Overview
The Hells of Beppu are a classic sightseeing circuit of naturally welling hot-spring sources known as "jigoku," or "hells," which display a variety of striking appearances in the onsen town of Beppu, Ōita. The name is also used as a collective term for these hells. A defining feature is that they are meant for viewing rather than bathing; the Sea Hell, Chinoike Hell, Shiraike Hell, and Tatsumaki Hell were designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 2009.
Highlights
- ●A classic circuit touring naturally welling "hell" hot-spring sources
- ●Sources intended for viewing rather than for bathing
- ●Varied hells including the Sea Hell, Oniishibozu Hell, Kamado Hell, Crocodile Hell, and Shiraike Hell
- ●Scenery designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 2009 as the "Hells of Beppu"
History
The word "jigoku" refers to the strikingly appearing hot-spring sources that have long welled up naturally in Beppu. On 23 July 2009, the Sea Hell, Chinoike Hell, Shiraike Hell, and Tatsumaki Hell were designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty under the name "Hells of Beppu."
Access
The site is in Beppu, Ōita, within the Beppu hot springs that form part of the Eight Hot Springs of Beppu. Touring the circuit by scheduled sightseeing bus and similar means is customary.
Best season
The steam and hot-spring scenery can be enjoyed year-round. In the crisp air of winter, the rising columns of steam stand out all the more.
Map
33.3161, 131.4689 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Begin the circuit from a base within the Beppu hot-spring district
- 2View a representative hell such as the Sea Hell
- 3Tour hells of differing character such as the Kamado Hell and Crocodile Hell
- 4Visit hells tied to the scenic-beauty designation, such as the Shiraike Hell
Did you know?
💡 Four of the hells — the Sea Hell, Chinoike Hell, Shiraike Hell, and Tatsumaki Hell — are designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty as the "Hells of Beppu."
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