Conquer Beppu’s Must-See Sights! A Complete Guide to Jigoku Meguri & Scenic Ropeway

Experience Beppu to the Fullest: A City of Hot Springs and Breathtaking Views!

Beppu City in Oita Prefecture is a hot spring haven that Japan proudly boasts to the world. With an abundant volume of hot spring water and numerous sources, this city is a grand entertainment hub where you can not only ‘bathe’ in hot springs but also enjoy them through sight, taste, and play. This time, we’ve carefully selected two must-see attractions for travelers: the ‘Beppu Jigoku Meguri’ (Hells Tour) and the ‘Beppu Ropeway,’ which offers panoramic views of Beppu from above. We’ll provide you with everything from local gourmet recommendations you absolutely must try to little-known deep attractions, going beyond textbook history!

Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hells Tour)

📍 Address: 559-1 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0000, Japan

Many travelers visiting Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, first head to the nationally famous ‘Beppu Jigoku Meguri.’ It’s named for the spectacle of natural hot spring sources and hot mud, nearly 100 degrees Celsius, bubbling up, creating a bizarre landscape reminiscent of hell.

There are a total of seven ‘hells’ (Umi, Chinoike, Tatsumaki, Shiraike, Onishi Bozu, Oniyama, Kamado), each with its own distinct personality. For those who want to conquer all of them efficiently, purchasing the ‘Common Admission Ticket,’ which grants entry to all hells, is highly recommended. The tour takes about 2.5 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace, and completing the stamp rally adds a sense of accomplishment for both adults and children.

A smart way to tour is to start by conquering the five hells concentrated around Umi Jigoku on foot, using the Umi Jigoku area parking lot as your base. Then, move to the slightly more distant Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku area by car or bus. Many hells, such as Onishi Bozu Jigoku, have free footbaths, so bringing a hand towel that you can easily take out and put away will make your Hells Tour even more comfortable!

Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)

📍 Address: 559-1 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0045, Japan

‘Umi Jigoku,’ the largest of the Hells, is a historical hell said to have been born about 1200 years ago during the eruption of Mt. Tsurumi. Despite its high temperature of 98 degrees Celsius, the iron sulfate in the hot spring water makes it shimmer in a beautiful cobalt blue, just like a tropical sea. The contrast between the rising white steam and the blue water surface is a stunning photo opportunity.

When you visit Umi Jigoku, you absolutely must try the famous ‘Gokuraku Manju’ (Paradise Steamed Buns), steamed using the hell’s high-temperature steam! These bite-sized, fluffy buns have a subtle salty taste and the fragrant aroma of koji, making them a favorite not only among tourists but also locals. Made with a method unchanged since 1954, it’s a supreme luxury to savor them while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

There are also many other exquisite local delicacies, such as ‘Onsen Tamago’ (hot spring eggs) directly boiled in the hell’s hot water, and jigoku-mushi baked pudding. In early summer, giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica) float in the spacious garden, enhancing the tropical mood. It’s a must-visit place where you can experience Beppu’s hot spring power with all five senses.

Oniyama Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell)

📍 Address: 625 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0041, Japan

In stark contrast to other hells that offer beautiful scenery, ‘Oniyama Jigoku’ offers a unique and astonishing experience. Also known as ‘Crocodile Hell,’ it houses approximately 80 crocodiles and alligators within its grounds.

You might wonder, ‘Why crocodiles in Beppu?’ The truth is, this was the first place in Japan to start breeding crocodiles using hot spring heat in 1923 (Taisho 12). It was a groundbreaking idea at the time, creating a comfortable environment using nearly 100-degree Celsius hot spring heat. The crocodiles, quietly resting with only their faces above the water, are so still that you might first mistake them for ornaments. But that changes during feeding times, often held on weekends! Their powerful leaps towards the food are a display of wild energy you won’t see in any other hell.

The facility also includes an exhibition room modeled after a traditional Malaysian house, where you can see a taxidermied specimen of ‘Ichiro,’ a giant crocodile that lived a long life here. Enjoy this miraculous collaboration unique to Beppu: hot springs and tropical animals.

Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell)

📍 Address: 778 Noda, Beppu, Oita 874-0016, Japan

Popular as either the finale or starting point of the Hells Tour, ‘Chinoike Jigoku’ is a National Scenic Beauty site. Mentioned as ‘Akayu-sen’ (Red Hot Spring) in the ‘Bungo Fudoki’ compiled during the Nara period, it is Japan’s oldest natural hell, with over 1300 years of history.

Hot mud containing iron oxide and magnesium oxide erupts from underground, dyeing the entire pond a eerily vivid red—a sight truly befitting the name ‘Hell.’ Up close, you’ll be overwhelmed by the power and vastness of the bubbling red hot mud. It has a history of several large explosions, allowing you to directly feel the breath of the Earth.

Also, a local item you absolutely must check out here is ‘Chinoike Ointment,’ sold exclusively at the souvenir shop. Made from the red clay (mineral mud) collected from Chinoike Jigoku, this ointment is said to be effective for skin troubles like acne, eczema, and chapped skin. It’s a historical medicine that soldiers eagerly sought before the war. Its strong medicinal smell and reddish-brown appearance make it seem effective, and it’s a deep souvenir with a steady stream of repeat customers.

