Beppu jigoku meguri enter the hell , feel like heaven

Beppu jigoku meguri (Roughly called hells of Beppu) of Beppu are centre attraction point in Oita and attracts domestic as well as international visitors, all year around. These are basically hot-springs for viewing rather than bathing in it. You can find much natural hot springs(Onsen) in the city. Basically, 6 hells are located in the same place known as Kannawa district . However remaining 2 are in Shibaseki district. Both place are 20 minutes away(2 Miles in distance) from each other. I have been there from Matsuyama and entered in the city through ferry on Oita port. As compared to Matsuyama or Tokyo city is not having enough local train network to move around the city. Therefore we preferred to take the rental car and did one trip around the city.

Transport Note: Local train network is not strong but public buses are quite good and frequent. If you do not have driving license then do not hesitate to go ahead with public transport. You can book tour too via  tourist information centre at Beppu station.

Types of hell

Beppu jigoku meguri  Sea Hell (海地獄 ⇔ Umi Jigoku)

This one is my favourite and is completely blue colour  like  the ocean which makes its name sea hell. This is my personal recommendation, you must visit this among all hells. There is a big pond nearby entrance and have many lotuses with are of specific type namely Victoria. Victoria leaves are big enough to hold weight of small kid(You can see picture board with kids sitting on leaf). Do not forget to have look around greenhouse which has multiple varieties of lotuses and orchids.

Beppu jigoku meguri Shaven Head Hell (鬼石坊主地獄 ⇔ Oniishibozu Jigoku)

This name originated from the grey mud bubbles in the pond which looks like the head of a monk. In addition if you are tired and want to give an extra time to this hell you can sit around the place and enjoy footbath next to it.

Beppu jigoku meguri Cooking Pot Hell (かまど地獄 ⇔ Kamado Jigoku)

This hell is easy to identify with red colour demon mascot on top. There are several smaller boiling ponds scattered here and there and again if you have time then enjoy footbath with eating onsen tamago(boiled egg direct from onsen water).

Also read: Tosa Dog Fight In Kochi, Shikoku Japan

Beppu jigoku meguri Demon Mountain Hell(鬼山地獄 ⇔ Oniyama Jigoku)

Place is well known as crocodile hell.It is the home to many crocodiles and alligators. What I heard from the instructor is that temperature of this hell (Normal hot water) is perfect for their breeding conditions.This hell is a bit scary due to giant crocodiles.

Beppu jigoku meguri Mountain Hell (山地獄 ⇔ Yama Jigoku)

This is situated in hill and you may pass this hell as I personally feel it is less attractive than others. However if you love animals this is the place for you to enjoy small Zoo next to hell.

Beppu jigoku meguri White Pond Hell (白池地獄 ⇔  Shirake Jigoku)

Its names symbolize white but it’s a kind of pale blue(or somewhere milky too) water pond with rocks in the middle of it. You can enjoy a little garden which is the hell pond.

Beppu jigoku meguri Blood Pond Hell (血の池地獄 ⇔ Chinoike Jigoku”)

This hell is located 2 miles away from above hells. Its name resemble the color of water and its complete dark red. The way I recommended you “Sea hell”,  I will recommend this one too and it’s worth to take bus ride or do self driving(15 minutes). At the exist of hell there is one souvenir shop where you can enjoy shopping for your beloved ones and buy something to make remember this place.

Beppu jigoku meguri Waterspout Hell (龍巻地獄 ⇔ Tatsumaki Jigoku)

The last hell of your visit and it’s next to “Blood pond” hell. This hell has a geyser which erupts in every 30 minutes to the height around 50 meters.There is a place where you can sit with other people and wait for it show in every 30 minutes, so mind timing to visit this hell(Show and wait timings are written at the entrance).

Transport from Tokyo: You can use LCC Jet Star to Oita airport or you can use shinkansen up to Hakata followed by the local train to JR Beppu.

Official website: For more detail information you can visit official website of Jigoku Meguri

Fee and business hours: Each hell you can enjoy with the amount of 400¥ and if you are willing to visit all the hells then you can buy full package around 2000¥. All the hells are operating throughout the week from 08:00 to 17:00.

I had the wonderful time in Oita and hope others will have the same experience too, the city is very beautiful and surrounded by multiple attraction around the city.

Special Note: Do not forget to visit Beppu beach sand bath, Lake shidaka ko and Beppu ropeway to surumi mountain to have panoramic view of the city.