You can reach the five hells in the Kannawa district by taking bus number 5 or 7 from JR Beppu Station. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Get off at Kannawa Bus Terminal, and you can walk to all five spots.
To visit the two remaining hells in Shibaseki, take bus 16 or 16A from Kannawa (about 5 minutes). The same bus goes to Beppu Station via Kamegawa. You can also use bus 26/26A in the opposite direction. Exploring by rental car is easy too—free parking is available at all the hells.
5
Jigoku Hells
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1 of 12 in Beppu
The Jigoku Hells (地獄, jigoku) in Beppu are a must-see collection of seven vibrant hot springs, known more for their stunning visuals than for bathing. These unique spots showcase steaming ponds in striking colors, bubbling mud pits, and dramatic hydrothermal activity that make you feel like you've stepped onto another planet. While some areas are quite touristy in presentation, the natural spectacle remains unforgettable.
Five of the hells are located in the easily accessible Kannawa district, while the remaining two are in the quieter Shibaseki area. Each "hell" offers its own personality and color—from cobalt blue to blood-red pools—making them popular stops for curious travelers, photographers, and families exploring Beppu’s geothermal wonders.
The Jigoku Hells
Umi Jigoku
Kannawa District
Umi Jigoku, also known as the "sea hell," is famous for its beautiful blue boiling water. The large garden has smaller orange hells and a clear pond with lotus flowers, where the strong leaves can hold small children.
Shiraike Jigoku
Kannawa District
Shiraike Jigoku, also known as the "white pond hell," has a hot, milky water pond. The pond is surrounded by a lovely garden, and there’s a small, old aquarium nearby.
Oniishibozu Jigoku
Kannawa District
Oniishibozu Jigoku is named after the mud bubbles that look like bald monks' heads. There’s also a foot bath with clear water. Next to it, you can find a public bath with multiple pools for an extra 620 yen.
Kamado Jigoku
Kannawa District
Kamado Jigoku, also known as "cooking pot hell," has boiling ponds and a statue of a demon cooking. Visitors can drink the hot spring water, relax in hand and foot baths, breathe in the steam, and try snacks cooked by the hot spring.
Oniyama Jigoku
Kannawa District
Oniyama Jigoku, also known as "monster mountain hell," is home to many crocodiles that are raised and kept on the property.
Chinoike Jigoku
Shibaseki District
Chinoike Jigoku, or "blood pond hell," has a pond with hot, red water. It’s a great spot for photos and also has a large souvenir shop.
Tatsumaki Jigoku
Shibaseki District
Tatsumaki Jigoku, known as "spout hell," has a geyser that erupts every 30-40 minutes for 6-10 minutes. A stone plate limits its height. There’s also a short walking trail up the nearby forested hill.
Hours and Fees
Jigoku Hells
- Opening hours
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8:00 to 17:00
- Closed
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No closing days
- Entrance fee
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It costs 450 yen to enter one hell, or 2200 yen to visit all seven hells once within two days.
Getting there
Resources
English
Jigoku Hells
Pdf file with information in English
Japanese
Jigoku Hells
Official website
Nearby
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