Welcome to “HELL”: A city shrouded in a veil of steam

Situated in the Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, the Japanese city of Bepu is a hypnotic display hidden in an ethereal mist of steam. Benevolently hidden beneath the surface of the city is a great network of over 3,000 thermal springs daily releasing an amazing 130,000 tons of hot water, causing this otherworldly phenomenon. Located almost 96 kilometers away, Mount Aso is the geological masterpiece behind this thermal paradise.

With the most thermal springs worldwide, Bepu holds the esteemed title of city of Hell. Eight geothermal springs stand out since their extreme temperatures make them too hot for average humans to swim in. They have so come to be known as the sinister “Eight Hellish Entrances of Bepu.”

Every one of the eight hellish doors presents a different and fascinating window into Bepu’s geothermal beauties:

• Morx’s Hell: Enchanting pool of azure hot water calling with its otherworldly appeal.
• Shaved Head Hell: Reaching a blazing 95 degrees Celsius, a bubbling cauldron of mud.
• Hell Mountain: Slightly cooler than its counterpart at 90 degrees Celsius, Hell Mountain is another mud-filled firehouse.
• Cooking Pot Hell: Six pools of different colors, from 80 degrees Celsius to a roiling boil, make cooking pot Hell.
• Mountain of the Devil (Crocodile Hell): Slightly milder geothermal pool, Mountain of the Devil (Crocodile Hell), hosts a vibrant crocodile population.
• White Pond Hell: Its sweltering 95 degrees Celsius is maintained by an immaculately cared for garden.
• Bloody Pond Hell: A red-hued pool, Bloody Pond Hell’s color comes from the water’s iron-rich minerals.
• Hell’s Pipe: Periodically erupting with a thundering roar, Hell’s Pipe sends boiling water high into the air.

Visitors of this “hell city” are not just onlookers. Although the eight hellish doors are only for viewing, Bepu presents a wide range of chances to join the geothermal hug. Many public baths and onsens—hot springs—invite visitors to sink themselves in the relaxing, mineral-rich waters. Furthermore, the city’s inventiveness comes in using this geothermal energy for useful needs. Pipelines heat and supply hot water for daily use, delivering hot water to homes and businesses.