Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) — 7 Boiling Hot Springs

Published: Jun 1, 2026

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) — 7 Boiling Hot Springs

Beppu's 'Hells' (地獄, jigoku) are seven spectacular geothermal hot springs too hot and chemically extreme for bathing — created purely for viewing. Each hell displays different natural phenomena: Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is cobalt blue from dissolved minerals, Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) is bright red from iron oxide, Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell) erupts boiling water 20 meters high every 30 minutes. The water temperatures range from 95°C to 99.5°C.

Beppu sits atop the world's second-largest geothermal field (after Yellowstone) with over 2,800 active hot spring sources, making these viewing hells just a small sample of the underground thermal activity.

Getting There

Access Information

Seven hells spread across two areas: 5 in Kannawa district, 2 in Shibaseki. Combined ticket: ¥2,200 (all 7), individual entry ¥450 each. Hours: 8:00–17:00. Kannawa accessible by bus from Beppu Station (20 min).

Insider Guide

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**Optimal route:** Start at Umi Jigoku (largest, most photogenic) at opening time (8:00) before tour bus crowds. The seven-hell circuit takes 2.5 hours at a steady pace. Bring towel — the steam create