Hells of Beppu: A Geothermal Spectacle

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Explore Beppu's otherworldly hot springs: a visual journey through boiling mud, vibrant waters, and geothermal wonders.

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Hells of Beppu

The Hells of Beppu are a collection of seven unique geothermal hot springs, each offering a distinct visual experience with boiling mud, colorful ponds, and steaming vents. These 'hells' are for viewing, not bathing, and showcase the intense volcanic activity of the region.

A brief summary to Hells of Beppu

559-1 Kannawa, Beppu, Kannawa, Oita, 874-0000, 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 combination ticket for all seven hells to save money if you plan to visit them all.
Allocate at least 2.5 to 3 hours to see all seven hells, factoring in travel time between the Kannawa and Shibaseki districts.
Check the eruption schedule for Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell) to ensure you don't miss the geyser.
Try the hot spring-steamed eggs or pudding, local delicacies cooked using the geothermal heat.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking between the hells in the Kannawa district.

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Getting There

Bus

From JR Beppu Station, take bus number 5, 7, 9, 24, or 41 towards Kannawa. Get off at the Kannawa bus terminal or Umi-Jigoku-mae bus stop. The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes. From there, the five hells in the Kannawa district are within walking distance. To reach Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku in the Shibaseki district, take bus number 16 or 16A from Kannawa bus terminal. The bus ride to Shibaseki takes about 5 minutes. A one-day bus pass costs 900 yen. A bus tour is also available for 3690 yen, including entrance to all seven hells.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Beppu Station. A taxi ride to the Kannawa district, where most of the hells are located, takes approximately 15 minutes. The estimated fare is between 2,300 and 2,800 yen. From Kannawa, you can walk to the nearby hells or take a short taxi ride to the Shibaseki district for the remaining two hells.
Walking

From Beppu Station, it is approximately a 1 hour and 11 minute walk to Hells of Beppu. Follow the main roads towards Kannawa Onsen. Once in Kannawa, the five hells are within easy walking distance of each other. Note that the walk from Beppu Station is uphill and may not be suitable for everyone.

Discover more about Hells of Beppu

The Hells of Beppu (別府地獄めぐり, Beppu Jigoku Meguri) are a renowned group of seven hot springs, celebrated more for their dramatic visual appeal than for bathing. Located in the Kannawa and Shibaseki districts of Beppu, these geothermal wonders present a range of striking features, from boiling mud pools to vibrant, colored ponds. The name 'hells' (jigoku) originates from ancient times when locals, wary of the area's intense volcanic activity, saw these bubbling, steaming springs as manifestations of the underworld. The earliest written record is from the eighth-century. Over time, these once-feared sites were transformed into tourist attractions, allowing visitors to witness the earth's raw power in a safe and fascinating way. Each of the seven hells has its own unique character. Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) features a stunning cobalt blue pond. Oniishibozu Jigoku showcases bubbling mud pools resembling the shaved heads of monks. Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell) offers various boiling ponds and opportunities to sample snacks cooked using the hot spring's steam. Oniyama Jigoku is home to a large number of crocodiles. Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) is known for its striking red, iron-rich waters. Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell) features a milky, white pond surrounded by a peaceful garden. Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell) boasts a geyser that erupts regularly. A visit to the Hells of Beppu provides a captivating glimpse into the region's geothermal activity and a unique cultural experience.