Chinoike Jigoku Guide: Beppu's Stunning Crimson Pool, Japan's Oldest Natural Hell

Last updated： January 6, 2026

This guide introduces Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), one of the famous hells in Beppu’s Hell Tour.

Chinoike Jigoku

Chinoike Jigoku is a natural hot spring hell located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. It is Japan’s oldest natural hell, where underground water containing sulfur and iron minerals bubbles up to the surface.

The hot spring minerals have dyed the water surface a reddish-brown color, resembling blood, which is how it got its name. Its striking beauty and eerie atmosphere attract visitors from around the world.

Chinoike Jigoku Basic Information
Item	Details
Spring Quality	Acidic green vitriol spring
Temperature	Approx. 78°C (172°F)
Flow Rate	Approx. 1,800 kl/day
Hours	8:00 am–5:00 pm
Closed	Open year - round
Admission	Adults (high school and above): 500 yen / Children (elementary & junior high): 250 yen
Smoking	No smoking areas inside (smoking area in parking lot)
Access	By car: 20 min from Beppu Station / By bus: 30 min from Beppu Station
Address	778 Noda, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture 874 - 0016
Phone	0120-459-554
Official Site	https://chinoike.com/

Located in the northern part of the Beppu Hell Tour, Chinoike Jigoku is adjacent to Tatsumaki Jigoku (Geyser Hell).

Map showing the locations of Beppu hells including Chinoike Jigoku, Tatsumaki Jigoku, Umi Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, Oniyama Jigoku, Shiraike Jigoku, and Oniishibozu Jigoku

Stunning! A Blood-Red Pool Dyed by Hellfire

The main attraction of Chinoike Jigoku is undoubtedly this brilliant crimson hot spring.

Steam rising from the reddish-brown hot mud pool with railing shadows on the water surface at Chinoike Jigoku

The pool gets its red color from hot red mud containing iron oxide and magnesium oxide, which forms through natural chemical reactions under high temperature and pressure underground. This mud erupts and accumulates, dyeing the entire pool red. The surrounding area is covered with blackened, charred-looking rocks, creating a truly hellish landscape.

Reddish-brown hot mud pool with curved railing shadows on the water surface

As a hot spring, the temperature is extremely high—about 78°C (172°F). Combined with the rising steam, it creates an otherworldly atmosphere rarely encountered in daily life. Seeing it in person is truly a shocking experience.

Dense steam rising from the red pool with curved fence and shrubs in the foreground at Chinoike Jigoku

View of the steaming red pool with gift shop visible in the background at Chinoike Jigoku

The Pool Is Hell, But the Surroundings Are a Fun Tourist Spot

I’ve traveled throughout Japan, but this was my first time witnessing such an unusual sight.

Don’t worry though.

While the blood-red water is undeniably eerie, this is still a well-developed tourist spot. Step back a bit, and you’ll find the surroundings are quite peaceful.

Plaza surrounding the red pool with Nekketsu monument and oni panels at Chinoike Jigoku

Tourists taking photos in front of the steaming pool with Nekketsu signboard

You can even take commemorative photos as a cute oni (demon).

Strike a pose with the hell pond as your backdrop!

Red and blue oni face cutout boards for photo opportunities in front of steaming Chinoike Jigoku

Nekketsu monument on a red pedestal in front of the steaming pool

Even the rest area tables and chairs are designed with oni motifs—quite charming!

Stone tables with oni horn-shaped protrusions and round stone chairs at the rest area

The rest areas are surprisingly well-equipped, with covered benches and vending machines—hospitality at its finest.

Parasol tables and vending machines at the rest plaza of Chinoike Jigoku

Vending machine decorated with red and blue oni characters at Chinoike Jigoku

Still, Chinoike Jigoku itself is quite eerie. This is Japan’s oldest natural hell. Beppu is truly formidable.

Thick steam rising from the reddish-brown hot mud covering the pool surface at Chinoike Jigoku

The Observatory! View Chinoike Jigoku from Above

Wooden signpost marking the explosion site and stone steps leading to the observatory

Chinoike Jigoku has an elevated viewing platform where you can look down at the pool from above.

Concrete stairs along the slope leading to the observatory with warning signs

I’ve arrived at the observatory.

Pathway to the observatory with steaming pool visible on the right and wire fence

It’s not too high, so even those less confident in their stamina can easily climb up.

That said, looking down from here, there’s a decent height, so you can expect great views of Chinoike Jigoku from the observatory.

