Seven Hells Tour: A Complete One-Day Guide

ℹ️ Practical Information at a Glance

🕰️ Operating Hours:
Most of the Seven Hells are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

🏖️ Environment/Facilities:
Each hell features scenic walkways, rest areas, and souvenir shops. Some also offer foot bath experiences.

📍 Address:
Kannawa and Kamegawa areas, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture (accessible by walking or short bus rides between each hell).

💰 Average Cost:
Seven Hells Pass: Adults 2,200 yen, Children 1,000 yen.

♨️ Introduction to Beppu — The Beginning of the Hell Tour

When visiting Beppu in Oita Prefecture, the must-see attraction is the famous "Hell Hot Spring Tour" (地獄めぐり). Beppu boasts eight hells, seven of which are open to the public. Named for their strikingly colored waters and steaming landscapes resembling hellish scenes, these hot springs cannot be bathed in but offer a close-up view of nature's awe-inspiring beauty.

The Seven Hells are located close to each other, making it easy to explore them all in one day by walking or taking buses. Each hell has its own unique features, making them worth experiencing in detail.

🌋 Sea Hell — A Stunning Azure Spring

Sea Hell (うみじごく) is the largest and most iconic of the hells. Its waters are a vivid blue due to the presence of iron sulfate, resembling a clear ocean. The steaming surface, paired with the surrounding Japanese garden, showcases nature's exquisite craftsmanship. The park also offers unique snacks like hot spring-boiled eggs and hot spring pudding, adding to the fun.

🐊 Oniyama Hell — The Kingdom of Crocodiles

Oniyama Hell (おにやまじごく) is famous for its crocodiles. The geothermal hot springs are used to maintain crocodile breeding pools, housing hundreds of these creatures. Visitors can observe them basking in the sun or diving into the water, creating a thrilling and novel experience. This hell is also nicknamed "Crocodile Hell."

🔴 Blood Pond Hell — A Fiery Red Spectacle

Blood Pond Hell (ちおけじごく) features water colored bright red due to iron oxide, resembling a boiling pool of blood. The sight is both terrifying and magnificent. As one of Japan's oldest natural hells, it has historically been used to produce hot spring mud dye. The park's shop sells unique products made from the hot spring mud.

👹 Oniishi Bozu Hell — Bubbling Gray Mud

Oniishi Bozu Hell (おにいしぼうずじごく) is characterized by its gray-white mud that bubbles and boils, resembling the bald heads of monks, hence its name. The site also has a foot bath area where visitors can soak their feet and enjoy the warmth and relaxation brought by geothermal heat.

🐉 Shiraike Hell — A Milky White Lake

Shiraike Hell (しらいけじごく) initially appears as a clear, colorless spring, but its waters turn milky white or pale blue depending on sunlight and weather conditions, giving it its name "White Pond." The park also features a tropical fish exhibit, showcasing fish raised in water heated by the hot springs, demonstrating another application of geothermal energy.

🐢 Tatsumaki Hell — The Power of a Geyser

Tatsumaki Hell (たつまきじごく) is a geyser that erupts every 30 to 40 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters high. For safety reasons, a roof has been installed to limit the height, but the sheer force of the eruption remains awe-inspiring. This is the best spot to witness the power of geothermal energy.

🦆 Oniishi Hell — A Family-Friendly Spot

Oniishi Hell (おにいしじごく) is smaller in scale but features an animal area with hippos, ducks, and other small animals, making it ideal for family visits. Visitors can also enjoy foot baths or shop for souvenirs, making it a more relaxed stop on the tour.

Each of the Seven Hells offers a unique experience: some amaze with their vibrant spring colors, others with the power of geothermal energy, and some incorporate animal or family-friendly activities. Linking them together creates a one-day journey blending natural wonders, cultural history, and fun experiences.

After completing the Hell Tour, consider returning to Beppu City to visit a hot spring inn for a soak, washing away the fatigue of the day's walking. This marks the perfect conclusion to a "journey from hell to heaven."