If I were asked how I imagine hell probably Beppu Hell would be the first place that would come to mind A fantastic place, certainly unique in the world, an ideal destination for lovers of photography and, of course traditional Japan. Already because Beppu Hell is located on the island of Kyūshū, in the Ōita prefecture in the south of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Characterized by a landscape made surreal, to say the least, by columns of colored smoke that invade the streets and envelop buildings, and by a wide variety of geothermal phenomena that give off very bright colors, this place is one of the strangest in the world, and definitely worth a visit.
The phenomenon is obviously related to the volcanic activity of the subsoil and the consequent presence of calderas, sulfataras, fumaroles and, above all, thousands of hot springs, whose temperature varies from 37 to 98 °C, emitting more than 70,000 m³ of water every day.
Unlike the classic Japanese onsen (hot springs), the Beppu Underworlds are not intended for bathing, but are tourist attractions to be admired.
The 7 Hells of Beppu
Actually more than Beppu Hell, it would be correct to speak of Beppu Hells, since, as if they were circles of Dante’s Inferno, there are 7 main sites.
They are almost all located in or within walking distance of Kannawa district and it is possible to visit them in a couple of days at most even by moving around on foot.
Inferno del Mare or Umi Jigoku
This is Beppu’s most famous Hell, the most visited and the largest. Its appearance in some ways is frightening: it is characterized by steaming ponds, some with deep turquoise blue boiling water.
Surrounding are other orange-colored pools populated by huge water lilies .
L’effetto visivo è molto particolare e chi li vede per la prima volta resta sicuramente a bocca aperta.
Hell of the Crocodiles or Oniyama Jigoku
Crocodiles rule in this hell; this puddle is full of this kind of cozy reptiles. Actually as per Japanese tradition, animals here live in peace and harmony with visitors. It is possible to get a close-up view of huge crocodiles relaxing and bathing in the warm waters of this pond.
There is no danger, but the first visit can be scary.
Hell of the Lake of Blood or Chinoike Jigoku
One of the most impressive springs in Beppu Hell and, of course, photographed.
The presence of metals and minerals in the soil, such as iron and clay make the waters of this pond as red as blood.
White fumes contrast with the dominant purple color making this place very much like the hell everyone imagines.
You get your feet back on the ground when you find yourself among the stalls selling typical Japanese skin creams and wraps.
Hell of the Shaved Heads o Oniishibozu Jigoku
The gray mud puddles that characterize this place are reminiscent of the shaved heads of Buddhist monks, hence the distinctive name.
You absolutely cannot bathe in these ponds as the temperature of the water reaches 99 degrees creating that simmering typical of hells.
Fortunately, there are Onsen saunas nearby in which you can relax and refresh yourself.
Oven Hell or Kamado Jigoku
This Beppu Hell features boiling springs of various colors some of which have healing properties. In some of the pools it is possible to immerse oneself to benefit from the beneficial effects of thermal vapors and hot water.
In the boiling pools or hot steam jets similar to stoves are cooked vegetables, eggs and delicious puddings typical of Japanese tradition.
Hell of the White Pond or Shiraike Jigoku
Here the boiling water is dense with minerals that make it milky. It is a very special hell in which the milky white of the water contrasts with the green of the vibrant surrounding vegetation. A place adored by photographers for the bright colors and light reflected from the surface of the pond.
Geyser Hell or Tatsumaki Jigoku
An extremely powerful spring that sprays boiling water up to 50 meters high.
This Inferno is spectacular for this reason.
The spectacular eruptions occur spontaneously every 30 minutes and can last up to a quarter of an hour.
How to visit the hell of Beppu
Very easy to visit the Beppu Underworld, they are a major tourist attraction for the city of Beppu and are regularly open to the public by paying a entrance ticket.
Sea Hell, Shaved Heads, Oven, Crocodiles, and White Pond are in the Kannawa area. All are close to each other and can be visited by moving around on foot.
Blood Lake Hell and Geyser Hell, on the other hand, are in the Shibaseki area less than 3 km away. Beppu’s public transportation service is very efficient and conveniently reaches the Hells area.
How to get to Beppu’s Inferno
Reaching Beppu and the underworld area is relatively easy. Fukuoka Airport is the closest international airport to Beppu.
From Fukuoka, there are two options for getting to Beppu:
- Train (Shinkansen and Limited Express):
- Take the Shinkansen from Hakata (Fukuoka station) to Kokura station (about 15 minutes).
- Switch and take the train Limited Express Sonic to Beppu (about 1 hour and 10 minutes).
- Bus:
- Direct buses from Fukuoka to Beppu bus station leave regularly, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Alternatively Oita Airport is the closest airport to Beppu.
From Oita Airport, you can take a direct bus to Beppu (about 40 minutes).
Did you enjoy our article on Beppu’s Inferno?
If you love traveling to special places you might read our article on the 7 Wonders
