Inside Beppu Hells: Japan’s Surreal Jigoku Meguri

Scalding blue pools, crimson “blood” ponds, and steam-filled streets: discover how Beppu Hells, or Jigoku Meguri, turns Japan’s onsen culture into a wildly visual, otherworldly experience in Beppu, Japan.

Steam billows up from the earth in thick white clouds, sulfur hangs in the air, and pools of milky turquoise and blood-red water bubble and roar just a few feet away. This is Beppu Hells in Beppu, Japan—known locally as Jigoku Meguri, or “hell tour”—an onsen landscape so intense it is meant to be seen, not soaked.

By the AD HOC NEWS Travel & Culture Desk — covers international destinations, iconic landmarks, and cultural travel experiences worldwide with practical context for American travelers.

Beppu Hells: The Iconic Landmark of Beppu

For many visitors, Beppu Hells is the first mental image that comes to mind when they think of Beppu, a coastal city on the island of Kyushu in southwestern Japan. Beppu itself is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, known for having an unusually high number of natural hot spring sources and enormous volumes of geothermally heated water rising from underground. Major outlets such as CNN and other international travel reporting describe Beppu as a leading onsen destination where steam vents and public baths shape the city’s identity as much as its streets and buildings.

What sets Beppu Hells apart is that this cluster of geothermal sites is not designed for bathing. Instead, the pools, fumaroles, and boiling mud pits are so hot and intense that they are designated for viewing only. The term Jigoku Meguri literally means “hell tour” in Japanese, reflecting how the sites were once imagined as landscapes so harsh they were likened to depictions of the underworld in Buddhist-inspired folklore. Today, that dramatic imagery has become part of the attraction’s appeal for travelers who want to step into a setting that feels more like a movie scene than a spa.

As a landmark, Beppu Hells functions as both a natural spectacle and a cultural symbol. The vivid colors of the pools—from cobalt blue to deep vermilion—are caused by minerals dissolved in the superheated water, while plumes of steam rise continuously from vents in the ground. These visual effects are intensified by carefully maintained paths, viewing platforms, and small gardens that frame the pools for photography and contemplation. For American visitors who may know Japan mainly through images of Tokyo’s neon or Kyoto’s temples, Beppu Hells offers a completely different side of the country: raw geothermal energy presented with theatrical precision.

The History and Meaning of Jigoku Meguri

The story of Beppu Hells, or Jigoku Meguri, is deeply tied to the long history of hot spring use in Japan. Japan has a strong onsen culture going back many centuries, and historical sources indicate that certain hot spring areas were viewed with a mix of reverence and caution. Extremely hot or unstable springs could be treated as dangerous “hells,” places of power that were not suitable for everyday bathing. Over time, some of these locations evolved into destinations where people would come simply to look at the dramatic natural scenery.

In Beppu, the modern presentation of the Hells began to take shape as tourism developed in the 20th century. As rail connections and later highways made Kyushu more accessible, local authorities and operators organized the different geothermal spots into a coherent “tour” that visitors could follow. The idea was not to create a theme park, but to give structure to a set of already striking volcanic phenomena. With gates, walking paths, and small facilities added over the years, the Jigoku Meguri became a signature experience for Beppu, similar in cultural importance to how geyser basins define Yellowstone National Park for U.S. travelers.

The word “jigoku” appears in religious and artistic contexts throughout Japanese history, reflecting conceptions of hell influenced by Buddhism and local beliefs. However, in Beppu, the term is used with an almost playful tone today. Families, couples, and international tourists follow the route of different “hells,” collecting stamps or tickets, taking photos, and sampling local snacks steamed by the geothermal heat. At the same time, the persistence of the name hints at the way earlier generations perceived these landscapes: as awe-inspiring, potentially dangerous reminders of the power beneath Japan’s volcanic islands.

