Eight Astonishing Ways to Enjoy Japan’s No. 1 “Eight Hells of Beppu”

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

When you think of Japan, you think of hot springs, and when you think of hot springs, you think of Kyushu, world-renowned for them. Known as the “Heaven of Hot Springs,” this region boasts not only stunning natural scenery but also the most unique and diverse hot springs and comfortable onsen ryokan in all of Japan. Among these, Beppu has the second highest volume of hot spring water output in the world, second only to Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. This time, MOOK Scenic Spots will introduce the exceptionally distinctive “Eight Hells of Beppu.”

A thousand years ago, steam, hot mud, and water at around 100 degrees Celsius violently erupted from the ground here, making the area inaccessible to people — hence the name “hells.” There are cobalt-blue Hell of the Sea, blood-red Hell of Blood Pond, as well as Oniishi-Bōzu, Yama, Kamado, Oniyama, Shiraike, and Tatsumaki, totaling eight hellish hot springs.

One of the Eight Hells of Beppu – Hell of Blood Pond
The Hell of Blood Pond, as the name suggests, features waters that appear blood-red. It is Japan’s oldest natural hell, and from afar, it looks just like a pool of blood, with even the steam tinged red.

One of the Eight Hells of Beppu – Tatsumaki Hell
Tatsumaki Hell is a natural geyser that erupts periodically due to underground water heated above 105 degrees Celsius and built-up pressure. It erupts every 30–40 minutes, with each eruption lasting about 6–10 minutes.

One of the Eight Hells of Beppu – Hell of the Sea
With its mysterious porcelain-blue waters, what looks like cool seawater is actually a hot spring at 98 degrees Celsius, formed 1,200 years ago during an eruption of Mount Tsurumi.

One of the Eight Hells of Beppu – Oniishi-Bōzu Hell
Grey hot mud forms bubbles of various sizes that boil and make noise, resembling the appearance of bald monks. Coupled with the area’s name, Oniishi, it’s called the “Oniishi-Bōzu (Bald Monk) Hell.” The site also features an intermittent spring known as the “Demon’s Snore,” where 100-degree steam erupts with a loud sound reminiscent of snoring.