Yama Jigoku
A unique stop in Beppu featuring a small geyser and a petting zoo with capybaras and other animals, though animal welfare is a concern.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, animals more active
Yama Jigoku
Best Time
Fewer crowds, animals more active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique stop in Beppu featuring a small geyser and a petting zoo with capybaras and other animals, though animal welfare is a concern.
"Many visitors report concerns about the living conditions of the animals, citing overcrowding and lack of adequate care."
Feed the Animals
Buy food to interact with capybaras and goats. :moneybag:
Manage Expectations
It's more an animal farm than a major attraction. :thinking_face:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Capybara Encounter
Small animal area
Get up close with these gentle giants and even feed them. A popular draw for visitors.
The Lone Geyser
Main hot spring area
Witness a small, steaming geyser, though some find it unimpressive compared to other 'Jigoku' attractions.
Peacocks and Goats
Animal enclosures
Observe colorful peacocks strutting and interact with goats in the petting zoo area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Animal Welfare Concerns
Beyond the Geyser
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Feed the Animals
Buy food to interact with capybaras and goats. :moneybag:
Manage Expectations
It's more an animal farm than a major attraction. :thinking_face:
Consider Animal Welfare
Many visitors note concerns about animal conditions. :sad_cat:
Combine with Hells Tour
Often visited alongside other 'Jigoku' attractions in Beppu. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Feed the Animals
Buy food to interact with capybaras and goats. :moneybag:
Manage Expectations
It's more an animal farm than a major attraction. :thinking_face:
Consider Animal Welfare
Many visitors note concerns about animal conditions. :sad_cat:
Combine with Hells Tour
Often visited alongside other 'Jigoku' attractions in Beppu. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yama Jigoku is a mixed experience, often described as more of an animal farm than a traditional hot spring attraction. While some visitors enjoy interacting with the capybaras and goats, many express deep concern over the welfare of the animals, citing overcrowding and poor living conditions. The small geyser is generally considered unimpressive.
"Such a sad place. Honestly if I was Japanese I would denounce them to the authorities. The animals are crowded, dirty, and visibly depressed. The smell of excrement is overpowering. The lone geyser is small and unimpressive. Totally overpriced but also just so incredibly disturbing to visit. We sped through to get out of there. Maybe the saddest thing was the lone goat tied to a post near the exit. This place is just inhumane and cruel. It needs to be shut down. I’m so sad after visiting."
Lauren
"Came here to see the capybara (which they do have). Walking into the small animal area was heartbreaking as there was a dead bunny right when you walked in surrounded by alive bunnies crammed into a small space. Then there are the guinea pigs which are crammed into an even smaller area, panting because of the high heat with no way to cool off. Almost all of them looked sick or had something wrong with them."
Hannah
"Here, look for the mountain by name. I don't know where I am. The surrounding area is like a small zoo zone. Where many animals live together. If you want to get close, you can also buy food for the little ones."
Kritanan Sritongtae
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yama Jigoku is located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. You can reach it by bus from Beppu Station, often as part of a tour of the 'Hells of Beppu' (Beppu Jigoku Meguri). Many visitors combine it with other Jigoku sites.
Yes, Yama Jigoku is often included in the 'Beppu Jigoku Meguri' or 'Hells of Beppu' tour. It's one of the smaller attractions in the circuit.
Local buses are a common and convenient way to travel between the different 'Jigoku' sites. Consider purchasing a day pass if you plan to visit multiple locations.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is usually parking available. However, navigating the narrow roads around Beppu can be challenging.
Yama Jigoku is accessible by local bus services from Beppu Station, making it relatively easy to reach via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Yama Jigoku is typically around 500 yen. It's considered a relatively inexpensive stop compared to some other attractions.
Yes, you can purchase a set ticket for the 'Beppu Jigoku Meguri' which covers entry to multiple 'Hells,' including Yama Jigoku. This is often more cost-effective.
Yama Jigoku generally opens around 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. It's advisable to check the exact hours before your visit, especially during off-peak seasons.
Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance upon arrival. It's recommended to have cash on hand, though some places may accept cards.
Yes, a combined ticket for the 'Beppu Jigoku Meguri' offers a discount compared to buying individual tickets for each 'Hell.'
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Yama Jigoku is home to capybaras, goats, peacocks, and other small animals. Visitors can often feed the capybaras and goats.
While it's called 'Yama Jigoku' (Mountain Hell), the primary attraction is the small geyser and the animal farm. There are no public bathing facilities here.
The 'Jigoku' refers to the steaming hot springs and geysers. Yama Jigoku has a small geyser, but it's more known for its animal enclosures.
Children may enjoy seeing and feeding the animals, but some visitors have raised concerns about animal welfare, which parents may want to consider.
A visit to Yama Jigoku typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you spend interacting with the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The capybaras and peacocks offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the steam from the small geyser can also be visually interesting.
Generally, photography is allowed throughout Yama Jigoku. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the animals.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting and potentially more active animals.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most tourist attractions to ensure safety and avoid disturbing wildlife. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
The area where capybaras are fed, and the steaming geyser are popular spots for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌍 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding 'Jigoku' in Beppu
Beppu is renowned for its abundant hot spring resources, making it a popular onsen (hot spring) destination. The 'Jigoku' are a testament to this geothermal power, showcasing the raw, untamed beauty of the earth's heat. Visitors often marvel at the intense colors and the sheer power displayed by these natural phenomena. It's important to remember that these are natural hot springs, and direct contact with the water is not advised due to extreme temperatures and mineral content.
While the 'Jigoku' are a major draw, it's worth noting that the experience can vary significantly between sites. Some are vast and awe-inspiring, while others, like Yama Jigoku, offer a more intimate, albeit sometimes controversial, experience due to their animal attractions. Understanding the context of 'Jigoku' helps appreciate the unique geothermal landscape of Beppu.
Animal Welfare Concerns at Yama Jigoku
Specific examples cited include bunnies found dead in cramped spaces, guinea pigs panting in the heat with no cooling, and a baby goat left on a short leash on concrete for extended periods without food or companionship. The overwhelming sentiment from these reviews is that the animals are not being kept in humane conditions, leading to a heartbreaking and disturbing experience for some visitors.
Given these consistent reports, potential visitors are advised to research further and consider these ethical concerns before deciding to visit Yama Jigoku. Many reviewers strongly suggest avoiding the attraction altogether to protest the alleged mistreatment of animals.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit