The Hells of Beppu: visit the steaming city

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If you visit Beppu in Japan, you'll see the spectacle of hot steam emanating from the earth throughout the city. It almost seems to have emerged from the depths of Hell! But don't be afraid, it's actually a popular spa destination for those looking to relax.

 

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Beppu -

Greetings! We find ourselves in Beppu, Japan! Unlike other Japanese cities, Beppu boasts a youthful population, partly thanks to the presence of Asia Pacific University, renowned for drawing in international students.

 

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Tourism -

Beppu also attracts a lot of tourists thanks to a wide variety of attractions.

 

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Takasakiyama -

Takasakiyama Monkey Park, renowned for its wild Japanese macaques, is widely popular among visitors.

 

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Hells of Beppu -

What attracts tourists to Beppu the most, however, are the frighteningly captivating Hells of Beppu.

 

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Meaning -

The Hells of Beppu have no connection to demons or devils; on the contrary, it's quite the opposite.

 

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Hot springs -

Beppu is known for having the largest number of hot springs in Japan, as well as being the second most in the world, after Yellowstone National Park in the US.

 

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Right on top of hell? -

The rising steam from Beppu's ground and waters creates an otherworldly atmosphere. It looks like the city sits on top of an ever-lasting inferno.

 

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Relaxing -

However, tourists visit Beppu to find relaxation in the hot springs, rather than fear or torment.

 

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Jigoku -

In total, there are eight "hells" in Beppu, known as Jigoku.

 

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Hell: Umi Jigoku -

Umi Jigoku is approximately 650 feet (200 meters) deep and translates to 'sea hell.'

 

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Hell: Umi Jigoku -

The color of the water in Umi Jigoku resembles seawater.

 

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Hell: Umi Jigoku -

Visitors can find the lotus flower in the gardens around Umi Jigoku, a symbol of spiritual purity in Eastern cultures.

 

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Hell: Oniishibozu Jigoku -

The second hell in Beppu is called Oniishibozu Jigoku, which means 'Shaven Head Hell.'

 

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Hell: Oniishibozu Jigoku -

The spring is named as such because of the bubbles created by the gray m&d, resembling the shaved heads of Buddhist monks.

 

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Hell: Yama Jigoku -

Yama Jigoku was formed by volcanic eruptions which created a mountain.

 

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Hell: Yama Jigoku -

The temperature of the waters in Yama Jigoku can reach almost 200°F (90ºC).

 

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Hell: Kamado Jigoku -

Kamado Jigoku means 'cooking pot hell,' a name inspired by the boiling water in its springs.

 

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Hell: Kamado Jigoku -

At this location, tourists have the opportunity to sample Jigoku mushi, a dish of eggs and vegetables cooked by the steam of the springs.

 

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Hell: Oniyama Jigoku -

Oniyama Jigoku means 'crocodile hell!'