Umi Jigoku

The Essential Guide to Beppu, Japan

"I’ll never forget the giant plumes of steam and the ethereal cobalt-blue water at Umi Jigoku; its name literally means 'sea hell' and the spring—formed about 1,200 years ago by an eruption from Mount Tsurumi—reaches a scalding 200°F so it’s far too hot for bathing. Designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty, the site envelopes visitors in a sulfurous, opaque mist with each gust, and while you can’t bathe in the main pool, there are four nearby footbaths that let you experience the waters at a much more tolerable temperature; the seven 'hells' in Beppu can be explored via a walking route." - Kim Kay Kim Kay Kim Kay is a freelance writer with a focus on Japan travel and culinary culture. Her writing has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Tokyo Weekender, ByFood, and other travel and lifestyle platforms.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines