Umi Jigoku: Beppu's Azure Wonder

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Discover Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) in Beppu: a stunning cobalt blue hot spring, part of the famed "Seven Hells," offering unique geothermal sights.

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Umi Jigoku

Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is one of Beppu's most famous and visually stunning hot springs, featuring a pond of striking cobalt blue water. Formed over 1,200 years ago by a volcanic eruption, it's a key part of the "Seven Hells of Beppu" tour.

A brief summary to Umi Jigoku

559-1 Kannawa, Beppu, Kannawa, Oita, 874-0045, JP
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Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

Purchase a Jigoku Onsen Ticket if you plan to visit at least 5 of the seven hells to save on admission costs.
Bring a towel to dry your feet after enjoying the free foot bath.
Try the "Hell Steamed Pudding," a local specialty cooked using the hot spring's steam.
Visit between August and early November to see the giant water lilies in bloom.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Ryokan Kunisakisou

Ryokan Kunisakisou: A Tranquil Retreat in Beppu's Kannawa Onsen

Aso-Kuju National Park Sagiridai Overlook

Aso-Kuju National Park Sagiridai Overlook: A Scenic Marvel

Yufuin Tsuka No Ma

Experience Tranquility at Yufuin Tsuka No Ma

Getting There

Bus

From JR Beppu Station, take bus number 2, 5, 9, 24, or 41 and get off at the Umijigoku-mae bus stop, which is right across the street from the entrance. The bus ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The fare is around ¥500. Alternatively, take bus number 5 or 7 and get off at the Kannawa bus terminal, from where you can walk to Umi Jigoku. A single entry to Umi Jigoku costs ¥400 per adult. A pass for all seven hells costs ¥2000.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Beppu Station. The taxi ride to Umi Jigoku takes approximately 7 minutes and costs between ¥2,300 and ¥2,800.

Discover more about Umi Jigoku

Umi Jigoku, or "Sea Hell," is a captivating hot spring located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the most iconic of Beppu's "Seven Hells" (Jigoku Meguri), a collection of unique geothermal hot springs appreciated for viewing rather than bathing. The name "hell" comes from the ancient perception of these areas with gushing hot water and steam as frightening. Umi Jigoku was created approximately 1,200 years ago by an eruption of Mount Tsurumi. The spring's water is a mesmerizing cobalt blue, a result of high concentrations of iron sulfate. Although the water appears inviting, it is a scalding 98°C (208°F), far too hot for bathing. The main pond reaches a depth of 200 meters. Visitors can explore the Umi Jigoku park, which features a serene Japanese garden with a pond, smaller orange-colored hot springs, and a shop offering local souvenirs and snacks. A popular treat is the "Hell Steamed Pudding," cooked using the hot spring's steam. There is also a free foot bath where visitors can relax and enjoy the warmth of the spring water. Umi Jigoku also cultivates giant Amazonian water lilies, Victoria amazonica, whose leaves can grow large enough to support the weight of a small child.