Beppu Jigoku Tour — Visiting Eight Unique Hot Spring Hells

Beppu, on the eastern coast of Oita Prefecture, produces more hot spring water than anywhere else in Japan — and the second largest volume in the world after Yellowstone. At the heart of Beppu's volcanic theater are the Jigoku (Hells): eight distinct boiling hot spring pools, each with a different geological character, color, and mythology, concentrated in two clusters and accessible on a single fascinating day-tour.

Highlights

Each Hell has its own personality. Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is the most iconic: a cobalt-blue pool of boiling water so vivid it looks computer-enhanced, surrounded by tropical plants fed by the rising steam. Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) is a lurid crimson from iron compounds in the water — dramatic and slightly sinister. Tatsumaki Jigoku features a geyser that erupts every 30–40 minutes with punctual reliability. Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell) is milky turquoise. Kamado Jigoku showcases multiple pools and invites visitors to taste hot spring-boiled eggs and puddings steamed in volcanic heat. Yama Jigoku's surrounding garden is home to hippopotamuses and flamingos heated by geothermal energy — an only-in-Japan surprise. A combination ticket covers all eight Hells efficiently.

Getting There & Tips

From Beppu Station, city buses (routes 2, 5, 41) reach the Kannawa cluster in about 20 minutes. The Chinoike and Tatsumaki cluster is a further 10-minute bus ride. A combination admission ticket for all eight Hells costs approximately ¥2,200. Allow 3–4 hours for all eight. The surrounding Kannawa district has excellent steam-cooked food (jigoku-mushi) restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

Beppu Jigoku is a year-round attraction. Winter visits are particularly atmospheric, as the steam rising from the Hells contrasts dramatically with cold air. The pools themselves are equally colorful in all seasons. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable exploration weather.