Question 1

How do I travel between the two areas?

Accepted Answer

The five hells in the Kannawa area, around Umi Jigoku, are within walking distance of each other. Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku are about 3 km away, so a car or bus is recommended. Each hell also has free parking. The Oita Cycle Share electric-assist bicycles can also be used.

Question 2

How do I get there from Beppu Station?

Accepted Answer

About 20 minutes by Kamenoi bus from JR Beppu Station to the Kannawa area (towards Umi Jigoku). For Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku, take Kamenoi bus 26 from JR Kamegawa Station, about 10 minutes. By car it is about 5 minutes from Beppu IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway to the Kannawa area.

Question 3

Is it enjoyable for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the steam, hot mud and boiling water of these natural hells are very popular with children. Oniyama Jigoku keeps crocodiles, and each hell has something children enjoy. There is also plenty of local food, including hot spring boiled eggs, for eating as you go.

Question 4

Is there a foot bath?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Visitors to Chinoike Jigoku may use the foot bath free of charge. We recommend trying the famous Chinoike pudding while you soak your feet.

Question 5

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

Open 8:00-17:00, every day of the year. Combined tickets are collected first at either Umi Jigoku or Chinoike Jigoku.

Question 6

Which are the seven hells?

Accepted Answer

Umi Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku, Shiraike Jigoku, Oniishibozu Jigoku, Oniyama Jigoku and Kamado Jigoku. Five are in the Kannawa area around Umi Jigoku, while Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku are about 3 km away in a separate area.

Question 7

Which hells are nationally designated places of scenic beauty?

Accepted Answer

Four — Umi Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku and Shiraike Jigoku — were the first hot springs to be designated national places of scenic beauty, in 2009.

Question 8

What is the difference between the combined and individual tickets, and which is better value?

Accepted Answer

The combined ticket (adults 2,400 yen, children 1,200 yen) admits you to all seven. Individual tickets are 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children per hell. If you plan to see two or more, the combined ticket is better value.

Question 9

What are the highlights of Chinoike Jigoku?

Accepted Answer

It is Japan's oldest natural hell, recorded as the red hot spring in the Bungo no Kuni Fudoki compiled in the Nara period. Red hot mud containing iron and magnesium oxides colours the whole pond, and even the steam turns red, a striking sight. Chinoike ointment, made from the clay that wells up here and said to help skin conditions, is a souvenir found only at this site.

Question 10

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

Allow 3-4 hours to see all seven. As they fall into two areas, plan your schedule to include the travel between them. To go round efficiently, buy the combined ticket and do the five Kannawa hells first, then Chinoike and Tatsumaki.

Question 11

How often does the geyser at Tatsumaki Jigoku erupt?

Accepted Answer

It is a geyser that erupts powerfully with hot water and steam at regular intervals and is designated a natural monument of Beppu City. A roof restrains it, but it has the force to spout about 30 m. When the lamp above the entrance turns red, an eruption is close.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

From Beppu IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, turn right and follow Prefectural Route 11 towards Kannawa Onsen for about 3 km (about 5 minutes). From JR Kamegawa Station, take Kamenoi bus 26 to Chinoike Jigoku-mae, about 10 minutes. From JR Beppu Station the Kannawa area is about 20 minutes by bus.

Question 13

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

559-1 Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture (Beppu Jigoku Association office)

Question 14

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Combined ticket (7 sites): adults 2,400 yen, children 1,200 yen. Individual ticket: adults 500 yen, children 250 yen per hell.

Question 15

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year round.

Question 16

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

8:00-17:00, open all year round.

Question 17

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

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