Boiling Beauty and Steamy Surprises: Exploring the Hells of Beppu

#springitinerary #beppuhells #jigokumeguri #beppuonsen #oitatravel #hotspringjapan #uniquejapanexperience #steamrisingviews #japankyushutrip #beppujigokutour #japantraveldiaries Beppu’s Hells (地獄) are nothing short of hot, wild, and totally surreal — and I loved every minute of it. Where else can you see bright blue boiling ponds, bubbling red clay, and geysers shooting out steam like it’s a theme park run by Mother Nature? There are seven “hells” in total, each with its own unique personality. My favorites? The Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) with its stunning cobalt blue waters, and the Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) — that vibrant red color is both eerie and beautiful. Don’t worry — you won’t be bathing in any of these! They’re strictly for viewing (and photo ops). Each hell has a little gift shop or snack corner too. I couldn’t resist trying the onsen-steamed pudding and eggs — cooked using the natural steam vents. The experience is part steamy science, part photo safari, and part quirky fun. Travel Tips and How to Get There: • Best time to visit: • Year-round, but cooler months (autumn to spring) are best to enjoy the steam without melting yourself. • What to bring: Comfortable shoes (lots of walking), water, sunscreen or umbrella depending on season, camera for sure! • Recommended experiences: • Visit Umi Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku, and Tatsumaki Jigoku (geyser!) • Try onsen-steamed food sold around the sites • Combine your visit with a real hot spring bath nearby • Good for: Curious travelers, families with kids, photographers, and anyone who loves quirky natural wonders • Vibe: Steamy, strange, colorful, very “only in Japan” How to Get There: • From Beppu Station: • Take the Kamenoi Bus (Jigoku Meguri route) — runs every 30 mins • Get a Beppu Jigoku pass to save on entry (covers all hells) • By car: Around 10–15 minutes from Beppu Station with parking available • Pro tip: You can visit all seven hells in a half-day, but pace yourself and stay hydrated — some of them can get hot, literally and figuratively!