7 Beppu Hells (Jigoku)

Famous Hot Spring City

The Umi Jigoku is often seen as one of most beautiful of the Beppu Hells
Umi Jigoku

Located in the city of Beppu in Oita Prefecture, Beppu Jigoku, or the “Beppu Hells,” is a group of seven stunning hot springs that offer visitors an unforgettable experience of Japan’s hot spring culture.

Each of the seven hot springs, or “Hells” in Beppu Jigoku has a unique appearance and features, making it a fascinating place to explore.

Umi Jigoku: This Hell is known for its vibrant blue color and features a large pond filled with hot water. Given the scenery, and grounds of Umi Jigoku, this “Hell” is one of the more visually stunning of the Hells. 

Found also with the Umi Jigoku grounds, is Akaike, a smaller, lesser known Jigoku (sometimes refered to as the eigth hell), with vibrant red water.

Oniishibozu Jigoku: This Hell gets its name from the small bubbles that rise to the surface, which resemble the shaven heads of Buddhist monks.

Kamado Jigoku: The Kamado Jigoku is known as the “Cooking pot hell”, which features several boiling ponds. Snacks are cooked and steamed at this Hell should you wish to try. Guests to this hell can also drink the hot spring water, and relax in foot baths.

Shiraike Jigoku: Shiraike Jigoku takes the whitest appearance of the hells, featuring a pond with hot, and a pale blue water.

Oniyama Jigoku: The Oniyama Jigoku is known for the crocodiles and aligators which are bred and kept in these warm waters from the jigoku.

Tatsumaki Jigoku: Tatsumaki Jigoku is a boiling geyser which erupts roughly every 30-45 minutes, for between 5-10 minutes a time. While waiting for the next eruption, there is a pleasant waiting area with frozen treats to snack on. 

Chinoike Jigoku: The Chinoike Jigoku is known for its bright red color, which is caused by the high iron content in the water. This high iron content creates one of the most visually unique “Hells” in Beppu, in where somedays the water could be described as “bloody”.

Akaike at Umi Jigoku Beppu Hell, Oita Prefecture
The stunning red of Akaike

In general, the Beppu Hells are a spectacular geothermal attraction. Due to how the Hells are spread out, if you plan on seeing all seven, plus Akaike, we recommend the following viewing order; First, head to Umi Jigoku (plus Akaike), then head over to Oniishibozu Jigoku. followed by Kamado Jigoku, then see the Aligators at Oniyama Jigoku, the glistening white water of Shiraike Jigoku, then hop on a bus over to Chinoike Jigoku, and finish off with a cold treat while waiting forTatsumaki Jigoku to erupt.

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Hours and Admission

At the Kamado Jigoku, you can pre-purchase your tickets online, and for a small additional fee, you can purchase Onsen Eggs, which are eggs that have been cooked at Kamado Jigoku. 

Beppu 7 Hells Tickets

Access

The Beppu Hells are located for the most part, close to each other. The exception to this is the Chinoike Jigoku, and the Tatsumaki Jigoku, which are located about 3.5km away from the other five “Hells”. 

 As the Hells are one of the top destinations in the City, there are numerous bus lines which pass by the Hells at most times through the day. Bus line 5 is one of the most direct lines, and will take you directly to Umijigoku mae bus stop, directly outside the “Hells”. This will cost 330JPY one way. 

To the Chinoike Jigoku from Beppu Station, the 26A is easiest route to take.  

To get from the five “Hells” to Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku, take the 16A bus from Kannawa Bus stop, a short walk from Shiraike Jigoku. The 16A can also be used in the opposite direction to get from Chikoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku, to the other five “Hells”

Where to Stay

APA Hotel Beppu Ekimae

APA Hotel Beppu Ekimae

Affordable & Comfortable

Centrally located hotel near JR Beppu Station, allowing for easy access to transport.

Seaside Hotel Mimatsu OOETEI

Seaside Hotel Mimatsu OOETEI

Ocean-front Japanese style ryokan with immaculate onsens and perfect views.

Kannawaen

Kannawaen

Recommended Ryokan

Located within minutes to the Famous Beppu Jigoku, featuring stunning views of the city and traditional Japanese-style rooms.

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