Beppu Ropeway

📍 Address: 10-7 Kanabaru, Minamitateishi, Beppu, Oita 874-0000, Japan

After feeling the earth’s heat at the Hells Tour, let’s head to the ‘Beppu Ropeway’ to overlook Beppu from above. This is Kyushu’s largest ropeway, ascending approximately 800 meters in elevation to the summit of Mt. Tsurumi (1,375 meters above sea level) in about 10 minutes.

Before boarding the gondola, be sure to look out for ‘Nyata,’ the cat stationmaster who greets you at Beppu Kogen Station at the foot of the mountain. With her plump and adorable form, she’s very friendly and popular with travelers, as she makes waiting for the ropeway a soothing experience. Starting your aerial journey by greeting Stationmaster Nyata is a way for connoisseurs to enjoy the trip.

Upon reaching Tsurumi Sancho Station at the summit, a grand panorama unfolds before your eyes, offering views of Beppu city, Beppu Bay, and even Shikoku on clear days! Furthermore, the summit area features a ‘Mt. Tsurumi Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage’ walking course, allowing you to enjoy a power spot tour while admiring the stunning scenery. In winter, you might even see snow and magnificent hoarfrost, making it a spot where you can enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons. However, some stairs and pathways to the observatory can be uneven, so we recommend visiting with comfortable sneakers.

Tips for 120% Enjoyment of Beppu Tourism

Beppu is a rare city in the world that transforms the natural blessing of hot springs into diverse forms of entertainment: not only ‘bathing’ but also ‘seeing,’ ‘eating,’ and ‘playing.’

If you plan to visit the Hells Tour and the Ropeway in one day, a classic itinerary is to tour the hells quickly in the relatively less crowded morning, enjoy Jigoku Mushi (hell-steamed) cuisine around the Kannawa Onsen area for lunch, and then take the ropeway in the afternoon to enjoy the superb views of Mt. Tsurumi. The views from the ropeway change significantly with the weather, so it’s a good idea to be flexible with your plans based on the sky.

For souvenirs, in addition to standard sweets, there are many highly appealing items you can only find locally, such as ‘Gokuraku Manju’ and ‘Chinoike Ointment.’ Grab a towel and enjoy exploring the streets of Beppu, overflowing with the Earth’s energy!

Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hells Tour)

📍 Address: 559-1 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0000, Japan

When it comes to Beppu tourism, the ‘Beppu Jigoku Meguri’ is an absolute must-see. This area, believed to have been formed by the eruption of Mt. Tsurumi over 1200 years ago, is filled with the mysteries of nature, where heat, steam, and strangely colored hot water erupt. In the Taisho era, Kumahachi Aburaya, known as the ‘Father of Beppu Tourism,’ launched Japan’s first sightseeing bus with female bus guides, establishing it as one of Japan’s premier tourist attractions.

If you visit all seven hells (Umi, Onishi Bozu, Kamado, Oniyama, Shiraike, Chinoike, Tatsumaki), it will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace. If you plan to visit five or more, purchasing the ‘Common Admission Ticket’ sold at the ticket counters is overwhelmingly more economical and convenient. It also saves you the hassle of queuing at each ticket booth, allowing for a smoother sightseeing experience.

Even travelers without a rental car can easily access the hells by local bus from Beppu Station or the Kannawa Onsen area, and it’s delightful that you can primarily explore on foot. For those who want to delve deeper into the history and little-known anecdotes, the ‘Kamenoi Bus’ regular sightseeing tour, famous for its bus guides’ rhythmic narratives, is highly recommended.

Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)

📍 Address: 559-1 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0045, Japan

‘Umi Jigoku’ boasts the largest area among the Hells and is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Contrary to its ominous name ‘Hell,’ the surface of the water, due to the dissolved iron sulfate from the hot springs, shines in a cool and beautiful cobalt blue, like a tropical sea. However, it’s actually 98-degree Celsius hot water gushing out, and the contrast with the billowing pure white steam is truly magnificent.

The grounds are beautifully maintained as a Japanese garden, and the greenhouses for giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica) and tropical water lilies, utilizing the heat of the hot springs, are a must-see. If you get tired from walking, taking a break in the free footbath is recommended (bring your own towel or purchase one at the shop). Also, visiting early in the morning means fewer tourists, and the steam appears even more mystical in the clear air.

Don’t miss the gourmet food utilizing the hell’s heat. Besides Umi Jigoku’s unique ‘Onsen Tamago’ and rich ‘Jigoku-mushi Baked Pudding,’ the fluffy, hot ‘Gokuraku Manju’ is a hidden gem that many travelers rave about. Savoring freshly made sweets while admiring the beautiful scenery is a blissful experience.

Oniyama Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell)

📍 Address: 625 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0041, Japan

Known affectionately as ‘Crocodile Hell,’ ‘Oniyama Jigoku’ stands out from other hells with its unique, theme-park-like atmosphere. In 1923, it became the first place in Japan to breed crocodiles using the heat of its approximately 99-degree Celsius hot springs. Currently, around 80 crocodiles and alligators from around the world are kept here.