Travel coverage from major English-language outlets consistently notes Beppu’s status as a leading onsen city within Japan, emphasizing the density of hot springs in the area and the long-standing role of geothermal activity in local life. In that context, the Jigoku Meguri can be read as a curated window into that natural force—a way of looking directly at boiling, mineral-rich water and active vents that, in other parts of the city, are harnessed for bathing, cooking, and heating.

Architecture, Art, and Notable Features

The visual appeal of Beppu Hells lies not only in the geothermal features themselves, but in how they are presented. While this is not a site defined by a single architect or grand building, there is a distinct design language across the different “hells.” Traditional Japanese elements—such as torii gates, simple wooden railings, stone lanterns, and manicured gardens—are used to frame the pools and walkways. This gives the experience an atmosphere that blends volcanic drama with the careful landscaping found at many Japanese temples and gardens.

Visitors commonly encounter several named “hells” along the Jigoku Meguri route. Among the most widely photographed are intensely colored pools often described in travel accounts and tour materials. One of the most iconic features is a bright blue or turquoise hot spring whose color comes from mineral content and the way light scatters in the water; it produces thick, constant steam that drifts across viewing paths, often obscuring and revealing the pool in waves. Another visually striking site is a deep red pool sometimes labeled with “blood” in its nickname because of its iron-rich color, which recalls images of molten metal or mythical rivers of the underworld. These sorts of descriptions appear regularly in international travel writing, emphasizing the surreal, almost cinematic quality of the water’s hue.

In addition to the pools, there are mud pots and fumaroles where superheated clay-like material bubbles and spurts, creating patterns and textures that shift constantly. From an experiential perspective, these sites function almost like live art installations: the earth itself is sculpting and reshaping the surface every few seconds, while steam offers an ever-changing layer of fog and shadow. Some areas incorporate simple observation platforms or raised walkways so that visitors can safely look down into pits that would otherwise be too risky to approach.

Food and craft traditions around Beppu Hells also contribute to its cultural texture. In the broader Beppu area, steam from hot springs is used for cooking regional specialties, an approach that aligns with how geothermal energy is used at other hot spring destinations in Japan. Travel reporters note that visitors can sample eggs or vegetables cooked in hot spring steam at various facilities around Beppu, reinforcing a sense that the Hells are part of a larger culture of living with geothermal heat. Some of the “hells” have small on-site shops selling snacks, souvenirs, and local products inspired by the colors and imagery of the pools.

Artistic impressions of Beppu Hells frequently appear in photography, film, and social media. Video-based travel features and documentaries about lesser-known parts of Japan often include sequences showing the steam-filled landscapes of Beppu Hells as emblematic of Kyushu’s volcanic character. The repeated focus on color, texture, and movement—steam rolling over bright water, bubbling mud, the contrast between hot pools and lush greenery—underscores how the site functions almost like an open-air gallery of natural kinetic art.

