You can even visit Oita’s steamily fun 7 Hells of Beppu in just 1 day
Is the Hells of Beppu worth visiting? An onsen trip to Beppu isn’t complete without visiting the area’s 7 hells, or jigoku.
Here’s how you can see them all, and where to linger, in just one day at this unique part of Japan’s Oita Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu.
Watch our Hells of Beppu travel video to find out more about
- How you can see all 7 hells in just 1 day
- Using the local bus system from Beppu Station to the hells and back
- Highlights of select hells
- A bonus hell
- Hellish treats
- And more!
Watch our Hells of Beppu travel video
Is the Hells of Beppu worth visiting? Watch this video and see for yourself:
More about the Hells of Beppu
Volcanic activity, subterranean water flows, and distinctive mineral combinations have formed the character and color of each of the seven jigoku, which are:
- Reddish-brown colored Chinoike Jigoku, or Blood Pond Hell
- The geyser Tatsumaki Jigoku, or Tornado Hell
- Blue-colored Umi Jigoku or Sea Hell
- Gray mud Oniishibozu Jigoku, said to resemble a monk’s bald head
- Shiraike Jigoku, or White Pond Hell, which neighbors an aquarium
- Croc breeding habitat Oniyama Jigoku, or Crocodile Hell
- Color-changing Kamado Jigoku, or Furnace Hell
Want to know more about the Hells of Beppu, Oita, and other destinations throughout Kyushu and Japan?
Check out our Learners and Makers travel blog and more of our Japan videos!
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As much as we enjoyed soaking in the onsens of Beppu, we are so glad we included a day to visit the Hells of Beppu. At the same time, we enjoyed each Hell at our own pace. Some Hells we lingered at. Others we checked out for a few minutes, then moved on.
The Hells of Beppu offer an intriguing way to get up close, but not too close, with the wonders of our planet’s volcanic activity. They are distinctive attractions that weave in geology and Japanese culture—not to mention some tasty puddings and eggs.
Is the Hells of Beppu worth visiting? Visiting the Hells of Beppu was a highlight of our time on Kyushu, and we hope you get to check out all seven Hells too.
More about the Hells of Beppu
Where to stay in Beppu
We stayed at the Nogami Honkan, a Japanese ryokan
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. Around the ryokan, you can relax in a lightweight cotton yukata, or traditional robe (kid sizes available too). Expect to sleep on comfy futons on tatami floors. Breakfasts can be Western or Japanese style, and we’d suggest the Japanese.
Just a short walk from Beppu Station, the Nogami Honkan delighted us with lounging spaces, free anytime coffee and tea, and even a manga library. Instead of the public on-site onsen, we booked the separate private bath. That made it easier for Aster to try out her first onsen. It’s also a great option if, like Jodie, you have tattoos.
Use our link below to book your stay at Nogami Honkan:
