Oita is the most famous prefecture for hot springs in Japan. It is home to so many unique hot springs that it is often said that coming to Oita is like visiting all the world’s hot springs in one place. You can enjoy a variety of hot springs seldom found in Japan, not only in terms of chemical composition, color and type of hot springs, but also in terms of bathing customs and locations.
Beppu is one of the best known hot spring towns in Oita Prefecture.
The town’s unique Beppu Jigoku Meguri, literally “Tour of the Hells of Beppu”, is a sightseeing course that takes you on a tour of a series of hot spring pools at temperatures of nearly 100 degrees Celsius. One of Beppu’s must-see attractions, the tour takes you to seven different “hells” located in Beppu City: Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), Oniishi Bozu Jigoku (Shaven Head Monk’s Hell), Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell), Oniyama Jigoku (Crocodile Hell), Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell), Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), and Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell).
The different hot springs come in various colors, such as red, blue, and white, depending on their chemical composition. Some springs even change color based on the weather that day, so you can enjoy a sight that can only be seen at that particular time.
You can also enjoy viewing the spewing gas fumes and bubbling mud pools, as well as other mysterious otherworldly works of nature.
More than just an amazing sight, there is something for all the senses as well. Hear the roar of the spewing gases, enjoy a quick soak in the foot baths, and taste the different onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) found at each of these “hells”. You will also find a variety of souvenirs for sale, so be sure to check them out as well.
But…why are they called “hells” in the first place?
There once was a land abhorred by all due to the steam, heat, and boiling water that would billow up from the earth, rendering the land inaccessible to humans. As such, the land came to be known as jigoku, or “hell”. Hot spring vents such as those found in Beppu are still called jigoku to this day.
Four of the hells, Umi Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku, and Shiraike Jigoku, have been designated as National Places of Scenic Beauty.
The cobalt blue color of Umi Jigoku is so beautiful that it does not really deserve to be called a hell at all. You will be captivated by the magnificent sight and thunderous roar of the steam and the changing hue of the hot spring as the sunlight touches it from different angles. The terrace on the second floor also offers fabulous views. Popular treats cooked inside the hell itself, including onsen tamago (literally “hot spring eggs”) and custard pudding, are also worth a try.
Chinoike Jigoku is the oldest natural hell in Japan. It is, to put it simply, “a pond of red hot mud”. Next to the hell you’ll find a restaurant called Gokurakutei, where you can enjoy dishes made using local organic ingredients from Oita and throughout Kyushu.
Tatsumaki Jigoku is a geyser designated as a natural monument by Beppu City. Its powerful hot water has the potential to reach up to 30 meters, although a roof has been added to lessen the blow.
Nearby you will also find a number of other sightseeing spots, such as the Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari, the only safari-style zoo in Kyushu; the Jigoku Onsen Museum, with its beautiful lighting, sound effects and many picture-perfect spots; and Kijima Kogen Park, a resort which features a 25-hectare amusement park, an elegant hotel, and a full-scale 18-hole golf course.
So come, relax in the hot springs, and enjoy the sights on your very own Beppu getaway.
– Basic Information –
【Beppu Jigoku Meguri】
Location: 559-1 Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture 874-0045
phone number: 0977-66-1577
Business hours: 8:00 – 17:00 (Open all year round)(Beppu Jigoku Association Official Website)
https://www.beppu-jigoku.com/
