Things to do in Beppu (Kyushu, Japan)

Located on the eastern part of Kyushu Island in Oita Prefecture, Beppu (別府) is Japan’s most famous hot spring city. A small coastal city between Beppu Bay and the volcanic mountains further inland, it is home to more than 2000 onsen and produces more hot spring water than any other Japanese city. Other than hot spring baths, Beppu has seven geothermal parks which offer spectacular views of unique thermal features. Join us while we explore the top things to do in Beppu!

Date visited: Nov-2023

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Top Things to do in Beppu (Kyushu, Japan)

Beppu has seven geothermal parks (termed “Hell” or “Jigoku” in Japan). Tickets to each of the seven parks can be purchased individually or as a combo ticket with a discount.

Note: Due to time constraints, we could only visit 2 geothermal parks in Beppu.

(listed in random order)

#1: Umi Jigoku 海地獄 (Google Map)

Also known as “The Sea Hell”, Umi Jigoku is the most famous of the seven hells in Beppu. The name is derived from its main cobalt blue geothermal pool, which resembles the turquoise colour of the ocean. This unique colour is due to the natural presence of iron sulfate in the water.

The name is derived from its main cobalt blue geothermal pool, which resembles the turquoise colour of the ocean (Umi Jigoku)

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#2: Chinoike Jigoku 血の池地獄 (Google Map)

One of the oldest natural hot springs in Japan, Chinoike Jigoku translates to “Blood Pond Hell”. The name comes from the vivid red colour of its main geothermal pool, which is due to the natural presence of iron oxide and magnesium oxide.

The name comes from the vivid red colour of its main geothermal pool, which is due to the natural presence of iron oxide and magnesium oxide. (Chinoike Jigoku)

The ubiquitous vending machine at Chinoike Jigoku

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#3: Global Tower (Google Map)

It is one of the few non-geothermal-related attractions in the city. Opened in 1994, Global Tower is located near the city centre. A sleek tower soaring into the city skyline, it has a 360-degree observation deck 100m above ground. Offering a panoramic view of the bay, city and inland mountain range.

Global Tower offering a panoramic view of the bay, city and inland mountain range. (Beppu, Oita, Japan)

Opened in 1994, Global Tower is located near Beppu city centre

Global Tower is one of the few non-geothermal-related attractions in the city.

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#4: Full list of the seven “hells” of Beppu

Below is the complete list of the seven hells.

Umi Jigoku (see above)
Chinoike Jigoku (see above)
Oniishibozu Jigoku, “Hell of the Monk’s Head”, 鬼石坊主地獄 (Google Map)
Shiraike Jigoku, “White pond hell”, 白池地獄 (Google Map)
Kamado Jigoku, “Cooking pot hell”, かまど地獄 (Google Map)
Oniyama Jigoku, “Devil mountain hell”, 鬼山地獄 (Google Map)
Tatsumaki Jigoku, “Tornado hell”, 龍巻地獄 (Google Map)

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Our other travel blogs on Kyushu, Japan:

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Things to do in Yufuin and Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi

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Things to do in Beppu (Kyushu, Japan)