Hell yeah! - Beppu's smoking hells

What is your definition of hell? Spending your priceless lifetime to perform unpleasant tasks, to stay alive ? Oops, no, they call that "work". Restlessly pursuing illusions, hopelessly expecting to find your soul sister on earth ? Nope, this is "love". But let's get back to a more traditionnal image of hell : steaming rocks, burning lakes, sulfur mists all around, thunder noises coming from the depth of the ground... In Oita, Kyushu, there is a place called Beppu, where you can visit eight different hells. The Japanese volcanos, which also make sweet and relaxing hot spring bath, are responsible for these "curiosities" of nature. There you can feel the power of Earth ! Let me show the way through hell...

The way to hell : Oita volcanic region

When you get close to Beppu accross the countryside, the lanscapes start to steam. Rivers are steaming, rocks are steaming, and so do the watercourses and the fields. Everywhere under your feet, the power of volcano is boiling.

The hells are now divided into eight touristic venues, also featuring exotic animals like hippo, flamingo or crocodiles, apparently very happy to rest in the natural hot waters. I have to say I had another vision of hell, but anyway. Let me show you the parts I prefered.

Hell, no. Come on. Let's be serious.

Umi-jikoku : the sea hell

With its 98° blue steaming waters, Umi-jikoku is from far the most beautiful hell ever. What is impossible to describe is the strong smell of rotten eggs (sulfur, actually) lingering around. You can also small real eggs, because boiling it directly in the pool is so much fun, isn't it.

Hard eggs on the way

Umi-jikoku is partly covered with water lilys and large leaves that can bear more than 20 kilos. If you dare, you can put your baby on it.

Oniishibozu-jikoku : the mud bubbles hell

This is the clay in the ground that gives to this hell this very special white color. After umi-jikoku, I found this hell the most impressive.

Yama-jikoku : the mountain hell

Kamado-jikoku : the "cooking pot"

Pretty, isn't it ? It's a pity it's really too hot to take a bath...

... but a foot-bath will go !

Shiraike-jikoku : the white pond hell

Chinoike-jikoku : the blood pond hell

Exotic looking plants enjoying the micro-climate...

Your Eurydice, a bit drunk with sulfur steams

Tatsumaki-jikoku : the geyser hell

This last hell geyser is bursting every 40 minutes with a real devilish sound.

Did you enjoy the visit ? Next time, let's go and see a bit of heaven, for a change !