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.
- Chinoike Jigoku (血の池地獄) – The "Blood Pond Hell", known for its striking red color.
- Kamado Jigoku (かまど地獄) – The "Cooking Pot Hell", famous for its sulfurous steam.
- Shiraike Jigoku (白池地獄) – The "White Pond Hell", with its milky-white waters.
- Oniyama Jigoku (鬼山地獄) – The "Demon Mountain Hell", home to a colony of crocodiles.
- Tatsumaki Jigoku (龍巻地獄) – The "Geyser Hell", with regular eruptions.
And finally, one of the most impressive of them all:
Oniishibozu Jigoku : l’enfer des têtes de bonze
Oniishibôzu Jigoku is one of Beppu’s oldest hells, dating back to the Meiji era (1868–1912) when it was known as the Buddhist Hell. Its name comes from the bubbling mud, which rises to the surface and bursts, creating shapes that resemble the shaved heads of Buddhist monks.
Water and mud temperature: 99°C (210°F) – way too hot for bathing!
Watching the constant movement of the boiling mud is a hypnotic experience, showcasing the raw geothermal power of Beppu.
What to see and do at Oniishibôzu Jigoku ?
Relax in a free foot bath
After a long day of exploring, what could be better than a relaxing break?
A free foot bath, or ashiyu (足湯), is available for visitors. The cooled-down spring water provides the perfect way to soothe tired feet while admiring the surrounding geothermal landscape.
- Bring a towel to dry your feet (or buy one on-site for around 200 yen).
- Ideal in winter, when the contrast between the cool air and the warm water is extra soothing.
Try volcano-steam-cooked Specialties
Near the site, a small food stall offers snacks cooked using the natural heat of the hot springs:
- Onsen tamago (温泉卵) – Volcanic steam-cooked eggs with a creamy texture and a slightly sulfuric taste.
- Steamed vegetables – Infused with the mineral-rich aromas of the hells.
A unique culinary experience that highlights Beppu’s natural energy!
Oniishi no Yu: the monk’s head baths
Oniishibôzu Jigoku is the only hell where you can actually bathe!
Its onsen, called Oniishi no Yu (鬼石の湯), is fed by the same thermal spring that creates the boiling mud pools. Of course, the water here is cooled down to a comfortable temperature.
- Indoor and outdoor baths, with separate sections for men and women.
- A peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Mineral-rich water, perfect for relaxing sore muscles after a long day.
- Entrance fees: 620 yen (~4.20 €)
- Towel rental: 200 yen (~1.50 €)
How to get to Oniishibôzu Jigoku and the other hells?
The best starting point for exploring Beppu’s Hells is JR Beppu Station (別府駅), accessible via the Nippō Main Line. Once in Beppu, you have several options to reach Kannawa (鉄輪温泉), the hot spring district where most of the hells are located.
Walking Route
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) from JR Beppu Station
- Duration: About 1 hour 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate, with a gradual uphill climb
- Best for: Hiking enthusiasts who want to explore Beppu on foot
By Bus (Recommended)
- For a quicker and more comfortable trip, local buses take you directly to "Kannawa", the central hub for visiting the hells, including Oniyama Jigoku.
- Bus Lines: Kamenoi Bus #2, #5, #24, or #41 (see bus map)
- Fare: Around 500 yen (~3.70 €)
- Duration: 25 to 30 minutes
- Stop: "Kannawa", the main point for exploring the hells
