The Seven Hells of Beppu
October 21st 2019
Our first sight to see in Beppu was Mount Tsurumi. We took a bus to the base of the ropeway then took the scenic gondola ride to near the top. It was a beautiful day so we were able to get a lovely view of the surrounding area.
Beppu is famous for its geothermic activity. It has a lot of onsen and as an added tourist attraction 7 hells - which are different themed geothermic pools. These range from brightly coloured steaming pools to mud bubbling ponds, to crocodile infested lagoons and spurting geysers.
There is a bus that shuttles visitors between the sites. The first one we visited was Umi Jigoku - Sea hell- as its main attraction was the turquoise blue steaming pool surrounded by a well manicured garden. There was also a nice footbath here.
The next Hell we visited was Oniishibozu Jigoku, a bubbling mud pond hell.
At this point we stopped for lunch where Rob had a hellish spicy ramen.
Our next hell, Kamado Jigoku, that we visited was more like a theme park/ Disney hell; where the guides blew chemicals onto the pools which reacted by throwing clouds of steam into the air.
The next hell was different as it involved “monsters” Oniyama Jigoku. This was home to a enclosure full of crocodiles.
After a quick cooling ice cream we headed to a more peaceful Hell. Shiraike Jigoku which means white pool hell.
We finished our hell viewing in Shibaseki District a slightly longer bus journey away. It is home to Chinoike Jigoku- a blood red pool, with an impressive gift shop then our final one of the day Tatsumaki Jigoku. This is the spout Hell that erupts every 30-40 minutes.
The next morning we finished off our stay to Beppu with a visit to Takegawara Onsen. One of the most treasured hot springs in the area. Its historic facade is famous and conveys the feel of the onsen town’s past. It is very traditional and as Rob found out very very hot. He could only manage a few minutes actually sat in the pool. A very suitable way to end our visit to the area renowned for its hot springs.