Visiting Beppu Hells: What American Travelers Should Know

• Location and how to get there – Beppu is located on the eastern coast of Kyushu, one of Japan’s four main islands. For U.S. travelers, the most common international gateways are major airports around Tokyo (such as those serving the capital area) and the Kansai region around Osaka, as well as Fukuoka on Kyushu for domestic connections. From large U.S. hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Chicago, or Dallas–Fort Worth, flights typically connect through major Asian or Japanese airports before continuing on to Kyushu. Within Japan, travelers can reach Beppu by domestic flight to nearby airports on Kyushu, followed by rail or bus, or by taking intercity trains and buses from other Kyushu cities such as Fukuoka. Once in Beppu, the Beppu Hells area—especially the Kannawa and nearby districts—is accessible by local bus, taxi, or, for some travelers, on foot from nearby accommodations, depending on where one is staying.
• Hours – Individual Beppu Hells sites are generally open during daytime hours, often starting in the morning and closing in the late afternoon or early evening. Because operating hours can change due to season, maintenance, or local conditions, visitors are advised to check directly with the Beppu Hells administration or official local tourism information before planning a visit. Hours may vary — check directly with Beppu Hells for current information.
• Admission – The Jigoku Meguri is typically organized as a group of multiple “hells” that can be visited on a combined ticket or individually, depending on the current system in place. Pricing structures can change over time to reflect maintenance and operational needs, and currency exchange rates between U.S. dollars and Japanese yen shift regularly. For that reason, travelers should confirm up-to-date admission details with official Beppu tourism sources or the Beppu Hells operator. As a general budgeting approach, U.S. visitors can expect entrance fees comparable to a modest museum or cultural attraction, usually payable in Japanese yen with costs easily converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing rates.
• Best time to visit – Beppu Hells is a year-round attraction. Many travelers particularly appreciate visiting in cooler months, such as fall and winter, when the contrast between chilly air and rising steam feels especially dramatic. On clear days, cool temperatures also make it more comfortable to walk between sites and linger at viewpoints. Spring offers pleasant weather and blooming plants, while summer can be hot and humid, intensifying the sense of heat from the pools. In terms of time of day, mornings often provide softer light and potentially fewer crowds, especially on weekdays outside major Japanese holiday periods. For photography, cooler days can create more visible steam, while mid-morning and mid-afternoon light may highlight the colors of the pools.
• Practical tips: language, payment, tipping, dress, and photography – Japanese is the primary language in Beppu, but basic English-language signage is common at major attractions, including popular hot spring areas. Many staff at tourism-related businesses have at least some English capability, especially in ticketing and information roles, although fluency can vary. Learning a few simple Japanese phrases is appreciated and can enhance interactions. Japan has a strong card and digital payment infrastructure, especially in larger cities and established attractions, but cash remains widely used. Visitors are encouraged to carry some Japanese yen for smaller purchases, transportation, or cash-only vendors. At major, organized sites such as the Beppu Hells, there is often clear information on what forms of payment are accepted. Tipping is not a customary practice in Japan, including in restaurants, taxis, and at attractions. Service charges, where applicable, are usually included in pricing. U.S. travelers should be prepared for staff to politely decline tips. There is no formal dress code for visiting Beppu Hells, but comfortable walking shoes are important, as the terrain can involve paved paths, minor slopes, and occasionally damp areas near steam vents. In cooler seasons, layered clothing is useful because temperatures can feel different depending on how close one is to steam and hot water sources. Photography is a major part of the experience. In general, visitors are welcome to take photos and videos for personal use, but they should respect any posted restrictions, avoid blocking pathways, and be mindful of other guests. Tripods, drones, or commercial photography may be subject to additional rules or prohibitions, so checking on-site signage is key.
• Time zones and jet lag – Beppu shares Japan’s standard time zone, which is ahead of U.S. time zones by a significant margin. Depending on the time of year, Japan is typically 13 to 17 hours ahead of U.S. mainland time zones such as Eastern and Pacific Time. Travelers flying from the United States often cross the International Date Line, arriving in Japan at a later calendar date than their departure. Allowing time to adjust to jet lag can make a day at Beppu Hells more enjoyable, particularly because the walking and outdoor exposure can be tiring for those newly arrived.
• Entry requirements – Regulations for entering Japan may change over time based on health, security, and diplomatic considerations. U.S. citizens should check current entry requirements at travel.state.gov and consult official Japanese government sources or consular services before planning a trip.

Why Jigoku Meguri Belongs on Every Beppu Itinerary

For American travelers exploring Kyushu or looking beyond Japan’s better-known corridors between Tokyo and Kyoto, Beppu Hells offers a rare combination of accessibility and distinctiveness. It is relatively easy to reach in the wider network of Japanese transport, yet the experience feels remarkably different from urban sightseeing or temple-hopping. The sensory mix—heat on the skin from nearby vents, the sound of bubbling water, and the sharp scent of minerals—anchors the visit in memory in a way that photos alone cannot fully capture.

