Complete Guide to Beppu Hell Tour: 7 Jigoku Experience in 2025
When it comes to Beppu Onsen, the Hell Tour (Jigoku Meguri) is an absolutely unmissable tourist attraction. This incredibly popular destination attracts about 2.5 million visitors annually, offering a unique experience of touring seven distinctive "hells."
This article provides a complete guide to enjoying Beppu Hell Tour to the fullest. From efficient touring routes to pricing information and actual experience reviews, reading this will ensure you can enjoy the hell tour without any confusion.
What is Beppu Hell Tour? Why Are They Called "Hells"?
History and Origin of Hell Tour
Beppu's "hells" have been spewing steam, hot mud, and boiling water for over 1,000 years, and were feared and avoided by people as recorded in the "Bungo Fudoki" (ancient regional chronicle). They were once considered dangerous places that people couldn't even approach.
However, during the Meiji era, recreational facilities were established with a 2-sen entrance fee, marking the beginning of "hell touring" as a tourist activity. Today, it has become synonymous with Beppu tourism, attracting many domestic and international visitors.
National Scenic Beauty Designation Value
Among the seven hells, "Umi Jigoku" (Sea Hell), "Chinoike Jigoku" (Blood Pond Hell), "Tatsumaki Jigoku" (Tornado Hell), and "Shiraike Jigoku" (White Pond Hell) are designated as National Scenic Beauty spots for their high artistic and scenic value. This means they hold value not merely as tourist destinations, but as precious Japanese cultural heritage.
Attractions and Highlights of the Seven Hells【2025 Latest Information】
Five Hells in Kannawa Area
1. Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)
- Features: Beautiful cobalt blue water color
- Temperature: Approximately 98°C
- Highlights: Recommended to view the entire area from the 2nd floor of the souvenir shop
- Gourmet: Hell-steamed pudding and hot spring eggs are popular
2. Oniishibozu Jigoku (Monk's Head Hell)
- Features: Gray hot mud bubbling and boiling
- Highlights: Mud bubbles resembling monk's shaved heads
3. Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell)
- Features: Six hot springs from "Hell 1st Street" to "Hell 6th Street" can be enjoyed in one location
- Origin: Steam from this source was used to cook rice offerings for the festival of Hachiman Kamado Shrine, Beppu's patron deity
- Recommended Points: "Paradise 2nd Street" and "Paradise 4th Street"
4. Oniyama Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell / Crocodile Hell)
- Features: First in Japan to start crocodile breeding using hot spring heat
- Highlights: About 80 crocodiles and alligators
- Events: Crocodile feeding shows every Saturday and Sunday
5. Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell)
- Features: Mystical milky white water color
- Highlights: Color changes due to temperature variations
Two Hells in Blood Pond & Tornado Hell Area
6. Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell)
- Features: Japan's oldest natural hell, characterized by red hot mud
- Souvenirs: "Blood Pond Ointment" (local specialty), Blood Pond plum wine
- Gourmet: Blood Pond Burger ¥1,600, Hell's Paradise Curry ¥1,600
7. Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell)
- Features: Geyser that erupts approximately every 30 minutes
- Highlights: The powerfully spouting hot water is breathtaking
Efficient Touring Routes and Recommended Courses
Basic Information
- Operating Hours: 8:00-17:00 (Open year-round)
- Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
- Admission: Combined ticket - Adults ¥2,000, Children ¥1,000
Efficient Touring Points
【Area-Based Strategy】 The five locations around Umi Jigoku in Kannawa area are within walking distance, while Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku are about 3km away.
Recommended Route:
- Kannawa Area (Walking): Umi Jigoku → Oniishibozu Jigoku → Kamado Jigoku → Oniyama Jigoku → Shiraike Jigoku
- Transportation (Bus or Car): To Blood Pond Hell & Tornado Hell area
- Blood Pond & Tornado Hell Area: Chinoike Jigoku → Tatsumaki Jigoku
Time-Based Model Courses
【3.5-Hour Course (Complete Tour)】
- 09:00 Umi Jigoku (30 minutes)
- 09:30 Oniishibozu Jigoku (20 minutes)
- 09:50 Kamado Jigoku (30 minutes)
- 10:20 Oniyama Jigoku (25 minutes)
- 10:45 Shiraike Jigoku (20 minutes)
- 11:05 Travel to Chinoike Jigoku (15 minutes)
- 11:20 Chinoike Jigoku (30 minutes)
- 11:50 Tatsumaki Jigoku (25 minutes)
- 12:15 End
【2-Hour Express Course】 Focus on 4 main locations for efficient touring: Umi Jigoku → Kamado Jigoku → Chinoike Jigoku → Tatsumaki Jigoku
Admission Fees, Operating Hours & Discount Information
Pricing Structure (2025 Latest)
Combined Admission Ticket (All 7 locations)
- Adults (High school and above): ¥2,000
- Children (Elementary and junior high): ¥1,000
- Toddlers: Free
Individual Admission
- Per location: Adults ¥400, Children ¥200
Value Comparison: Combined ticket is definitely worth it if visiting 3 or more locations!
