Kyushu Exploration and the “8 Hells of Beppu”

Our Kyushu Exploration tour takes you on a journey rarely explored by many tourists. Known as the cradle of Japanese civilization, Kyushu offers visitors a rich concentration of historical sites, spa towns, and urban centers. Our 8 day/ 6 night Kyushu Exploration Tour invites you to the southernmost tip of Japan and discover its distinctive character, history, and culture.

 

 

Perhaps one of the most well known attractions in Kyushu is the city of Beppu and “8 Jigoku” or “8 Hells” Hot Springs. While the city is relatively small, Beppu has over 200 hot springs including the well known 8 Hells. These volcanic pits are for viewing rather than soaking and boast unique colors, boiling water and even a geyser. Each hell is also known by a different theme. Below are photos and descriptions of each one.

6 of the hells are located near each other in the Kannawa district and 2 more are about 1.5 miles away in the Shibaseki district.

 

Shibaseki District Hells

 

Chinoike Jigoku

This is the oldest Jigoku and known as the “blood pond hell.” The red waters are the result of a chemical reaction from high temperatures and underground pressure, forming the red mud.

Tatsumaki-Jigoku 

This “spout hell” is actually a geyser that is quite uncommon in Japan. The boiling hot geyser erupts every 30-40 minutes with the eruption lasting from 6-10 minutes.

Kannawa District

Umi Jigoku

Formed over 1,300 years ago, the “Sea Hell” is one of the most visually stunning hells with teal water and rising steam. The hell is surrounded by a beautiful garden and clear pond.

 

Oniishibozu Jigoku

This hell is named after the mud bubbles formed in the boiling water. The bubbles resemble a “Shaven Monk’s Head Hell.”

 

Yama-Jigoku 

This “Mountain Hell” was named after the steam gas rising from the surrounding mountain.

 

Kamado-Jigoku

The “Cooking Pot Hell” is known for its boiling water. There is also a statue of a demon, known as the “cook.” Here you can also try different snacks cooked or steamed by the hot spring.

 

Oniyama-Jigoku

The “Demon Mountain Hell” aptly named since there are crocodiles raised and kept on the grounds.

 

Shiraike-Jigoku

The “White Pond Hell” features hot water with a milky white shade.

The natural phenomenon of the 8 Hells are just some of the scenic sites seen on the Kyushu Exploration Tour. Mt. Aso, an active volcano, Unzen National Park are also among the tour’s highlights.

 

Would you want to go to Kyushu and see all 8 Hells?