Experientially, Jigoku Meguri functions as an orientation to Beppu as a whole. Seeing the extreme expressions of geothermal activity at the Hells helps explain why bathhouses, public foot baths, and plumes of steam are so common throughout the city. For travelers used to hot springs in the United States, which are often smaller in scale or located in remote wilderness areas, Beppu Hells shows what happens when an entire urban area lives atop an unusually active geothermal system.

It also pairs naturally with other experiences in and around Beppu. After visiting the Hells, travelers can opt for traditional onsen bathing at local facilities designed for soaking rather than viewing, sample food cooked with hot spring steam, or take scenic rides such as ropeways in the region that provide panoramic views of steam rising from the city. Cruise itineraries and curated tours of Japan’s “southern highlights” sometimes highlight Beppu and its “Seven Hells” as a key stop, emphasizing how the town’s steaming landscape stands out even among Japan’s many hot spring destinations.

For those interested in culture and storytelling, the imagery of hell and the underworld offers another layer of meaning. Walking through Jigoku Meguri invites reflection on how people have historically interpreted and lived with the volatile forces under their feet. In a country where earthquakes, volcanoes, and hot springs are part of everyday reality, Beppu Hells offers a kind of open-air classroom on volcanic energy—framed not in academic terms, but through color, heat, and myth.

Ultimately, including Beppu Hells on a Beppu or Kyushu itinerary is about embracing a dimension of Japan that is elemental rather than urban. The site does not rely on rides, screens, or artificial effects; instead, it uses simple pathways and traditional design cues to showcase the dramatic work of nature. For U.S. visitors, it can sit alongside destinations like national parks back home as an example of how different cultures present and interpret powerful landscapes.

Beppu Hells on Social Media: Reactions, Trends, and Impressions

Across major social platforms, Beppu Hells and Jigoku Meguri regularly appear in travel reels, short videos, and photo carousels, often highlighted as a visually striking detour from more familiar Japanese cityscapes. Travelers share clips of scarlet pools, close-ups of boiling mud, and wide shots of steam-filled streets, presenting Beppu as a distinct chapter in a broader Japan itinerary that may also include cities like Fukuoka, Tokyo, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beppu Hells

Where is Beppu Hells located?

Beppu Hells is located in Beppu, a coastal city on the island of Kyushu in southwestern Japan. The main cluster of “hells” is in and around the Kannawa area of Beppu, which is accessible by local bus or taxi from Beppu Station and other parts of the city.

What does Jigoku Meguri mean?

Jigoku Meguri is the Japanese name for the “hell tour” in Beppu. The word “jigoku” refers to “hell” in a religious and cultural sense, while “meguri” means “tour” or “pilgrimage.” Together, the phrase describes a route visiting multiple dramatic hot spring sites that are meant for viewing rather than bathing.

Can visitors bathe in the Beppu Hells hot springs?

No. The pools and geothermal features that make up Beppu Hells are far too hot and often chemically intense for bathing. They are designed strictly for observation. Travelers who want to soak in onsen water can visit designated hot spring baths elsewhere in Beppu, where temperature and conditions are controlled for safe bathing.

How much time should U.S. travelers plan for Beppu Hells?

Most visitors can comfortably explore the main Beppu Hells sites in half a day, allowing time to walk between locations, take photos, and enjoy snacks or short breaks. Travelers who like to move more slowly, or who want to combine Jigoku Meguri with a same-day onsen bath or another nearby activity, may prefer to allocate a full day in Beppu.

What is the best season for visiting Beppu Hells?

Beppu Hells is open year-round, but cooler months such as fall and winter often provide the most dramatic steam effects and comfortable walking temperatures. Spring is also pleasant, with greenery and blossoms adding color to the surroundings. Summer visits are entirely possible, but travelers should be prepared for both ambient heat and the additional warmth from the geothermal features.

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