Beppu - the “Nine Hells” , Japan

Beppu, located on the Japanese island of Kyūshū, is the second largest producer of geothermal water in the world. Located in the same area are the “Nine Hells” or ponds that each has its own remarkable character and colour thanks to the variety of minerals in the outflows. These “Hells” are a popular tourist attraction in Japan but are little known outside of the country. Seven of the strange geothermal springs are located in the Kannawa area and are known as: Sea or Ocean Hell (Umi Jigoku), Shaven Head Hell (Oniishibozu Jigoku), Cooking Pot Hell (Kamado Jigoku), Mountain Hell (Yama Jigoku), Devil or Monster Mountain Hell (Oniyama Jigoku,) Golden Dragon Hell (Kinryu Jigoku) and White Pond Hell (Shiraike Jigoku). Sadly, as with many incredible natural wonders, the area surrounding it has become over commercialised and “tacky”.

Beppu was founded on April 1, 1924. It is famous for its thousands of onsen (hot springs), which are regarded as sacred. Beppu is Japan's onsen capital as it has the largest volume of hot water in the world aside from Yellowstone and the largest number of hot spring sources in Japan.

Kannawa District:

• Umi Jigoku

The "sea hell" features a pond of hot, blue water. It is one of the more beautiful hells.

• Oniishibozu Jigoku

This hell is named after the mud bubbles, which emerge from boiling mud pools and look like the shaven heads of monks.

• Shiraike Jigoku

According to its name, the "white pond hell" features a pond of hot, milky white water.

• Yama Jigoku

The "mountain hell" features small ponds of steaming hot water and a small zoo with small cages.

• Kamado Jigoku

The "cooking pot hell" features several boiling ponds and a flashy demon statue as cook.

• Oniyama Jigoku

Crocodiles are bred and kept on the grounds of the "monster mountain hell".

• Kinryu Jigoku

The "golden dragon hell" features a dragon statue and a greenhouse, heated by the hot spring.



Shibaseki District:

• Chinoike Jigoku

The "blood pond hell" features a pond of hot, red water. It is the most photogenic of the nine hells.

• Tatsumaki Jigoku

The "spout hell" features a boiling hot geyser, which erupts every 25-30 minutes for about five minutes.

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