The Hells of Beppu—Natural Boiling Springs of Japan

Before I came here, I had other hopes for this attraction. My thoughts were totally far from imagination. Japan, the land of the rising sun, is famous for its great technology, but it is a place not to be missed in the tourism sector. Japan has mind-boggling stunning views, similar to the Hells of Beppu. The Hells of Beppu is one of the most interesting sights of Japan (Jigoku Meguri). Similar volcanic phenomena are around the world, but there is something unique in Beppu hells. There are only eight boiling springs, with unique features.

Red—blood, Oniishibozu Jigoku, Shiraike Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, Yama Jigoku, Oniyama Jigoku and the Chinoike Jigoku—are the eight hells with strange charms. Oniishibozu Jigoku is famous for its boiling mud, and Shiraike Jigoku is known as the “Hell of White Pond,” which is represented by hot springs, steam, and milky-coloured waters. The river is surrounded by a beautiful garden and a small aquarium that has seen better times.

The Yama Jigoku, the “Mountain Hell,” has a small zoo with many animals. Meanwhile, there are animals like crocodiles in Oniyama-jigoku. Otherwise known as the “Monster Mountain's Hell,” it actually justifies its name. On Kamado Jigoku (“The Cooking Pot Hell”), it is nothing strange, but an eatery place in Beppu. Oddly enough, the red Kamado statue offers a beautiful view, except for eggs, vegetables, and even water cooked from the hot steam.

Tatsumaki Jigoku, known as Tornado Hell, one of Beppu Eight Hell, unpredictably spews boiling heat resources for 6–10 minutes every 30 minutes. Fortunately, the nearest stone plate prevents the geyser's eruption from getting out of hand. It is therefore not surprising that the water reaches the highest and hottest temperatures. Chief among them, Chinoike Jigoku (“Bloody Hell's Pond”), is probably the most photographic and coolest of all. The temperature is 78 degrees Celsius. The Blue and Red water is what delights tourists. For a moment, you may think it is artificial, but if you look closely, nature will turn this concept upside down. The sound penetrates the pool from the ground and becomes a very natural sight.

Do not be surprised, because you are bound to see beautiful lotus flowers. The leaves are very thick and strong, enough to hold anything. On a lighter note, the thick and heavy leaves may even carry a baby. Turn your head and you will see that many visitors enjoy eggs cooked from the water at temperatures above 20°C (68°F). Six of these eight hells are in Kannawa, and the other two are in Shibaseki. If you are a first-time visitor, then take note of the temperature. People continue to demand answers to why the boiling pool is red in color. Religious people, especially Christians, have a different concept of crossing heads, until they know what makes the pool red. The fact is, nature is simply beautiful, because the red pool of Beppu is as a result of a red clay deposits.

Beppu, another reserve that has the largest natural boiling hot spring, regularly throws out water, dirt, and so on. This is confirmed by the great steam power of Japan, and other crocodile farms' work. Walking in boiling water is dangerous, so keep in mind that the temperature at which someone can be safe is to be very wary. The eight hells in total are called “Jigoku.” They are scattered around the Kannawa and Shibaseki Beppu areas, most of which are within walking distance. Whilst touring, I eavesdropped on a conversation between a Japanese family mentioning Ummi Jigoku. My ears were full and confused. In order not to lose the purpose of visiting Beppu, I tried to understand the meaning. This is simply called the “Ocean’s Hell.”

This is a beautiful sea shades of amazing blue-green color. Here, visitors can relax after a long day. Interestingly, people think that, as usual, this site attracts more tourists from all over the world than residents. However, the Japanese themselves are so much attached and very fond of this place. They come here to enjoy the beauty of nature. You can count on five of eight Japanese citizens amongst tourists who are regular visitors. They say: Wonders of the world seem to come in sevens. When you see the water for the first time, you cannot tell whether the water is genuine. In realism, a muddy, thin layer of material that settles in the water is caused by a clear combination of salt, boric acid, sodium silicate, and calcium carbonate.

How Do You Get Here?

Address: 986 Kannawakami, Beppu-shi, Ōita-ken 874-0046, Japan

The bus ride from Kamenoi, a suburb in Japan to the station of the iron wheel, which is close to Beppu, takes 20 minutes. Taxi takes 15 minutes, and costs ¥2,000 yen ($18.46). When you arrive, go straight to the entrance and take all tickets for each of the eight hot springs. After all payments are completed, get ready for a two-hour walkthrough Beppu’s hell territory.

The Fees

Visiting time is 8AM-5PM, seven days a week. Entrance fee for adults is ¥400 yen ($3.69), for students—¥300 yen ($2.77), for disabled people—¥200 yen ($1.85). Excursioners pay ¥2,000 yen ($18.46) for adults, ¥1350 yen (12.46) for students, and ¥550 yen ($5.08) for people with disabilities. Tourists who want to travel by train can go to Hakata Station in Fukuoka, Japan. You will be there in two hours. The price for the train trip is ¥5,740 ($52.96). Fluent speakers of the Japanese language are offered a special offer of ¥3,600 yen ($33.22) for all eight hells.

Where To Stay

You cannot be happier than to spend a long hellish period, and relax and rest. Ryokan Mikasaya, Kannawaso, Yanagiya, Onsenkaku are a few of the closest hotels to stay. You can enjoy a great show by watching the bright, black sand itself. Due to the color, heat, steam, and nature of work, there is no doubt that this spa is ranked second in the world. Since the temperature of the boiling water is high, it can cook any food in no time, thus the name Hell of Beppu. Hold on! I may take you on a tour to 2,800 different hot springs in Japan. Undoubtedly, Japan is the capital of hot springs.

About the Author 🇬🇭

Osei Agyemang is a passionate and creative content writer/editor who is an expert in writing interesting and innovative contents. Osei is also an addicted travel enthusiast who likes to visit and tell the stories of interesting places around the world. He is an award winning National Artist who studied Psychology, Journalism and Global English Language at University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow respectively.

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