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.
- 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.
And finally, one of the most impressive of them all:
Tatsumaki Jigoku: The Hell Geyser
Unlike the other hells, where water remains stagnant in colorful pools, Tatsumaki Jigoku (龍巻地獄) is an active geyser. This natural geothermal phenomenon shoots scalding hot water up to 30 meters (98 feet) into the air!
A powerful yet controlled spectacle
The geyser erupts every 30 to 40 minutes, with each eruption lasting about 6 to 10 minutes. The water temperature exceeds 100°C (212°F), creating a dramatic steam plume.
To ensure visitor safety, a rock canopy has been placed above the geyser, slightly limiting its height. However, the sheer force of the eruption remains an awe-inspiring sight, allowing visitors to witness this rare natural phenomenon without long waiting times.
What to Do While Waiting for the Eruption?
If you arrive between eruptions, don’t worry! There are a few ways to make the most of your time:
- Stroll through the Tatsumaki Jigoku Garden : A small Japanese-style garden surrounds the site, featuring beautiful azaleas in bloom during spring (April-May). It's a lovely place to relax while enjoying the natural scenery.
- Explore the souvenir shop : Like many Japanese tourist attractions, there's a shop selling local souvenirs, snacks, hot spring-related products, and handcrafted goods. It's also the perfect chance to try local green tea or yuzu-flavored ice cream.
How to get to Tatsumaki Jigoku ?
Visiting Beppu’s Hells is easy, thanks to the city's well-developed public transportation system.
From JR Beppu station
- By bus
- Take the pink line "Spatto / すぱっと" operated by Kamenoi Bus.
- Board Bus #16 and get off at "Chinoike Jigoku Mae" (see bus map).
- Tatsumaki Jigoku is right next to Chinoike Jigoku, making it easy to visit both in one trip.
- By car
- There is a small parking lot nearby, but it fills up quickly during peak seasons.
Can you walk here?
Walking to Tatsumaki Jigoku from central Beppu is not recommended for safety reasons:
- The direct route passes through a tunnel without sidewalks, making it dangerous for pedestrians.
- A safer alternative route exists, but it involves a long detour.
