Tatsumaki Jigoku

Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tatsumaki Hell) is one of the famous “hells” of Beppu Onsen in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. It is included in the Beppu Jigoku Meguri route and is designated as both a Beppu City Natural Monument and a National Place of Scenic Beauty. It is a geyser that erupts at regular intervals, blasting approximately 101°C hot spring water vertically up to around 30 meters. Because it erupts on a schedule, many tourists gather as the time approaches. Eruption times are posted on a board, so you can browse souvenirs while you wait. In spring, azalea flowers bloom across the slope in the park, and you may also spot the rare Asagimadara butterfly, which migrates from Taiwan and China. There is also a gelato shop at the souvenir area, so you can enjoy refreshments while watching Tatsumaki Jigoku. Each eruption lasts about 5 minutes. Admission for Tatsumaki Jigoku alone is 400 yen, but the full Jigoku Meguri pass is 2,000 yen and allows you to visit all the hells efficiently. Access to Tatsumaki Jigoku is by taking a Kamenoi Bus bound for Kannawa from JR Beppu Station, getting off at “Chinoike Jigoku-mae,” then walking 5 minutes.