View from the observatory looking down at Chinoike Jigoku plaza, walkways, and the steaming red pool

Now, the main event—the view from the observatory…

View from observatory looking down into the valley with red pool visible through the steam

Rising steam with glimpses of the crimson pool behind it. It feels like demons or devils might emerge at any moment.

Red-stained pool surface visible between green hillside trees and white steam at Chinoike Jigoku

The view is quite different from ground level, so if you visit Chinoike Jigoku, be sure to climb up to the observatory.

(Later in this article, I’ll show you a stunning aerial photograph.)

Chinoike Jigoku’s Famous “Blood Pond Ointment”

Chinoike Jigoku sells a topical medicine called “Chinoike Nankō” (Blood Pond Ointment), which has become one of the site’s most popular products.

Tourists browsing products under red noren curtains at the Chinoike Nanko shop

Shop counter displaying hot spring water bottles and souvenirs at the Chinoike Nanko shop

Display shelves with Chinoike Nanko ointment and medicinal bath salts

Sales display of Chinoike Nanko with oni face packaging and product descriptions

Chinoike Nanko has been sold since before the Meiji era. Made from the hot mud of Chinoike Jigoku, it was traditionally sold packed in seashells.

The main ingredient is mineral mud from Chinoike Jigoku. It’s effective for conditions like eczema, burns, athlete’s foot, chapped skin, cracked heels, acne, and hemorrhoids. It’s steroid-free and said to help with itching and disinfection.

Besides limited in-park sales, it’s also available in their online store. Priced at 1,500 yen (22g), it’s their bestselling product with many repeat customers.

Product image showing Chinoike Nanko box and container with red ointment

As a legitimate medicine, please check the official website for details on its effects and ingredients.

Chinoike Nanko - Chinoike Jigoku Official Site

Ready to Dip Your Feet in Hell? The Blood Pond Foot Bath

Chinoike Jigoku also has a foot bath, which is popular with visitors.

Foot bath information sign and covered foot bath area with visitors soaking their feet

Don’t worry—the foot bath water isn’t red. It’s just regular hot spring water.

Wooden benches lining the foot bath with steam rising and oranges floating in the water

Despite the name “Blood Pond,” it’s a regular hot spring, so soaking your feet feels wonderful.

Incidentally, of the seven hells in the Beppu Hell Tour, four have foot baths:

Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell)
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)
Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell)
Oniishibozu Jigoku (Monk’s Head Hell)

If you’re planning to visit all seven hells, you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking. Refreshing your feet at the foot baths along the way is highly recommended.

All the foot baths are quite popular, so hop in quickly if you find an open spot.

Crowded covered foot bath with many visitors seated and enjoying the hot water

Get Lost in Hell’s Gift Shop

Interior of the Chinoike Jigoku souvenir shop with oni mask displays

Chinoike Jigoku has a souvenir area, and it’s huge—selling a wide variety of Beppu souvenirs.

Spacious shop with red ceiling displaying towels, snacks, and souvenirs at Chinoike Jigoku

Oita sake and Jigoku-mushi beer on display at the Chinoike Jigoku souvenir corner

Red-ceilinged shop with stacked boxed sweets at the souvenir corner and wide aisles

Wall display of oni and Beppu-themed socks and keychains at the souvenir corner

Stacked boxed sweets and specialty souvenirs on the shop shelves at Chinoike Jigoku

Jigoku Curry boxes with oni illustrations stacked in baskets at the souvenir shop

Red and orange rolls of Chinoike Jigoku original Imabari towels neatly displayed

Snacks, clothing, nibbles, alcohol, and more. This is the largest souvenir shop among the seven Beppu hells, so if you’re looking for a place to buy gifts, this is the spot.

Not just among the seven hells, but in all of Beppu, you’ll rarely find a souvenir shop with this much variety.

Just be careful not to get lost. Parents with small children, keep a firm grip on their hands!

Proof of Hell from Above

Black and white historical photos of Chinoike Jigoku displayed on the souvenir shop wall

The souvenir shop displays old photographs of Chinoike Jigoku. Among them, I found an aerial photograph taken from directly above.

Aerial photograph showing the deep crimson Chinoike Jigoku from directly above

It’s frighteningly red. This might really be the entrance to hell.

Hell and Heaven Side by Side: The Famous Blood Pond Burger

Right next to Chinoike Jigoku is a restaurant called Gokurakutei (Paradise Pavilion).

Exterior of Gokurakutei restaurant with dining signs and takeout information

Both Chinoike Jigoku and Gokurakutei are within the same grounds, so they’re easily accessible. Having “paradise” right next to “hell” is quite cleverly planned.