Located on the island of Kyûshû, Beppu (別府) is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring (onsen) destinations. With nearly 3,000 baths, it attracts visitors seeking relaxation and unique geothermal experiences.
But beyond its traditional onsen, Beppu is particularly famous for its "Seven Hells" tour (Jigoku Meguri, 地獄めぐり). These hot springs are far too scalding for bathing, but they offer a fascinating geothermal spectacle with bubbling, colorful waters, sulfuric steam, and even crocodiles!
What are Beppu’s seven hells ?
The Jigoku Meguri consists of seven spectacular hot springs, each with its own unique characteristics.
Umi Jigoku (海地獄) – the sea hell
This deep cobalt-blue pond, about 200 meters wide, is one of the most striking on the tour. The mesmerizing blue color comes from dissolved iron sulfate in the water.
- Temperature: 98°C (208°F)
- Highlights: Free foot bath, giant Amazonian water lilies, and local delicacies cooked with volcanic steam.
Chinoike Jigoku (血の池地獄) – the blood pond hell
Its intense red water, caused by iron and clay oxides, gives it an eerie, almost supernatural appearance.
- Temperature: 78°C (172°F)
- Highlights: Cosmetic products made from the pond’s red clay.
Kamado Jigoku (かまど地獄) – the cooking pot hell
One of the most interactive hells, where visitors can feel the volcanic steam, drink the hot spring water, and see pools in a variety of colors.
- Temperature: 90-100°C (194-212°F)
- Highlights: Free foot bath, volcanic steam-cooked dishes.
Oniishibôzu Jigoku (鬼石坊主地獄) – the monk’s head hell
Boiling mud pools create bubbling patterns that resemble the shaved heads of Buddhist monks.
- Temperature: 99°C (210°F)
- Highlights: Free foot bath, access to the Oniishi no Yu onsen.
Oniyama Jigoku (鬼山地獄) – the demon mountain hell
For over 100 years, this hot spring has been used for breeding crocodiles. More than 60 reptiles live here.
- Temperature: 98°C (208°F)
- Highlights: Crocodiles!
Shiraike Jigoku (白池地獄) – the white pond hell
Although the water is naturally transparent, it turns milky white when exposed to air.
- Temperature: 95°C (203°F)
- Highlights: Japanese garden and an aquarium featuring giant Amazonian fish.
Tatsumaki Jigoku (龍巻地獄) – the geyser hell
A natural geyser that erupts every 30 to 40 minutes, shooting hot water several meters into the air.
- Temperature: 105°C (221°F)
- Highlights: A souvenir shop and a beautiful azalea garden.
How to visit the seven hells from Ôita
Getting from Ôita to Beppu
From Ôita, take the JR Nippô Line to JR Beppu Station (15 minutes, covered by the JR Pass).
Getting Around the Hells
The Seven Hells are divided into two areas and are accessible by Kamenoi buses (lines 2, 5, 24, or 41, see bus map).
| Bus stop | Nearby hells | Travel info |
| Kannawa | Umi, Kamado, Oniishibôzu, Oniyama et Shiraike | From Beppu Station: 39 min / 29 stops / 400 yen |
| Chinoike Jigoku Mae | Chinoike et Tatsumaki | From Kannawa: 6 min / 7 stops / 220 yen |
1-day bus pass: 1,100 yen (~7.40 €), a good deal if you plan a round trip to the more distant hells.
Suggested itinerary (4 to 5 hours, Including bus travel)
- Umi Jigoku – A stunning start with its vivid blue waters.
- Oniishibôzu Jigoku – A short walk from Umi Jigoku, perfect for a foot bath.
- Shiraike Jigoku – A quick stop before heading to Kamado Jigoku.
- Kamado Jigoku – Great for a snack break and another foot bath.
- Oniyama Jigoku – Visit the crocodiles after lunch.
- Tatsumaki Jigoku – Try to arrive in time to watch the geyser erupt.
- Chinoike Jigoku – A dramatic finale with the blood-red pond.
Are all the hells worth visiting?
After visiting all seven, some stand out more than others.
The best ones
- Kamado Jigoku – Features mini pools from other hells, steam-cooked food, and a foot bath.
- Umi Jigoku – Breathtaking scenery with its large cobalt-blue pool.
- Chinoike Jigoku – The red-hot water is unforgettable.
Worth visiting if you have time
- Oniyama Jigoku – If you're interested in crocodiles.
- Tatsumaki Jigoku – The geyser eruption is quite a spectacle.
The less impressive ones
- Oniishibôzu Jigoku
- Shiraike Jigoku
Other attractions in Beppu
The onsen of Kannawa
The Kannawa district is home to many traditional hot spring baths, including the Mushiyu (Kannawa Steam Bath / 蒸し湯), a natural steam bath used since the Edo period.
- Entrance fee: 700 yen
- Towel rental: 310 yen
Try a "Jigoku Mushi" meal
Restaurants in Kannawa serve dishes steamed using geothermal heat, known as Jigoku Mushi (地獄蒸し). You can even cook your own food in hot steam baths!
Beppu Kaihin Sunayu – a sand bath by the sea
Experience a hot sand bath where you're buried in naturally heated sand. The facility is located along the beach, near JR Beppudaigaku Station.
Mount Tsurumi (鶴見岳) – a stunning view over beppu
A 30-minute bus ride from Beppu Station takes you to the Beppu Ropeway, which leads to the summit of Mount Tsurumi. Enjoy a panoramic view of Beppu and the bay from the top.
