Jigoku Meguri Tour

A trip to Beppu, Japan’s unofficial onsen capital is all about hot springs. But before taking the dip in some of the best onsen around the country, there’s a group of hot springs known as Jigoku or “hells” which although not apt for bathing, are still a sight to be seen. The Jigoku Meguri Tour is made up of seven hells and here we’ll give you a run down of what they are all about.

Jigoku Meguri Tour

To get started with the tour, we recommend you pick up the Jigoku Meguri ticket booklet which includes passes for all seven hells and at 2,000 yen per booklet, is a cheaper deal than paying 500 yen for each hell separately. Five of the hells are located within walking distance of each other in Kannawa Onsen and can be toured fairly quickly. The remaining two are located in the Shibaseki District and a bit far from Kannawa, it is best to take the the available tour bus to get to these two.

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Shiraike Jigoku

The name of the hells is derived from their features and Shiraike is the “White Pond Hell” thanks to its blue white colour. If you’re starting the tour in central Kannawa, this is the first you come across. Once you’re and done checking out this unique pond, make your way around it and head for the aquarium hidden next to the garden. You’ll be able to come face to face with rare piranhas and other rare water creatures.

Travel Guide

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Oniyama Jigoku

The “Oniyama Hell” is one of the most popular of the seven hells and not necessarily for its water. Apparently, the pressure created by the steam’s force is strong enough to pull one and a half train cars, thank to this pressure, the water at this hell has the perfect conditions to breed crocodiles which you’ll get to meet in large numbers. Just don’t bother them as they are basking in the sun.

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Kamado Jigoku

Kamado Jigoku or the “Oven Hell” is so called because long ago, it’s steam was used for cooking food. Once passed the towering Aka Oni or red demon which is the symbol of this hell, you can relax your feet in the foot bath, enjoy the steam as it hits your face, and admired the different coloured ponds including the deep red pond that reacts to your breath. The highlight for many though is being able to boiled eggs and corn as it was done in the past.

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Umi Jigoku

The “Sea Hell” gets his name as it is said to resemble the sea. Whether you agree or not, it cannot be denied this is one of the prettiest hells of the whole bunch. Not only can you admire the water and boiled eggs in it, but the grounds include a Japanese garden, and its very own inari shrine, thus the red torii gates. Take your time here and stroll around the gardens or simply hang out at the cafe terrace and enjoy the natural beauty.

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Oniishi Bozu Jigoku

The last one of the “Hells” in Kannawa Onsen is the Oniishi Bozu Jigoku. The main attraction here are the boiling mud pools and the mud bubbles formed inside of them. As with the Umi Jigoku, the grounds here as also pleasing to the eye and it is worth spending some time at this hell. There’s also a free foot bath which is at times filled with local citrus fruits as an added health bonus.

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Chinoike Jigoku’

Over in the Shibaseki District, the “Blond Pond Hell” gets its name from the deep red colour of the water. There’s not much happening besides the natural beauty of the hells which is reason enough to make a stop here. With its constant steam and the surrounding greenery it is one of the most picturesque of all the hells.

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Tatsumaki Jigoku

Rounding out the tour and also in the Shibaseki District, the Tatsumaki Jigoku or “Spout Hell” is famous for its boiling hot geyser which spits out every 30-40 minutes. There’s even a large stage from where to catch the spectacle. After the 6 minute show grab an omiyage and head back to central Beppu to enjoy what else is on offer.

Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hot Springs Tour)