Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) Info
Information about the "Hells" in the virtual tour
The word "jigoku" literally translates to "burning hell" as used in ancient Buddhist sutras.
Situated in Beppu, a city in Oita Prefecture, south-western Japan. The city is famous for its plethora of natural onsens (hot springs) for bathing. the "hell" tour is must for visitors to the area. Please note, these hot springs are definitely not for bathing, but for boiling!
The tour spans 8 sites containing bubbling, steaming hot springs with different themes conjuring up images of hell. Though looks can be deceiving...the surrounding landscape of these hot springs, and the hot springs themselves) depicts a natural beauty that may be more in line with visions of Heaven rather than Hell.
However, with one wrong step or false slip it is certain that you will meet terrifying, grisly end. Beppu Jigoku is one place where you just may be able to experience hell on earth.
About the Beppu "Hells"
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) - This cobalt-blue colored spring emerged about 1200 years ago after a volcanic explosion. It is called "Sea Hell" because the color resembles the sea. A shrine and lake is also in the compound with beautifully manicured gardens.
Oniishibozu Jigoku (Shaven Head Hell) - The name of these springs of hot gray mud are so called because the bubbles of mud that boil up look like the shaven heads of monks (bozu atama).
Yama Jigoku (Mountain Hell) - Plumes of steam gust from the cracks in this large mountain of mud formed over many years. When the the steam clears images of dancing lions, hippos and chimpanzes can be seen in the mountain formation.
Kamado Jigoku (Oven Hell) - Guarded by a demon standing on top of a huge cooking pot. Word has that this Jigoku is where bad people met their grisly fate by being tossed alive into one of the few small bubbling springs in the area.
Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell) - This spring takes its name from the water that spouts from the ground and turns a creamy white color. Japanese gardens surround this boiling pond making you question whether you are in heaven...or hell.
Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) - This is Japan's oldest natural jigoku and takes its name from the blood-like color of the spring. The clay is so hot that the steam coming from the spring is also red. The red clay that comes from this spring also has therapeutic qualities and is used as ointment for some skin diseases.
Jigokus not included in the virtual tour...
Oniyama Jigoku - The force of steam coming from this spring is enough to pull one and a half train cars. It is also home to a variety of alligators and crocodiles with favorable breeding conditions because of the water's temperature.
Tatsumaki Jigoku - A geyser which spouts boiling water and steam at short intervals.