
Beppu Jigoku Meguri
Witness the raw power of nature at Beppu's 'Hell Tour,' featuring seven uniquely colored and steaming geothermal hot springs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Beppu Jigoku Meguri
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the raw power of nature at Beppu's 'Hell Tour,' featuring seven uniquely colored and steaming geothermal hot springs.
"A total unexpected and super nice experience in Beppu, very nice and interesting place."

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Buying a combined ticket for all 7 'hells' is often more economical than paying individually.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the different 'hells', so comfy footwear is a must.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)
Main cluster
A stunning cobalt-blue hot spring that resembles the sea, offering a visually captivating experience.

Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell)
Separate location
Famous for its striking crimson-red waters, this 'hell' is a unique and fiery spectacle.

Jigokumushikobo Kannawa
Kannawa district
Experience 'hell-steaming' where food is cooked using natural geothermal steam – a culinary adventure!

Oniyama Jigoku (Crocodile Hell)
Main cluster
Home to numerous crocodiles, this 'hell' offers a fascinating, albeit slightly eerie, display.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Hells
Getting Around Beppu's Hells
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Buying a combined ticket for all 7 'hells' is often more economical than paying individually.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the different 'hells', so comfy footwear is a must.
🚌 Utilize Local Buses
Buses are a convenient way to travel between the more spread-out 'hells'.
♨️ Footbaths Available
While you can't bathe in the 'hells', some locations offer relaxing hot footbaths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Buying a combined ticket for all 7 'hells' is often more economical than paying individually.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the different 'hells', so comfy footwear is a must.
🚌 Utilize Local Buses
Buses are a convenient way to travel between the more spread-out 'hells'.
♨️ Footbaths Available
While you can't bathe in the 'hells', some locations offer relaxing hot footbaths.
📸 Capture the Colors
Each 'hell' has a unique color and feature; bring your camera for stunning photos!
🍳 Try Steamed Cuisine
Experience unique dishes cooked using natural geothermal steam at Jigokumushikobo Kannawa.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Beppu Jigoku Meguri to be a unique and fascinating experience, highlighting the distinct visual appeal of each 'hell.' While some note the crowds, the opportunity to witness raw geothermal power and try 'hell-steamed' cuisine is widely appreciated. It's considered a worthwhile stop for those exploring Kyushu.
"There are 7 hells in total - 5 clustered together and 2 a bit farther away. Each has its own unique character and a separate entrance. At the main hell you can either buy a ticket for all 7, a ticket for the 5 adjacent ones, or pay individually. We chose the third option. After nearly an hour at the first/main hell, the kids picked the alligator hell next. Visiting 2 hells felt more than enough for us 🤷♂️."
Boaz Gurwin
"This was a total unexpected and super nice experience in Beppu. We did a road trip thru Kyushu and had a brief stop in Beppu and visit the seven hills, very nice and interesting place. If have time it’s interesting to visit"
Jorge B.
"Massive tourist area with endless tour buses bringing Chinese Korean Thais and Japanese in bulk loads. I've visited just the highlight and I have to say, it was really beautiful and worth the trip if you are in Beppu. Especially the old people seem to love this place."
Hwon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Oita Airport, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach Beppu city. Once in Beppu, local buses and taxis are readily available to take you to the various 'hell' sites.
The 'hells' are spread out, with five clustered together and two a bit further. Local buses are a common and convenient option, and some visitors opt for a bus pass. Taxis are also available.
While five of the 'hells' are grouped closely and walkable, the other two might require a short bus ride or a longer walk. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Yes, parking is available at the 'hell' sites, and in some cases, it's free of charge.
Visiting all seven 'hells' typically takes several hours. Some visitors suggest allocating at least 3-4 hours to see them all comfortably, depending on your pace and transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased for individual 'hells' or as a combined ticket for all seven. A combined ticket for all seven typically costs around 2400 Yen.
Yes, you can choose to pay individually for each 'hell' you wish to visit, or purchase a ticket for the five adjacent ones if you don't plan to see all seven.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, purchasing the combined ticket is the most cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple 'hells'.
Some booking platforms may suggest printing tickets, but QR code smartphone tickets are generally accepted. It's always best to check the specific requirements when booking.
The 'hells' are typically open from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's advisable to check the specific hours for each 'hell' you plan to visit.
🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience
