Prepare to be amazed by "Umi Jigoku," Beppu's breathtakingly beautiful turquoise "Sea Hell" ✨
I'd easily rank this as the most stunning and spectacular hot spring out of all the "Hells of Beppu"! The ultimate highlight of Umi Jigoku is its expansive, vibrant cobalt blue water that looks just like the ocean. But don't let the inviting color fool you—the water is boiling at a scorching 98°C (208°F), with plumes of white steam constantly billowing into the air. The atmosphere is straight out of a dream, and it makes for incredibly stunning, eye-catching photos from literally any angle.
💡 3 Must-See Highlights & How to Get There:
· Tropical Greenhouse & Giant Lily Pad Pond: Beyond the vibrant blue hot spring, there's a large greenhouse on-site that harnesses the onsen's heat to grow gorgeous orchids and tropical plants. You'll also find the massive Victoria water lilies—their giant leaves are so big and sturdy that small children can actually stand on them! It's such a lush, beautifully shaded slice of nature.
· Tasty Treats & Foot Bath: After a nice stroll around the grounds, treat yourself to a free, relaxing foot bath in the Ashiyu zone to soothe your tired legs. And you absolutely cannot leave without trying the "Onsen Pudding"! Steamed using the natural heat of the mineral springs, it has an incredibly smooth, silky texture and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s so refreshing!
· How to Get There: From JR Beppu Station (East Exit), hop on Kamenoi Bus No. 5, 7, or 41 and get off at the "Umi-Jigoku-mae" stop. You'll be right at the entrance as soon as you step off the bus. Super easy and convenient!
This spot perfectly blends natural wonders, beautiful gardens, and pure relaxation. If you're visiting Oita or Kyushu, you absolutely have to stop by for some amazing photos and check this off your bucket list. Highly recommended! 🌊 So chic and beautiful.
Hells of Beppu
1. Only going for the "Hells of Beppu" and skipping the actual onsens
So many tourists obsess over the badass "Hells of Beppu" (they legit look like anime scenes — blue, red, mud springs 🤩). But here's the catch: these "hells" are strictly for looking, and honestly, that's not even half the experience! Don't cement this epic fail: try the real onsens that made Beppu a global mecca for chilling and hot baths.
Where to hunt down the best onsens? Top spots: Kannawa Onsen (〒874-0043 Oita, Beppu, Kannawa, 鉄輪東), Takegawara Onsen (〒874-0944 Oita, Beppu, Motomachi, 16−23), and if you're chasing royal vibes — Hoyo Land Onsen (〒874-0842 Oita, Beppu, Myoban, 6組).
2. Not printing your "Hells" tickets in advance
Beppu's tech era is a bit... quirky: you flash your e-ticket — anddd... the cashier just shrugs 🫠 Most times, you absolutely gotta print a physical ticket at a 7-Eleven terminal (they're everywhere around town, open 24/7). Don't forget to check the T&Cs beforehand, or you'll waste time running around with your phone hunting for a printer.
3. Not brushing up on onsen etiquette
Your first time hitting up a Japanese hot spring is a real challenge. Here are the most common fails:
· wearing a swimsuit into the water (NOPE — birthday suit only)
· tossing your towel into the pool
· soaking without showering first
· yelling and chatting way too loud
Life hack: almost everywhere has the rules in English, but you better give it a quick Google before your visit so you don't stumble into a super awkward situation.
4. Underestimating the steam and heat
Love walking? In Beppu, it legit feels like you're strolling through a giant sauna! 😅 In summer around the Kannawa area (2 Chome Kannawa, Beppu), the steam is straight out of hell! Pro tip: grab a solid stash of water (FamilyMart and 7-Eleven are right by the stations), and don't plan a hardcore itinerary during peak heat hours.
5. Sleeping on Jigoku-mushi steam food
A lot of people pull up for the onsen pics and walk right past the ultimate local flex — STEAM FOOD! We're talking Jigoku-mushi: local steamed eggs, sweet potatoes, or even seafood cooked right over volcanic steam 🥚🍠🦐.
Where to try it: Jigoku Mushi Kobo Kannawa (〒874-0044 Oita, Beppu, Kamiyunotanicho, 5組 — 9 AM to 9 PM) for official vibes and a sick DIY cooking experience.
6. Planning a trip for just a few hours
Big mistake! 😅 Beppu isn't a "quick pit stop" town. Carve out at least one night: that way, you can hit up an onsen, check out all the "hells," devour the local eats, and totally fall for its vibe. Best neighborhoods to crash in are Kannawa and Myoban; scope out the options on trip.com.
