Oita, especially in the Kannawa District, you can enjoy jigoku mushi at inns and restaurants, and some facilities even allow you to steam your own ingredients, creating a uniquely immersive dining experience.
The Hells of Beppu Tour
If you want to explore all of Beppu’s hells, we recommend following the Beppu Jigoku Tour (Beppu Jigoku Meguri), a generally self-guided experience that takes about three hours. Though, please note that the hells are only open from 8am–5pm.
Most visitors start in the Kannawa District since its five hells are explorable by foot—approximately five minutes apart. When you are ready to travel to the Shibaseki District, take a local Kamenoi Bus from the Kannawa Bus Stop, located in front of the Kannawa Information Centre, to Chinoike Jigoku Mae. The bus ride takes about five to 10 minutes and costs ¥220.
If you are looking for a more structured tour, you can also reserve a seat on Kamenoi Bus’ Regular Sightseeing Bus Tour. This tour costs ¥4,500 for adults and includes the hells’ admission fees, a guide (in Japanese only), and transportation between the hells. Please check the official website for more information.
No matter how you choose to explore the Hells of Beppu, you are guaranteed to leave feeling awed by Earth’s impressive power and beauty.
Access to the Hells of Beppu
Most visitors start at Beppu Station, which services the Nippo Main Line, as well as the Limited Express trains Sonic, Yufu, and Yufuin-No-Mori. From Beppu Station, the easiest way to reach the Beppu Jigoku is by local bus to Kannawa Bus Stop, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
Once you arrive, you are ready to explore!
