Japan’s Eight Hells: A Call from the Depths of the Earth
Last updated 2026-09-24 — Japanese people’s love for hot springs is world-renowned, and Beppu in Japan boasts the highest number of hot spring springs in the country and is the world’s second-largest geothermal hot spring system. In addition to soaking in hot springs, Beppu is also known as a “hot spring theme park...”
By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
The Japanese love for hot springs is world-renowned, and Beppu in Japan boasts the highest number of hot spring springs in the country and is the world’s second-largest geothermal hot spring system. In addition to soaking in hot springs, Beppu is also known as a “hot spring theme park,” famous for its “Eight Hells of Beppu.” These eight hells are: Sea Hell, Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), Mountain Hell, Kitchen Hell, Oniishibozu Jigoku (Demon Monk Hell), Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell), Blood Pond Hell, and Umi Jigoku (Tornado Hell). Hidden within the steamy hot springs are otherworldly landscapes reminiscent of an alien planet.
Crimson red water creates a scene reminiscent of hell. (Image source / balcanexpres)
Due to the extremely high temperatures of the geothermal hot springs, which are almost at boiling point, and their varying colors and temperatures, each pool has its own unique characteristics. The misty scenery resembles hell, attracting many tourists who come specifically to see it.
Map of the Beppu Hot Springs Theme Park area. (Image source / beppu-jigoku)
Blood Pond Hell
The crimson red Blood Pond Hell, shrouded in steam, looks like a scene straight out of a horror story, with what appears to be a pool of blood right before your eyes. The blood-colored water in the pool comes from its rich content of sulfur, carbonic acid, and iron. Through high temperature and pressure underground, it undergoes a chemical reaction that oxidizes the iron, which then gushes from beneath the earth and accumulates in the pool, forming its current appearance. With water temperatures reaching up to 78 degrees, Blood Pond Hot Spring is said to have anti-swelling effects. Locals even make ointments from the spring water, turning it into a popular souvenir.
The water of Blood Pond Hot Spring has anti-swelling properties. (Image source / storygopher)
Sea Hell
Compared to the red of Blood Pond, the waters of Sea Hell are a stunning azure blue, resembling seawater, and are paired with a beautifully landscaped shrine nearby, creating a dreamy and unique atmosphere. Many Japanese literati and artists have praised the beauty of Sea Hell. The Sea Hell area is expansive, featuring a “Oni-korobi” ride for children, as well as a foot bath area where visitors can experience the hot spring water with their feet. Although the water temperature of Sea Hell reaches up to 98 degrees and is not suitable for soaking, you can still enjoy delicious onsen tamago (hot spring eggs).
The sea-blue colored pool is incredibly beautiful. (Image source / beppu-jigoku)
Demon Monk Hell
Demon Monk Hell is actually a mud spring, and its unique name is related to the nature of this pool. With temperatures reaching up to 99°C and thick, viscous mud, whenever the geothermal heat erupts from underground, the bubbling sound of the hot spring can reach up to 98 decibels—so loud that locals jokingly say it sounds like a demon king snoring, hence the name.
The thick, viscous mud spring makes a very loud bubbling noise. (Image source / beppu-jigoku)
White Pond Hell
The milky white water with a hint of light green resembles a milk pond, and the tranquil water is covered with a thin layer of mist, creating a highly dreamy scene.
The milky white pool water is quite dreamlike. (Image source / experience-japan-travel)
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