No, the 'hells' are for observation only as the water is extremely hot (around 100°C). However, some locations offer footbaths for a relaxing experience.
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) with its blue waters and Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) with its red waters are visually striking. Oniyama Jigoku (Crocodile Hell) and Jigokumushikobo Kannawa for steamed food are also highly recommended.
Yes, children often enjoy the unique sights like the crocodiles and the visually distinct hot springs. The steamed food experience can also be fun for families.
Yes, Jigokumushikobo Kannawa offers a unique dining experience where you can enjoy food cooked using natural geothermal steam.
'Hell-steaming' is a traditional cooking method in Beppu where food is cooked using the natural steam from geothermal hot springs. It's a unique culinary experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant colors of Umi Jigoku (blue) and Chinoike Jigoku (red) are incredibly photogenic. The steam rising from the pools also creates dramatic photographic opportunities.
The natural lighting and steam can sometimes be challenging, but the unique colors and geological features make for stunning shots. Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of other visitors and any posted signs. Avoid using flash directly at the hot springs if it might disturb wildlife or other guests.
A versatile camera with good low-light capabilities would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views of the hot springs and their surroundings.
Drone usage is typically restricted in tourist areas to ensure safety and respect for other visitors. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Jigokumushikobo Kannawa for a hands-on culinary experience where kids can see food being cooked by natural steam. This interactive element adds an extra layer of excitement. While the hot springs themselves are not for bathing, some locations offer footbaths, which can be a relaxing and fun activity for the whole family. Remember to keep a close eye on children, as the areas are geothermal and can be hazardous if not supervised.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While some 'hells' have small entrance fees, the overall experience offers great value for the unique sights and cultural insights. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to potentially avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and times of day to capture the best light. Early mornings or late afternoons can provide softer lighting and fewer crowds, allowing for more creative freedom. Don't forget to capture the details, such as the bubbling mud pools or the unique rock formations, which add depth to your photographic narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Seven Hells (Jigoku Meguri)
Each of the seven 'hells' offers a different spectacle. Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) captivates with its vibrant cobalt-blue waters, reminiscent of the ocean. Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) is famous for its striking, blood-red hue, a result of iron content in the water. Oniishibozu Jigoku (Shaven Monk's Head Hell) features bubbling grey mud pools that resemble the shaved heads of monks, while Oniyama Jigoku (Crocodile Hell) houses a large population of crocodiles. Other notable 'hells' include Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell), Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell), and Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell), which features a geyser.
Many visitors find purchasing a combined ticket for all seven 'hells' to be the most convenient and cost-effective option. The 'hells' are spread out, with five clustered together in the Kannawa area and two others requiring a short bus ride or a longer walk. This makes planning your route and transportation essential for a smooth visit. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a considerable amount of walking to explore these natural wonders.
The Culinary Delights of 'Hell-Steaming'
The most popular spot for this experience is Jigokumushikobo Kannawa. Here, visitors can select fresh ingredients like vegetables, seafood, and meats, which are then placed in special steamers and cooked using the powerful, mineral-rich steam. The process imparts a unique flavor and tender texture to the food, making it a must-try for any foodie visiting Beppu.
This culinary practice is deeply rooted in Beppu's geothermal activity and showcases a sustainable and traditional way of cooking. It's a fascinating glimpse into how locals have harnessed the power of the earth for centuries, not just for bathing but also for sustenance. Many travelers rave about the freshness and unique taste of the 'hell-steamed' dishes, making it a highlight of their Beppu experience.
Navigating Beppu: Transportation and Logistics
While five of the 'hells' are clustered together in the Kannawa district, making them walkable, the other two are a bit more spread out. This means that some walking will be involved, so wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended. Taxis are also readily available for those who prefer a more direct and private mode of transport, though they can be more expensive.
For those who enjoy exploring at their own pace, renting a car can be an option, and parking is available at the 'hell' sites, sometimes even free of charge. Planning your route in advance, especially if you intend to visit all seven 'hells,' will help maximize your time and ensure you don't miss any of the unique geothermal wonders.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit