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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 mud, 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!'

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Hell: Oniyama Jigoku -

Exercise caution when visiting Oniyama Jigoku, a natural spring inhabited by crocodiles and snakes.

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Hell: Shiraike Jigoku -

Shiraike Jigoku is known as 'white pond hell' and is surrounded by a traditional Japanese garden.

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Hell: Shiraike Jigoku -

In Shiraike Jigoku, water temperatures can reach 203°F (95ºC).

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Hell: Tatsumaki Jigoku -

Tatsumaki Jigoku is highly regarded as Beppu's greatest attraction.

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Hell: Tatsumaki Jigoku -

In English, the name means 'tornado hell,' as it is one of the only geysers in Beppu.

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Hell: Chinoike Jigoku -

Beppu's eighth and final hot spring is known as Chinoike Jigoku.

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Hell: Chinoike Jigoku -

Believed to be one of Beppu's most ancient hot springs, it is called the 'blood pond' because of the water's distinct color.

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Discovering Beppu -

When you travel to Beppu, don't miss the opportunity to visit all the hot springs by taking the Jigoku Meguri tour. It's a comprehensive exploration of the city's springs. Have a great trip! 

See also: Cities with the best weather in the world

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