Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
The Japanese love of hot springs is world-renowned, and Beppu boasts the highest number of natural springs in Japan and is the second-largest geothermal hot spring system in the world. 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 scenic hot springs are: Sea Hell, Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), Mountain Hell, Kitchen Hell, Oniishibozu Jigoku (Devil’s Hair Hell), Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell), Blood Pond Hell, and Tornado Hell. Amidst the steamy hot springs lie otherworldly landscapes reminiscent of an alien planet.
Blood-red waters create a hellish scene. (Image source / balcanexpres)
Due to the extremely high temperatures of the geothermal springs—almost boiling—and their varying colors and temperatures, each pool has its own unique character. The misty, eerie scenery resembles hell, attracting many tourists eager to witness the spectacle.
Map of the Beppu Hell Theme Park. (Image source / beppu-jigoku)
Blood Pond Hell
The blood-red waters of Blood Pond Hell, shrouded in steam, resemble a scene from a horror story—like a pool of flowing blood. The crimson water comes from its rich content of sulfur, carbonic acid, and iron. Subjected to intense underground heat and pressure, these elements undergo a chemical reaction that oxidizes the iron, which then erupts from beneath the earth and accumulates in the pool, forming its current appearance. With water temperatures reaching up to 78°C, Blood Pond Hot Spring is said to have anti-swelling properties. Locals even use the spring water to make medicinal ointments, making it a popular souvenir.
Blood Pond Hot Spring water has anti-swelling effects. (Image source / storygopher)
Sea Hell
Compared to the red of Blood Pond, the waters of Sea Hell are a stunning, sea-like cobalt blue, complemented by a beautifully landscaped shrine nearby, creating a dreamy and unique atmosphere. Many Japanese literati have praised the beauty of Sea Hell. The Sea Hell area is expansive, featuring a small train ride for children and 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°C—too hot for bathing—it is still perfect for enjoying delicious onsen tamago (hot spring eggs).
The sea-blue waters of the pool are strikingly beautiful. (Image source / beppu-jigoku)
Devil’s Hair Hell
Devil’s Hair Hell is actually a mud spring, and its unusual name is related to the nature of the pool. With temperatures reaching up to 99°C and thick, viscous mud, the geothermal steam that erupts from deep underground creates bubbling sounds as loud as 98 decibels. Locals humorously compare the noise to the snoring of an oni (demon king), hence the name.
The thick, bubbling mud spring produces very loud sounds. (Image source / beppu-jigoku)
White Pond Hell
The milky-white water with a slight hint of light green resembles a pool of milk. The tranquil waters are covered with a thin layer of mist, creating a highly dreamlike scene.
The milky-white pool water is truly dreamy. (Image source / experience-japan-travel)
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