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This guide introduces Oniyama Jigoku, one of the 7 Hells on the Beppu Jigoku Meguri tour.
Oniyama Jigoku
Oniyama Jigoku is one of the 7 Hells on the Beppu Jigoku Meguri tour in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. Here, you can experience the power of hot spring water gushing forth with a thunderous roar.
In 1923, this became the first place in Japan to raise crocodiles using geothermal hot spring heat, earning it the nickname “Crocodile Hell.” It’s a spot where you can also enjoy the impressive sight of large crocodiles.
The name “Oniyama” comes from the local place name where this hell is located.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Spring Quality | Sodium Chloride Spring |
| Spring Temperature | Approx. 99°C |
| Flow Rate | Approx. 200 tons/day |
| Hours | 8:00 am–5:00 pm |
| Closed | Open year - round |
| Individual Admission | Adults (High school+): ¥500 / Children (Elementary–Junior high): ¥250 |
| 7 - Hell Pass | Adults: ¥2,400 / Children: ¥1,200 |
| Smoking | No smoking area |
| Parking | 60 spaces (including buses) |
| Access | By car: 15 min from Beppu Station / By bus: 20 min from Beppu Station |
| Phone | 0977-66-1577 |
| Address | 625 Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita 874 - 0045 |
| Official Site | https://www.beppu-jigoku.com/oniyama/ |
Oniyama Jigoku is located in the southern part of the 7 Hells, adjacent to Shiraike Jigoku and Kamado Jigoku.
The parking lot at Oniyama Jigoku can accommodate 60 vehicles, including buses.
8 Tons Per Hour: Spectacular Hot Spring Output
The highlight of Oniyama Jigoku is its abundant flow rate and the powerful steam vents visible up close.
With 8 tons gushing out every hour and 200 tons daily, you can observe the hot spring erupting with bubbling sounds right before your eyes.
Compared to other hells, the higher water temperature produces more steam, and depending on wind direction, the surroundings can become completely obscured.
The mechanism behind Beppu’s hot springs involves rainwater seeping underground, being heated by magma deep within the earth, absorbing various minerals, and then rising back to the surface as hot springs. This is known as the circulating water theory.
According to this theory, the hot springs erupting today are actually rainwater from about 50 years ago.
Amazing Crocodile Hell
Beyond the hot springs, Oniyama Jigoku offers another attraction: the crocodile enclosure.
Using geothermal heat from the hot springs, Oniyama Jigoku breeds approximately 70 crocodiles, including species from the Crocodylidae and Alligatoridae families.
Seeing crocodiles up close is an impressive experience.
While the enclosures keep visitors safe, the sight is nonetheless breathtaking.
In winter, hot spring water is channeled into the pools to maintain temperatures around 30°C, allowing these tropical creatures to survive the cold season.
Here too, the power of nature through hot springs is put to good use.
Observing crocodiles at such close range is a sight worth seeing for their sheer presence alone.
Experience Nature’s Power Up Close
The powerful eruption of hot springs and the massive amounts of rising steam create an impressive spectacle.
Approximately 70 crocodiles also live their daily lives here, protected by Beppu’s hot springs.
Come experience firsthand the powerful harmony between life and nature at this place called “hell”—Oniyama Jigoku.