Peering into the enclosure where hot spring steam rises, you’ll see countless crocodiles lying still. At first, you might wonder, ‘Are they really alive?’ but their sheer number is overwhelming, and the sight of giant reptiles densely packed together is truly otherworldly. Indoors, there’s a huge taxidermied specimen of ‘First Ichiro,’ one of the world’s largest crocodiles that lived here for 73 years, telling a long history.

The most exciting part is the feeding time by the zookeepers (check dates/times in advance). The usually docile crocodiles, when they leap for food, create dramatic splashes and the sound of their massive jaws clashing is powerful! Even through a safe fence, you’ll feel an intensity that makes you instinctively step back. It’s an unforgettable experience for animal lovers and travelers seeking a slightly unusual tourist attraction.

Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell)

📍 Address: 778 Noda, Beppu, Oita 874-0016, Japan

This is Japan’s oldest natural hell, with a history spanning over 1300 years, recorded as ‘Akayu-sen’ (Red Hot Spring) in the ‘Bungo Fudoki’ from the Nara period. Hot mud containing iron oxide and magnesium oxide erupts from underground under high temperature and pressure, dyeing the entire pond a striking, blood-red color. The sight of steam rising from the surprisingly vast red pond possesses both an eerie quality and a unique beauty, truly living up to the name ‘Hell.’

Chinoike Jigoku is located in the Kamegawa area, a bit distant from the Kannawa area where Umi Jigoku and other hells are. It’s common to visit it together with the neighboring geyser, ‘Tatsumaki Jigoku,’ but Tatsumaki Jigoku can have a waiting time of 30-40 minutes for its eruption. Therefore, the most efficient approach is to first confirm the eruption schedule with the staff at Tatsumaki Jigoku, then use that waiting time to leisurely explore Chinoike Jigoku.

A local item you absolutely must check out here, available nowhere else, is ‘Chinoike Ointment.’ Formulated with red clay produced from Chinoike Jigoku, this historically significant medicine has long been valued by locals for its effectiveness against skin conditions like eczema and burns. The souvenir shop is also very well-stocked, featuring demon-themed face-in-hole panels and a playfully named dog run, with creative touches scattered throughout to keep tourists entertained.

Beppu Ropeway

📍 Address: 10-7 Kanabaru, Minamitateishi, Beppu, Oita 874-0000, Japan

After experiencing the Earth’s energy at the Hells Tour, let’s head to the ‘Beppu Ropeway’ to enjoy panoramic views from above. Boarding Kyushu’s largest gondola, with a capacity for 101 people, you’ll embark on a 10-minute aerial stroll to the summit of Mt. Tsurumi, approximately 1,375m above sea level. Below, a grand panorama unfolds, offering views from Beppu city to Beppu Bay, and even the Kuju Mountain Range on clear days.

The natural scenery, which changes with each season, is a major draw. In spring, Kyushu Azaleas bloom abundantly; in autumn, vibrant foliage takes over; and in winter, the entire mountaintop is transformed into a world of silver by ‘hoarfrost,’ a rare sight in Kyushu. The summit also features a promenade for the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage and power spots like Ichinomiya, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll in the crisp air. However, temperatures at the summit are considerably lower than at the base, so while it’s perfect as a summer retreat, be sure to bring proper winter clothing and appropriate footwear during colder months.

And a deep attraction that’s quietly creating buzz among travelers is ‘Nyata the Cat Stationmaster (provisional name),’ a tabby cat working at the ‘Beppu Kogen Station’ at the foot of the mountain. Her relaxed demeanor, greeting customers from her custom-made wooden barrel stationmaster’s office, transforms the ropeway waiting time into a moment of healing. You’re not guaranteed to meet her, but if you’re lucky enough to, be sure to politely ask for a photo. Additionally, the ‘Kyushu Shochu-kan’ in front of the Kogen Station offers over 500 brands of shochu from across Kyushu, making it an excellent spot for liquor enthusiasts to find souvenirs.

Tips for Efficiently Enjoying the Hells Tour

Beppu’s Hells Tour is broadly divided into two areas: the ‘Kannawa area’ (5 hells including Umi Jigoku) and the ‘Kamegawa area’ (Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku). These two areas are about 3km apart, making walking between them a bit challenging. For travelers without a private car or rental car, utilizing local buses effectively is key.

Even if you’re driving, moving your car to all seven parking lots each time can be time-consuming. The classic and most efficient route is to first park your car at a free parking lot in the Kannawa area (Umi Jigoku area is recommended), then conquer the five hells (‘Onishi Bozu,’ ‘Umi,’ ‘Kamado,’ ‘Oniyama,’ ‘Shiraike’) on foot while walking down Miyuki Slope. After that, drive to the Kamegawa area to visit the remaining ‘Chinoike’ and ‘Tatsumaki.’ Along the way, collect stamps for the stamp rally or soothe your fatigue in a footbath, fully enjoying Beppu’s unique hot spring entertainment.