Hello readers! In this article, I would like to introduce you to a hot spring source and tourist spot in Beppu called “Hell”. These springs in Beppu not only allow you to see the natural gush of hot spring water, but also have souvenir shops and footpaths around them so you can decide the type of hot spring that suits you best. Please use this article as a guide to find your favorite onsen when you visit Beppu and tour the various springs!
Let’s go! The name of the place we will cover is “Oniishi Bozu Jigoku” which is a unique hot spring to see!
Oniishi Bozu Jikoku
Oniishi Bozu Jigoku (Hell of the Monk’s Head) is an ancient hot spring that pumps out hot gray mud in a way that resembles a monk’s head.
After the Meiji era (1868-1912), this hot spring became known as “Bozu Jigoku” and became a tourist attraction. It is one of the seven major Jigoku in Beppu and is located next to the Sea Hell. It has a free footbath and a variety of original snacks in its facilities. The entrance fee is 400 yen per person.
The origin of Oniishi Bozu Jikoku
The hot mud that was scattered over the rich fields long ago due to volcanic activity under Beppu made it impossible for rice to grow and people to live securely. This is why local people called it “hell”. These strange natural phenomena attracted the public’s attention and visitors began to walk along the paths where hot mud emerged from the inferno to take a closer look. This exploration of the hells is the origin of Jigoku Meguri.
The Beautiful Garden in The Oniishi Bozu Jigoku
There are two kinds of hells in this Oniishi Bozu Jigoku. One is the “hot mud hell” where balls of hot water gush out one after another and turn into clay mud. And the other is a geyser where smoke consistently spews out. Another unique phenomena, is that in between the many rocks on the geyser, natural air spews out of the hell and makes a sound like snoring. This is referred to as “the snoring of demons”.
There are also chairs and tables so you can enjoy the view of the garden’s beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom in spring. The sights of the gray mud erupting from the ground and the pink cherry blossoms, combined with the hot steam floating through the air make for a beautiful scene. You can sit here in the sun, relaxing and taking photos.
Round Footbath in the Oniishi Bozu Jikoku:
The hot spring footbath here is unlike other footbaths in that it is circular. You can gather in a circle and enjoy the feeling of togetherness while the warm water soothes your tiredness from your trip. Sitting in the footbath, listening to the sound of the devil’s breath and the boiling hot mud is a great way to relax and unwind.
Enjoy the snacks next to Oniishi Bozu Jigoku
If you get hungry, you can also enjoy the original snacks made in Oniishi Bozu Jigoku. Here you will find Onigiri’s famous steamed pudding with groundnuts and boiled eggs in hot spring water. And you can also enjoy special xiaolongbao and rice steamed in the “hells”.
How was it? Beppu offers a wide variety of hot springs. It is very important to do your homework and find the hot springs that you like. In that sense, I hope you found this article useful. The natural environment surrounding the source of the hot spring, the temperature, can only be experienced by actually stepping into a footbath, so we encourage you to visit. The warmth of the people around you and the famous steamed buns sold at the souvenir shop will surely make you feel warm inside and out!
If you want to know more about enjoying Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, please visit Wander Compass Beppu located in the Beppu Station building next to LOTTERIA burger shop at Beppu station. The staff will share directions on how to get there. Why don’t you visit Beppu and enjoy the onsens at Oniishi Bozu Jigoku?
Basic Info
OPEN： 8:00-17:00
FEE： 400 yen or 2,000 yen for all 7 Hells (Half price for children)
How to get to Beppu Onsen, where Oniishi Bozu Jigoku is located.
Recommended hot springs and other attractions can be found by clicking the buttons below, so please have a look!