The Bottom Line
Beppu isn't a stop&go destination; it's a city for that slow, Japanese-style chill: steamy alleyways, mesmerizing onsens, magical views, and its own unique hot springs capital vibe. Don't repeat these basic slip-ups, and your trip will seriously be top-tier!
trip</ctag>
Beppu
Beppu is one of Japan's most renowned hot spring resorts, located on the island of Kyushu. The city literally thrives on volcanic activity: steam rises from the ground at almost every turn, creating landscapes that are hard to find anywhere else in the country.
Your first impression of Beppu will be that the entire city is wrapped in a light blanket of steam. Hot springs are everywhere: lining the streets, next to homes, and even right in the middle of urban neighborhoods.
Beppu boasts the title of Japan's largest hot spring resort in terms of both water volume and the sheer number of springs.
✨ What’s particularly impressive:
♨️ Thousands of hot springs
🌋 Volcanic landscapes
💨 Plumes of steam billowing across the city
🌈 The famous "Hells of Beppu"
🛁 Traditional Japanese onsens
📸 Some of the most unique sceneries in Japan
Strolling through the "Hells of Beppu" is an unforgettable experience. The blue, blood-red, and boiling thermal pools look so otherworldly that you might feel like you've stepped onto another planet.
The city is especially stunning in the early morning, when the sunlight filters through the rising steam, giving the landscape an almost mystical vibe.
💡 Useful information:
· 📍 Located on Kyushu Island in Oita Prefecture
· 🚆 Easily accessible by train from Fukuoka
· ♨️ Hundreds of onsens dotted around the city
· 🎟 Admission to the "Hells of Beppu" requires a ticket
· ⏳ Best to set aside 1–2 days to explore the city
· 📷 Top photo spots: the Jigoku Meguri area and observation decks overlooking the city
Fun fact: Beppu's springs discharge more hot water annually than any other hot spring resort in Japan. Thanks to the massive amount of steam, the city has even earned the nickname "Japan's smokiest city."
Beppu offers a glimpse into one of the most unique sides of Japan. The raw power of nature can be felt practically everywhere, and the hot springs turn a simple walk through the city into a truly one-of-a-kind adventure.
Hells of Beppu
1. Beppu Hell Hot Springs (Photos 1–3)
▫️ Beppu Hell Hot Springs is not a hot spring for bathing but rather for sightseeing. It is a tourist attraction where you can admire natural hot springs with different colors, temperatures, and forms.
The temperature ranges from about 70 to 100°C, making it impossible to bathe. Instead, you can observe vividly colored hot springs, boiling mud, and steaming landscapes up close.
There are a total of 7–8 Hell Hot Springs, each with a completely different theme and atmosphere, making it easy to explore a variety of sights in a short time. Some areas even have spaces for light foot baths.
▫️ Why it’s called 'Hell Hot Springs'
The name originated from Beppu residents in the past who described the sight of smoke rising from the ground, red water, and boiling mud as "hell-like (地獄みたい)."
The name doesn’t carry a scary meaning but rather reflects the extraordinary and overwhelming natural phenomena.
Hell Hot Springs is a popular tourist destination not only for foreign visitors but also for Japanese locals.
▫️ Who would enjoy this
· Those who want to see unique Japanese landscapes in a short time
· Those who prefer sightseeing over bathing in hot springs
▫️ Things to note
· You might be disappointed if you expect actual hot spring bathing
· There’s a walking route, so it might be slightly tiring for those who dislike walking
2. Itoshima Bus Tour (Photos 4–8)
▫️ A great one-day course to explore the suburbs without a rental car. A Korean guide accompanies the tour, providing explanations about the area during the journey, making the trip engaging and easy to understand.
The itinerary is well-organized without being too demanding, making it suitable for trips with children or parents.
▫️ Tour Information
· Approximately 50,000 KRW per person (includes pudding snack)
· Departure from Hakata Station
▫️ Travel Route
Hakata Station
→ Futamigaura (Couple Rocks)
→ Salt Workshop Totan
→ Kagamiyama Observatory
→ Imari Porcelain Village (Okawachiyama)
▫️ Highlights
· No need to worry about transportation or parking
· Covers multiple spots in a day without being physically exhausting
· Understanding of locations is enhanced through guided explanations during the trip
▫️ Recommended for
· Those who want to explore Fukuoka suburbs without driving
· Travelers who find planning itineraries burdensome
· Family travelers
BeppuVacation Packages - Top Attractions to Visit