Chinoike Jigoku: the blood-red hell of Beppu

Discover the 7 hells of Beppu

Located in the northeast of Kyūshū Island, Beppu (別府) is one of Japan’s most famous cities for hot springs (onsen). With nearly 3,000 baths spread throughout the city, Beppu is a true haven for relaxation and thermal bathing enthusiasts.

But what truly sets Beppu apart is its spectacular Seven Hells Tour (Jigoku Meguri, 地獄めぐり). Unlike regular onsens where you can soak, these hot springs are far too hot and constantly bubbling, showcasing the sheer power of geothermal activity.

Here are the 7 Hells of Beppu:

Umi Jigoku (海地獄) – The "Sea Hell", featuring a stunning cobalt-blue pool.
Kamado Jigoku (かまど地獄) – The "Cooking Pot Hell", famous for its sulfurous steam.
Oniishibōzu Jigoku (鬼石坊主地獄) – The "Monk’s Head Hell", with bubbling gray mud pools.
Oniyama Jigoku (鬼山地獄) – The "Demon Mountain Hell", home to a colony of crocodiles.
Shiraike Jigoku (白池地獄) – The "White Pond Hell", with its milky-white waters.
Tatsumaki Jigoku (龍巻地獄) – The "Geyser Hell", with regular eruptions.

And finally, one of the most impressive of them all:

Chinoike Jigoku : the blood pong hell

One of Beppu’s oldest hells

Among the 7 Hells, Chinoike Jigoku is the oldest, with a history dating back over 1,300 years. Its name literally means "Hell of the Blood Pond", referring to its intense red hue.

This striking color comes from iron oxide-rich clay and other minerals, which dissolve in the water, maintaining a temperature of around 78°C (172°F). This unique phenomenon makes Chinoike Jigoku one of the world’s rarest geothermal landscapes.

In 2009, the site was even recognized as one of Japan’s most beautiful scenic spots.

A clay with therapeutic properties?

For centuries, the red clay of Chinoike Jigoku has been used for its medicinal properties. Traditionally, it was used to:

Dye fabrics, thanks to its high iron content.
Make healing ointments for skin conditions.

Today, visitors can purchase natural remedies made from this clay. According to the park’s official website, it is said to help with:

Eczema
Minor burns
Athlete’s foot
Acne
Hemorrhoids
Itchy skin

A 22-gram sachet of this medicinal clay costs 1,500 yen (~10 €).

Other attractions at the site

A free foot bath heated by the hot spring water (Bring a small towel!).
A restaurant offering classic dishes such as Japanese curry, tempura (fried fritters), and burgers.

How to get to Chinoike Jigoku?

Getting to Beppu’s Hells is relatively easy thanks to the city’s well-developed public transport system.

From JR Beppu Station

By Bus
- From JR Beppu Station, take the pink line "Spatto / すぱっと" operated by Kamenoi Bus.
- Board Bus No. 16 and get off at "Chinoike Jigoku Mae" (check the bus map).
- The site is right next to the bus stop and Tatsumaki Jigoku is just a short walk away.
By Car
- A small parking lot is available near the site, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.