Chinoike Jigoku, also called Blood Pond Hell, is a natural hot spring in the Shibaseki district of Beppu, in Oita Prefecture. Its pond is deep red because the hot water carries iron oxide and magnesium-rich clay up from underground. The water is about 78°C. The grounds have a footbath that is among the hottest in Beppu, a shrine, a fountain, a restaurant and a souvenir shop that sells clay-based creams. It is a strong stop on a tour of Beppu's hells.
Japan's oldest natural hell
Chinoike Jigoku is considered the oldest natural hell in Japan. The spring has been active for about 1,300 years, and its name means Blood Pond Hell.
The site lies in the Shibaseki district, roughly 3 km from Kannawa, where most of Beppu's other hells are grouped. Japan has named Chinoike Jigoku a National Scenic Beauty, alongside three other hells, for its appearance and its distinctive colours.
Why the water is red
The red colour comes from iron oxide and magnesium-rich clay in the spring. The water that enters the pool is not red. It takes on that colour after contact with the metal-rich earth on the pool floor.
The water reaches about 78°C, so the pool is for looking at, not for touching. The pool covers roughly 1,300 square metres. The clay in the spring is also used to make creams and skin wraps, which are sold in the souvenir shop at the entrance.
The grounds, the footbath and the shop
The footbath uses water straight from the Chinoike spring and is among the hottest in Beppu. Bring a towel, or buy one on site for 200 yen.
The grounds include a shrine, a pond, a fountain and a restaurant. Next door, the Gokurakutei restaurant serves lunch, which makes this a practical final stop on a hell tour. The souvenir shop is large and carries many items that are hard to find at the other hells. A set of stairs on the left side of the ointment shop leads to a photo spot with a clear view of the pool.
Getting there
From Beppu Station, the trip takes about 30 minutes by bus. Some travelers reach the site by JR and then a bus.
The entrance, the restroom and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible. The site has a free parking lot for those driving.
Perguntas frequentes
How do you get to Chinoike Jigoku from Beppu?
Take a bus from Beppu Station, which takes about 30 minutes. Some visitors go by JR train and then take a bus.
Is there a footbath at Chinoike Jigoku?
Yes. The footbath uses water straight from the spring and is very hot. Bring your own towel, or buy one on site for 200 yen.
Can you enter or touch the pool?
No. The water is about 78°C, so visitors should not touch or enter the pool and should admire it from the viewing area.
Is Chinoike Jigoku wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, the restroom and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
