Beppu, Japan
Beppu, Japan is a city renowned for its hot springs and geothermal wonders, making it one of the country's most famous onsen destinations. Nestled on the island of Kyushu, Beppu boasts over 2,000 hot springs, offering a unique array of bathing experiences, from traditional onsen baths to sand baths and mud baths. The city is also home to the "Hells of Beppu," a collection of stunning hot spring sites, each with its own distinct and mesmerizing appearance, and representing different aspects of geothermal activity:
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell): A stunning cobalt blue pond with boiling water reaching temperatures of 98°C. The striking color is due to the high iron sulfate content.
Oniishibozu Jigoku (Shaven Monk's Head Hell): Named after the bubbling mud pools that resemble the shaven heads of monks. Near the entrance to Oniishibozu Jigoku, you'll find a small stall serving fresh red bean filled sweets that I highly recommend you give a try.
Yama Jigoku (Mountain Hell): A landscape of small hot spring pools and a mini zoo. The steam rising from the rocky terrain gives the appearance of a steaming mountain.
Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell): A multi-featured hell with several boiling ponds and steaming areas. It gets its name from the myth that food was once cooked using the heat from these springs. The chilli ice-cream available at this hell is a must try.
Oniyama Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell): Known for its crocodile breeding ground, where visitors can see numerous crocodiles basking in the heat provided by the hot springs.
Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell): A milky-white hot spring pond surrounded by a traditional Japanese garden. The white color is due to the mixture of boric acid and calcium in the water.
Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell): Famous for its vivid red water, caused by the high iron oxide content. This hell is visually striking and often depicted in photographs of Beppu's hot springs.
Tatsumaki Jigoku (Spout Hell): A powerful geyser that erupts every 30-40 minutes, shooting hot water and steam into the air. It's one of the most dynamic and exciting hells to witness.
