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Hells of Beppu (Jigoku)
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tourist-attraction
The Hells of Beppu, known as Beppu Jigoku, are a group of eight spectacular hot springs located in the city of Beppu on Kyushu Island. These springs are for viewing rather than bathing, as their surface temperatures reach up to 98 degrees Celsius due to intense volcanic activity. Each hell possesses a unique character, such as Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) with its cobalt blue water, and Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), which features bright red mud rich in iron minerals. Tatsumaki Jigoku is a powerful geyser that erupts at regular intervals of approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Beppu produces the largest volume of hot spring water in Japan, and its thermal features have been a subject of interest since ancient times. The Hells were officially designated as National Places of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government in 2009.
- Location: Japan
- Top sights: Hells of Beppu · Mt. Yufu · Hyoutan onsen
- Nearby: Yufuin (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 23 | 18 | 13 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 70 | 88 | 118 | 138 | 160 | 318 | 356 | 198 | 211 | 118 | 87 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The various geothermal springs can be safely admired from well-maintained walkways and designated viewing platforms, though entering or bathing in these extremely hot pools is strictly prohibited and dangerous.
Typical hours
The attractions are normally open daily from early morning until late afternoon, and it is preferable to plan your visit on a weekday to successfully avoid the massive crowds that typically gather on weekends.
Photography
The vibrantly colored pools and rising steam provide fantastic photo subjects; just be aware that the dense vapors can quickly fog up your camera lens, so keep a reliable microfiber cloth readily available.
Time needed
To visit all seven of the primary springs at a relaxed pace and enjoy the soothing foot baths, you should allocate a half day, meaning approximately three to four hours in total for this unique experience.
Combine with
Be sure to combine this scenic tour with a relaxing bath in one of the genuine, traditional onsens in Beppu city, or try a local meal cooked directly using the naturally hot steam from the ground.
Getting there
The various attractions are relatively clustered around the city and can be conveniently reached using the local bus network departing from Beppu Station, or alternatively explored with a rental car.
Insider tip
Your best option is to purchase a combined ticket that covers entry to all seven main springs, as this is significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets and saves you from queuing at each entrance.
Geography
Facts
- There are eight primary hells in Beppu designated for sightseeing.
- The water temperature in Umi Jigoku reaches approximately 98 degrees Celsius.
- Chinoike Jigoku is the oldest natural hell in Japan, known for its red mud.
- The Tatsumaki Jigoku geyser erupts roughly every 30 to 40 minutes.
- Beppu has the world's second-largest volume of hot spring water.
- The Hells were designated as National Places of Scenic Beauty in 2009.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Hells of Beppu (Jigoku) (10)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the 'Hells' of Beppu?
They are seven spectacular hot springs intended for viewing only, not for bathing.
Can you buy a combo ticket?
Yes, there is a 'Hell Pass' that covers admission to all seven springs.
Which 'Hell' is the most famous?
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is famous for its cobalt blue boiling water.
Is there food cooked with geothermal heat?
Yes, 'Jigoku-mushi' are foods like eggs or vegetables cooked in hot steam that you can try there.
Can you bathe in Beppu at all?
Not in the 'Hells', but Beppu has hundreds of other onsens where you can enjoy a wonderful bath.
Hells of Beppu (Jigoku): where is it located?
Hells of Beppu (Jigoku) is located in Japan.
Hells of Beppu (Jigoku): what is there to see?
Highlights include Hells of Beppu, Mt. Yufu, Hyoutan onsen.
Hells of Beppu (Jigoku): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Oct, Nov.
Hells of Beppu (Jigoku): why is it worth visiting?
The Hells of Beppu, known as Beppu Jigoku, are a group of eight spectacular hot springs located in the city of Beppu on Kyushu Island.
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