Most hot springs help you relax.
These ones might raise your eyebrows.
The 7 hells of Beppu are not your typical onsen.
Imagine pools the colour of blood, geysers that erupt on cue, and mud pits that gurgle like they’re alive.
Locals once thought the land was cursed.
Today, it’s one of the most curious attractions in all of Japan.
Each “hell” offers something weird, wild, or just plain fascinating.
From crocodiles to steam-cooked eggs, this tour packs a lot into one steamy town.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit to the 7 hells of Beppu.
That includes where to start, what to see, and which ones are worth extra time.
♨️ Experience the 7 Hells of Beppu with these tours:
What is Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)? History and Origins
How the Name “Hell” Began
Ever wonder why these hot springs are called “hells”?
Long ago, the Kannawa area of Beppu gave locals the creeps.
Boiling mud, thick steam, and sudden gas bursts made folks think the land was cursed.
The weird noises and constant heat just added to the spooky reputation.
Over time, what once scared people turned into a highlight for travelers.
The places that locals avoided now pull in visitors eager to see their wild colors and wild looks.
| Phenomenon | Local Reaction | Tourist Attraction Today |
|---|---|---|
| Bubbling mud | Fear and avoidance | Iconic viewing spot |
| Steaming vents | Belief in curses | Unique photo opportunities |
| Gas explosions | Dread | Popular sightseeing stop |
Ippen Shonin’s Influence on the Hells of Beppu
There’s a story about a Buddhist monk named Ippen Shonin from the Kamakura period.
He visited Beppu in 1276 and prayed at these springs.
People say his prayers helped calm the area, making it safer for everyone.
This bit of folklore gives the Jigoku Meguri a touch of tradition and spirituality.
When you walk the Beppu Hells Tour, you’re not just seeing nature.
You’re brushing up against a slice of history, too.
The Seven Hell Tour Spots in Beppu
1. Blue Ocean Inferno (Umi Jigoku)
At Blue Ocean Inferno, you’ll see a big hot spring with shockingly blue water.
The color comes from minerals and the way sunlight hits the pond.
Tropical plants grow all around, warmed by the underground heat.
The giant Amazonian water lilies, blooming from May to November, are a highlight you shouldn’t skip.
- Colour: Bright blue
- Highlight: Amazonian water lilies
- Atmosphere: Tranquil, lush surroundings
2. Shaven Monk’s Mud Spring (Oniishi Bozu Jigoku)
This spot is known for its bubbling grey mud pools.
The mud pops up in round blobs, a bit like bald monk heads poking through the surface.
The mud gets almost to boiling, gurgling and steaming all day.
You can dip your feet into the outdoor footbaths or check out the small relaxation facility nearby.
- Main Feature: Bubbling mud pools
- Temperature: Near boiling (about 100°C)
- Extras: Footbaths, nearby bathhouse
3. Steaming Stove Spring (Kamado Jigoku)
Steaming Stove Spring shows off several smaller pools, each with its own color and activity.
Staff sometimes run demos with the hot steam, and the pools can look different depending on the weather.
It’s a hands-on spot where you get to see geothermal power up close.
A bit quirky, honestly, but that’s half the fun.
- Six uniquely coloured hot springs
- Geothermal experiments and demonstrations
- Interactive learning and viewing
4. Crocodile Mountain Spring (Oniyama Jigoku)
This spring is home to over 70 crocodiles, all warmed by the hot springs.
On weekends, the crocodile feeding shows draw a crowd.
You can watch these massive reptiles safely.
Unfortunately, some of the conditions are not the best and it can be upsetting to see these animals in poor conditions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Crocodiles | About 70 |
| Event Highlight | Crocodile feeding |
| Water Source | Hot spring heated |
5. White Mist Pond (Shiraike Jigoku)
White Mist Pond features milky white water that sometimes shifts to blue or green, depending on the day.
The place feels a bit mysterious or even otherworldly at times.
There’s a small aquarium here, too, with tropical fish making the most of the warm water.
Not something you see every day.
- Speciality: Milky, colour-changing pond
- Onsite: Aquarium with tropical fish
- Atmosphere: Calm, mysterious
6. Spouting Tornado Spring (Tatsumaki Jigoku)
Here, a powerful geyser blasts hot water and steam over 30 metres into the air.
