The 7 Hells of Beppu Are Japan's Seriously Spectacular Hot Springs

For many people, visiting the seven hells, or any onsen, is about more than just witnessing nature's beauty. Onsen play a deep historical role in Japanese culture and are still quite popular today as a way to relax and connect with friends or family. The water is thought to have therapeutic properties due to its high mineral content and is used by the Japanese to treat various ailments.

The Japan specialists at Audley Travel further explain that the hells can easily be seen in one day. Five of the hells are in the Kannawa district, which can be reached on a bus or taxi from Beppu train station. The last two hells are in Shibaseki, which is also accessible by public transport or taxi. Another option is to travel by rental car so you can explore at your own pace.

So, come along as we explore the seven unique hells of Beppu:

The Umi Jigoku hell's name comes from its bright turquoise water reminiscent of a steamy Caribbean sea. After taking in its beauty, you can also visit a smaller reddish pool, a greenhouse that's heated with "gasses from hell" and an ashi-mizu — a type of foot bath — to rejuvenate your feet for the trek. 

Located a short distance from various other hells, the Shiraike Jigoku name is a bit misleading since its water is a bit more of milky blue than pure white, but it's beautiful nonetheless. The water is surrounded by a green garden that creates a tranquil setting.

Gray clay bubbles boil to the surface of Oniishibozu Jigoku , giving it its name, "mud hell." After you check out the boiling mud, you can relax with a foot bath or even a full dip at the outdoor bath.

Kamado Jigoku is unique in that it discharges the largest amount of hot spring water, not just in Beppu, but in all of Japan. What's cooking in this cooking pot hell? Kamado Jigoku got its name from an ancient myth that says the locals used the gas rising from the water to steam the rice they offered to the Ujigami (guardian god) for the Kamado Hachimangu Shrine Festival.

Get too close to this hot spring, and it'll be more than the hot water that feels like hell. Oniyama Jigoku is one of the most intriguing onsen due to the 70 crocodiles roaming around the waters. The crocs were first introduced to the onsen in 1924, and for them, the year-round warm water creates a heavenly spot to call home.

You can safely view the crocodiles from behind a gated area, and for even more intrigue, you can visit at feeding time. Check the schedule, but feeding is generally on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The Chinoike Jigoku onsen brings a bit more truth to the hellish name due to its blood-red water — dyed by the red thermal mud that lies deep underground. Yet, despite the water's frightening appearance, the onsen is nestled in a peaceful natural setting, surrounded by a waterfall and wooded hillsides. This hell also boasts an ashi-mizu pool for soaking your feet and a restaurant that serves up a "Blood Pond Burger" and "Hell's Paradise Curry."

Tatsumaki Jigoku is more than your regular hot spring — it's a geyser, a special type of hot spring that spouts water and steam into the air due to the high volume of pressure it's under. The tornado hell geyser spouts very, very hot water every 20 to 40 minutes.

While it may seem contradictory that a place called 'hell' is designated as a "Place of Scenic Beauty" in Japan, the hells of Beppu are definitely a natural wonder worth admiring. Plus, Beppu can be a great jumping off point for a trip, according to the Japan specialists at Audley Travel. They share that there are other points of interest across the island, including the famous Yatai (food stalls) of Fukuoka, beautiful volcanic mountains of Aso-Kuju National Park, as well as the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park in Nagasaki.