General Information
Beppu has numerous hot springs, some of which feature unique characteristics such as steaming pools, vividly colored water, geysers, and bubbling mud. These areas, with their rugged rocks and rising steam, evoke images of hell from Buddhist tradition, which is why they are called “jigoku” (“hells”). This tour highlights seven distinctive hells and offers an enjoyable way to explore the Hell Regions. A two-day pass to visit all seven is available for ¥2,000, while individual admission to each hell costs ¥400.
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The Seven Hells
Sea Hell
This is the largest “hell,” and the most well-maintained as a sightseeing spot. Its most striking feature is a steaming, cobalt-blue pond. This remarkable color results from dissolved iron sulfate in the hot spring water.
The area includes two ponds with floating tropical water lilies and a greenhouse featuring gigantic water lilies.
While the water lilies evoke an image of heaven, the overall “hell” theme creates a striking and memorable contrast.
Oniishi Bozu Hell
“Oniishi” means “ogre rocks” (ogres are residents of Hell). “Bozu” means “Buddhist monk” and refers to a shaven head. In this hell, there are several muddy ponds where steam rising from underground creates small mud domes. These domes resemble the shaven heads of monks.
It was once closed but has been newly renovated and reopened to the public.
Furnace Hell
“Kamado” means “furnace” or “hearth” in Japanese, traditionally used for cooking rice. The name is derived from the nearby Kamado Shrine—though the shrine itself has no connection to a furnace, its name coincidentally shares the same reading.
This hell features several distinctive ponds, but its main attraction is the variety of entertainment options available. These include shops, small demonstrations of steam effects, drinking hot spring water, foot baths, and photo spots. It functions as a small amusement park centered around the “hell” theme.
Oniyama Hell
While named “Oniyama” (Ogre Mountain), this hell might more aptly be called “Crocodile Hell.” Although crocodiles and alligators do not appear in traditional Buddhist depictions of hell, their fearsome appearance makes them a fitting addition to the infernal theme.
The site is home to approximately 80 crocodiles and alligators.
(Note: Crocodiles have V-shaped snouts, while alligators have U-shaped snouts.)
Shiraike Hell
Shiraike means “White Pond,” though the water actually appears greenish-white. The site also includes a small tropical fish aquarium featuring species such as pirarucu, arowana, and piranhas.
Blood Pond Hell
Chinoike Jigoku, or “Blood Pond Hell,” is named after one of the torturous realms in Buddhist hell, which includes punishments like boiling water or climbing a mountain of needles. The name is fitting for this site.
It is considered one of Japan’s oldest natural hot spring “hells.” The vivid red color of the water comes from dissolved iron in the hot spring.
The site sells a special skin ointment made from the local clay and also features a large souvenir shop.
Tornado Hell
This is a geyser. It spouts every 30–40 minutes. The water hits the roof very hard. Without the rock rooftop, it would spurt up as high as 30 meters, and visitors would get splashed with boiling water.
