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.
- Oniishibōzu Jigoku (鬼石坊主地獄) – The "Monk’s Head Hell", with bubbling gray mud pools.
- 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:
Oniyama Jigoku : the demon mountain hell
Also known as "Crocodile Hell," Oniyama Jigoku (鬼山地獄) stands out from the other sites in Beppu’s Seven Hells Tour. Unlike the rest, which mainly showcase natural geothermal wonders, this hell also serves as a crocodile breeding ground.
Since 1918, Oniyama Jigoku has been used for raising reptiles, thanks to its 98°C (208°F) spring water, which provides intense heat and high humidity—ideal conditions for crocodiles and alligators.
Today, about 80 crocodiles and alligators are housed in specially designed enclosures heated by the natural hot springs.
Observe crocodiles in their steam-heated habitat
The crocodiles at Oniyama Jigoku live in large enclosures, where the natural heat from the hot springs helps them grow faster than they would in the wild. Visitors can observe these massive reptiles up close, with some reaching several meters in length!
Crocodile Feeding Show – Every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM, visitors can watch the crocodiles being fed, an exciting spectacle showcasing the raw power of these predators as they snap up their food.
Explore the crocodile skeleton and taxidermy exhibit
In addition to the live crocodiles, Oniyama Jigoku features an intriguing exhibition of stuffed crocodiles and skeletal displays. This exhibit offers insight into:
- The anatomy of crocodiles and their impressive survival adaptations.
- The history of crocodile breeding in Beppu.
- Fascinating facts about these prehistoric creatures.
How to get to Oniyama 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
