Even within hot springs (onsen), there are many different types. When you come to Japan, why not try some of the many available for yourself? The town of Beppu is number one in Japan for hot springs, and “Jigoku Meguri” is a famous sightseeing course for 8 nearby hot springs within the town. Hot and boiling water erupts from between 250-300m below the ground, as if from hell itself. This is where the course got its name of Jigoku Meguri, or “The Hell Tour”. In this article, we’ll introduce the Beppu Onsen’s most famous hot springs that you should most definitely visit.
Jigoku Meguri
Umi Jigoku
“Umi Jigoku” (Sea Hell) is the largest and widest hot spring on the Jigoku Meguri Tour, and our No. 1 recommendation! The water at Umi Jigoku is an especially beautiful cobalt blue, and it is rare even amongst Japanese hot springs to see this color. The reason for this spectacular cobalt blue color is the naturally high levels of iron sulfate in the water. Apart from the beautiful hot spring itself, there is also a wide variety of gourmet food unique to onsen, such as eggs boiled in 98°C hot spring water, and sweet buns steamed in hot spring steam, as well as Japanese souvenirs.
Kamado Jigoku
“Kamado Jigoku” is the part of the Jigoku Meguri Tour where you can have the most varied experiences. It is not a well-known fact, but there are more ways to enjoy hot springs than simply bathing in them! You can also experience a hot spring through drinking and smelling it yourself, all at Kamado Jigoku! In addition to these experiences, there are also three types of hand, feet, throat, and skin steaming water, as well as footbaths. More than just immersing yourself in the hot spring’s water, feel free to get a taste of a new hot spring experience.
Chinoike Jigoku
“Chinoike Jigoku” (Blood Pond Hell) is considered an incredibly old natural hot spring even amongst Japanese hot springs, having existed for more than 1300 years. The main hot spring is vivid red, exactly like one would imagine hell to be like, as the water contains iron and magnesium oxides, and it can be quite enjoyable to compare the vivid red of Chinoike Jigoku with the stark cobalt blue of Umi Jigoku.
Oniyama Jigoku
“Oniyama Jigoku” (Demon Mountain Hell) is the first place in Japan where crocodiles were bred using the heat of hot springs to maintain a suitable environment for them, and about 70 crocodiles are kept at Oniyama Jigoku. Alligators, crocodiles, and other animals from the subtropics, using the natural power of hot springs, are able to live comfortably even in Japan.
Besides these ones mentioned here, there are many different kinds of Japanese hot springs, such as those that spout scolding hot water!
Oniishi Bozu Jigoku
This hell has ponds of mud that bubble to the surface and resemble a monk’s shaved head.
Tatsumaki Jigoku
You can see a geyser at this jigoku!
Shiraike Jigoku
Also known as the “White Pond Hell,” visitors can take many instagrammable photos at this scenic onsen. There are also a variety of exotic wildlife to be found here!
Yama Jigoku
Many animals and other attractions can be found here!
Recommended hot springs and other attractions can be found by clicking the buttons below, so please have a look!
Umi Jigouku
OPEN: 8:00-17:00
Kamado Jigoku
OPEN:8:00-17:00
Chinoike Jigoku
OPEN: 8:00-17:00
Oniyama Jigoku
OPEN: 8:00-17:00