Discount Information
- Website Discount: Special discount coupons from homepage printed or displayed on smartphone (up to 5 people)
- Group Discount: Available for groups of 15 or more
- Disability Discount: Discount available with various disability certificates
Sightseeing Bus Package
Kamenoi Bus's regular sightseeing bus "Beppu Hell Tour Course" costs ¥3,690 for adults and includes combined admission tickets to all seven hells plus a guided bus tour.
Access Methods and Transportation
Train & Bus Access
From JR Beppu Station: JR Beppu Station West Exit → Kamenoi Bus routes 2, 5, 24, 41 bound for Kannawa (20 minutes), get off at Umi Jigoku-mae or Kannawa bus stops, 1-minute walk
Local Bus Fare: Adults ¥330
Discount Passes
- 1-Day Mini Free Pass: Adults ¥900, Students ¥700, Children ¥450 for unlimited rides on Beppu city buses
- My Beppu Free Pass: Unlimited bus pass for efficiently touring Beppu city attractions
Car Access
From Higashi-Kyushu Expressway Beppu IC, turn right and drive straight on Prefectural Route 11 toward Kannawa Onsen for about 3km, approximately 5 minutes by car
Parking: Free parking available at each hell
Other Transportation Methods
- Bicycle Rental: Rental bicycles in the city or "Oita Cycle Share"
- Walking: Walking within Kannawa area is possible (about 1-1.5 hours)
Hell Steam Experience and Gourmet Information
Hell Steam Experience
At Jigoku-mushi Kobo Kannawa, you can experience hell steaming using hot spring steam. Enjoy authentic experience of putting ingredients into 100°C pots while wearing gloves.
Popular Menu Items:
- Hell Dumpling Soup: ¥900
- Enchanting Solo Set: ¥1,050
Local Gourmet at Each Hell
Umi Jigoku
- Hell-steamed pudding
- Hot spring eggs
Chinoike Jigoku
- Blood Pond Burger: ¥1,600
- Hell's Paradise Curry: ¥1,600
- Blood Pond plum wine (souvenir)
Actual Experience Reviews and Recommended Points
Top 3 Impressive Points
- Beauty of Umi Jigoku: The mystical cobalt blue color has a beauty that photos cannot convey
- Power of Tatsumaki Jigoku: The geyser eruption is more powerful and overwhelming than expected
- Crocodiles at Oniyama Jigoku: The sight of 80 crocodiles warming themselves in hot springs is unique
Advice for Travelers
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (lots of walking involved)
- Camera (numerous Instagram-worthy spots)
- Towel (for foot baths)
Best Season
- Enjoyable year-round, but autumn to spring offers more beautiful steam views
- For avoiding crowds, weekday mornings are recommended
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does it take? A: About 3.5 hours to tour all hells. Possible in 2.5 hours if rushed.
Q: Can it be enjoyed on rainy days? A: Yes. Each hell has covered viewing areas, making it enjoyable even in rain.
Q: Is it okay to bring children? A: No problem. Stroller access is possible, though there are some steps.
Q: Are pets allowed? A: Generally, pets are not allowed. We recommend checking with each facility in advance.
Q: Can it be toured without a car? A: Yes. Buses and walking are sufficient. Sightseeing buses are especially recommended.
Summary: Create the Best Memories with Beppu Hell Tour
Beppu Hell Tour is a unique tourism experience available nowhere else in Japan. It's a fascinating spot where natural mysteries with over 1,000 years of history merge with modern tourism.
For efficient touring, the 3.5-hour full course with combined ticket is recommended, while those short on time should choose the 2-hour course covering 4 main locations. Either choice will surely create unforgettable experiences.
When visiting Oita/Beppu, be sure to include hell touring in your itinerary and fully savor the "charm of hell" that can only be experienced here.
Basic Information
Information in this article is current as of May 2025. Please check the official website for the latest information.