# Beppu Hells

> Seven spectacular natural hot springs too hot for bathing, each with unique colors and features, from blood-red pools to geysers.

- Prefecture: Oita
- Type: Attraction
- Address: Beppu, Oita, Japan
- Admission: 2200 yen
- Official site: http://www.beppu-jigoku.com/en/

Seven geothermal hot springs too hot for bathing (up to 100°C), meant for viewing. Each jigoku has its own look: Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is cobalt blue; Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) is red from iron oxide; Tatsumaki Jigoku has a geyser that erupts every 30-40 minutes; Oniishi Bozu Jigoku has gray mud pools bubbling like monks' shaved heads; Shiraike Jigoku is milky white; Kamado Jigoku has multiple colored pools and steam-cooking demos; Oniyama Jigoku keeps crocodiles heated by spring steam. Combined ticket covers all seven across two areas.

## FAQ

### How do I get to the Beppu Hells?

From JR Beppu Station, take Kamenoi Bus #5, #9, #41, or #43 to 'Kannawa' bus stop (about 25 minutes, 350 yen); five of the seven hells are within walking distance of Kannawa. The other two (Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku) are 5 km away in Shibaseki, reached by Kamenoi Bus #16 from Kannawa (15 minutes, 350 yen). The 'My Beppu Free' day bus pass (1,100 yen) is best if visiting all seven.

### What's the entry fee for the Hells?

Adult admission is 450 yen per hell, but the combined 'Seven Hells Pass' for 2,200 yen (children 1,000 yen) covers all seven and saves significant money. Available at the entrance of any hell. Open daily 8 AM to 5 PM. Each hell takes 15 to 30 minutes; visiting all seven is a 4 to 6 hour day with the bus rides between Kannawa and Shibaseki areas. Cash and major cards accepted.

### Which hells are most worth visiting?

Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell): a cobalt-blue ~98°C pool, the most photogenic. Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell): vivid red iron-rich water, the most dramatic. Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell): a geyser erupting every 30 to 40 minutes, the most theatrical (time your visit). Kamado Jigoku: a tour-style mini-park with multiple colored pools and steam-cooking demonstrations, fun for families. If short on time, pick those 4 over Shiraike, Oniishi Bozu, and Oniyama (which keeps farmed crocodiles, controversial for animal welfare).

### Can I bathe in any of the Hells?

No. The hells are too hot (90 to 100°C) for bathing and exist for viewing only. However, Beppu has more than 2,000 traditional onsen baths within the city, and many are in walking distance of Kannawa. Hyotan Onsen (700 yen) is a famous walk-in option with multiple bath types and footbaths. Takegawara Onsen has historic sand baths (1,500 yen). The on-site 'Jigoku-mushi' (hell-steamed) eggs, pudding, and dumplings cooked over the steam are a unique edible souvenir.

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Source: Beppu Hells — Japan Voyage