The eruptions happen on a schedule, and they’re honestly pretty wild to watch.
You can grab a drink or snack from the food stalls while you wait. It’s a good spot to just take it all in.
- Type: Geyser
- Height: Over 30 metres
- Refreshments: Local drinks available
7. Red Blood Pond (Chinoike Jigoku)
This one’s hard to miss.
The water glows a deep red, thanks to minerals like iron.
It’s easily the most dramatic of the bunch.
People once used the mineral water for medicine.
Now, you’ll find ointments and quirky “hell”-themed souvenirs at the shop.
- Signature Colour: Bright red
- Minerals: Iron and magnesium oxide
- Souvenirs: Unique ointments and T-shirts
Tips for Making the Most of Your Beppu Hot Spring Tour
Finding Interesting Gifts and Mementos
Each hot spring has its own themed gift shop.
You can grab blue bath salts at Umi Jigoku or try skincare ointments from Chinoike Jigoku.
For something a little cheeky, look for T-shirts with “Everyday is Hell” or pick up onsen tamago (hot spring eggs).
There are quirky trinkets and bath goods you won’t see anywhere else.
| Souvenir Type | Where to Find | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bath Salts | Umi Jigoku, Others | Bright blue, relaxing |
| Skincare Ointment | Chinoike Jigoku | Local mineral ingredients |
| Onsen Tamago | Shops near steam vents | Cooked in hot springs |
Enjoying Unique Activities and Performances
Many springs offer special events and displays.
At Kamado Jigoku, you can catch steam shows that spotlight the springs’ power.
You might also find snacks like jigoku mushi, which are cooked with hot spring steam.
Definitely worth a try if you’re feeling adventurous.
Unwinding and Recharging After Your Visit
After you’ve seen the springs, treat yourself to some downtime.
Try a steam bath or soak your feet at a footbath in Kannawa.
If you’re hungry, grab a meal cooked with hot spring steam.
These small moments help you wind down and think back on the day.
Getting There and Entry Prices for the Hell Tour
You can reach the Hell Tour with a bus from Beppu Station, and most people start in the Kannawa district.
If you’re coming from Oita Airport or Fukuoka Airport, regular buses and trains make it easy to get to Beppu Station.
Entry to each site runs ¥450, or you can buy a combined pass for ¥2,200 to see all seven.
There’s also a guided bus tour for ¥4,000, which covers transportation, a guide, and all entry fees.
More Ways to Experience Beppu’s Hot Spring Town
Walking the Historic Streets of Kannawa
In Kannawa, geothermal steam pours out from almost every corner.
The streets are dotted with old buildings and small shops.
Try an onsen manju.
A steamed bun cooked using hot spring steam.
Many visitors stop for a quick foot bath or sample street food made with the area’s thermal waters.
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Steam baths | Relax in public foot baths heated by hot springs |
| Local food | Enjoy dishes and snacks steamed in geothermal heat |
| Traditional view | See historic inns (ryokan) and cobbled paths |
Discovering Beppu’s Eight Unique Onsen Districts
Beppu is known for its eight different hot spring districts, each with its own vibe.
These areas, from Kannawa to Shibaseki, show off everything from boiling ponds to geysers and “mountain hells” like Yama Jigoku.
You can visit public baths, try out different hot spring styles, or stay overnight at a traditional ryokan.
There’s a lot to experience for anyone who loves onsen culture.
List of districts:
- Kannawa
- Kamegawa
- Shibaseki
- Hamawaki
- Beppu
- Horita
- Myoban
- Others within Oita prefecture
Exploring these districts gives you a real sense of Beppu’s deep hot spring culture on Kyushu Island.
There’s more to it than just the famous “hells”.
Maybe you’ll find your own favorite corner of town.
Final Thoughts: Discover the Magic of the Hell Tour
If you can make it to Kyushu, then seeing Beppu’s wild hot springs up close is recommended.
You can stroll past steaming pools and watch mud bubble right in front of you.
The water glows in amazing shades of blue and red.
It feels a bit surreal, honestly.
- View geothermal wonders
- Learn about local history
- Enjoy unique landscapes
Japan is full of hot spring towns, but the 7 hells of Beppu are arguably the most intersting.
