Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell)

About

Chinoike Jigoku's distinctive red waters created by iron oxide deposits. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Chinoike Jigoku (血の池地獄, literally "Blood Pond Hell") holds the distinction of being Japan's oldest natural hot spring hell, with a documented history spanning over 1,300 years. 🔗 The site is recorded as "Akayu-sen" (Red Hot Spring) in the Bungo no Kuni Fudoki, a historical record compiled during the Nara period more than 1,300 years ago. 🔗

In 2009, Chinoike Jigoku was designated as one of Japan's National Places of Scenic Beauty alongside three other hells in Beppu, recognizing its geological and cultural importance. 🔗 The site stretches approximately 1,300 square meters and has evolved from a natural geothermal phenomenon into a well-maintained tourist attraction. 🔗

Cultural & Religious Significance

The striking appearance results from fascinating natural chemical processes. The pond maintains a constant temperature of approximately 78°C (172°F), with boiling bubbles and steam wafting continuously from its surface. 🔗 While the hot spring water itself is clear, the bottom sediment contains high concentrations of iron oxide and magnesium oxide, produced by natural chemical reactions between extreme water temperatures and underground geological pressure. 🔗 This iron-rich clay gives the entire pond its dramatic deep red to orange hue, creating the appearance that inspired its evocative name. 🔗

Medicinal Heritage

For centuries, the red clay from Chinoike Jigoku has been valued for its medicinal properties. The iron-rich sediment was traditionally used to dye fabrics and, more importantly, to create healing ointments for treating skin conditions. 🔗

The famous "Chinoike Ointment" (Blood Pond Ointment or "Chinoikenanko") has a documented history dating back to the Meiji era (1868-1912), when the ointment was stored and sold in shells. 🔗 This traditional skin remedy became known for its effectiveness in treating burns, frostbite, cracked skin, and various dermatological conditions, with magnesium sulfate serving as a key therapeutic component. 🔗

Today, many locals in Oita Prefecture continue to trust this generational product, and visitors can purchase the ointment as a unique souvenir exclusively available at the site. 🔗

Visiting Information

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (last entry 4:30 PM), open year-round 🔗

Admission:

• Individual entry: ¥400 (half price for children)
• Combined ticket for all 7 Hells: ¥2,000 / ¥1,000 children (excellent value if visiting 5+ hells) 🔗

Access: Location Context: Chinoike Jigoku is located in the Shibaseki Onsen area of Beppu, approximately 3 kilometers from the main cluster of five hells in the Kannawa district. It sits adjacent to Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell). 🔗

• From Beppu Station: Kamenoi Bus (pink line "Spatto") #16 or #16A to "Chinoike Jigoku Mae" stop (~20 min)
• From JR Kamegawa Station: Bus #16 (~10 min) 🔗
• From Kannawa District (other 5 hells): Bus #16/#16A (5 min, runs twice per hour)
• By car: Approximately 10 minutes from Kannawa district with direct parking 🔗

Location: 778 Noda, Beppu, Oita 874-0016

The Chinoike Jigoku Experience

Main Viewing Experience

The primary attraction is the expansive 1,300-square-meter pond with its mesmerizing red waters. Visitors follow designated walkways around the perimeter, offering multiple vantage points for observation and photography. 🔗

Observatory Platform: Climb the stairs on the left side of the ointment shop to reach an elevated viewing platform. This spot provides an ideal bird's-eye perspective of the entire blood-red pond against its forested hillside backdrop. On clear days, the bright vermilion color creates a stunning visual contrast with the surrounding greenery. 🔗

Steam and Bubbles: Watch the continuous natural activity as boiling bubbles rise to the surface and steam wafts into the air at 78°C, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The steaming surface and vibrant color combine to create what many visitors describe as genuinely "hellish" scenery. 🔗

Facilities and Amenities

• Free Foot Bath: Complimentary foot bath (ashiyu) on the grounds 🔗
• Small Museum: Educational information about geothermal activity, historical significance, and hot spring formation 🔗
• Gift Shop: Sells famous Chinoike Ointment (exclusive to this location) and other local products 🔗
• Restaurant: Specialty items like "Blood Pond Hell Burger" and "Blood Pond Pudding" 🔗

Practical Visiting Tips

November Seasonal Advantages:

• Early November provides optimal viewing conditions with cooler, comfortable temperatures (typically 15-20°C)
• Lower humidity compared to summer enhances photography opportunities
• Surrounding forested hills provide colorful autumn foliage backdrop
• Red waters contrast beautifully with autumn colors 🔗

Concurrent Events: Visit falls within Beppu Art Month 2025 (September 27 - November 16)—major contemporary art festival throughout Beppu with various installations and cultural events.

Crowd Levels:

• Early November is outside peak tourist seasons
• Arriving at 8:00 AM opening time provides the most peaceful experience with atmospheric morning conditions
• Weekday visits significantly less crowded than weekends
• Chinoike Jigoku generally less crowded than popular Umi Jigoku 🔗

Photography Conditions:

• Morning mist creates especially atmospheric photos
• Autumn light provides excellent photography conditions
• Clear autumn days showcase the vivid vermilion color at its best
• Observatory platform provides comprehensive overhead views 🔗

Combined Visit with Tatsumaki Jigoku:

• Located immediately adjacent (walking distance)
• Check Tatsumaki Jigoku's geyser eruption time (erupts every 30-40 minutes for 6-10 minutes)
• If time permits before next eruption, visit Chinoike Jigoku first, then return to Tatsumaki for geyser display
• This strategy maximizes efficiency 🔗

Safety Rules:

• The jigoku is for viewing only—absolutely no bathing (temperatures reach 78-99°C)
• Stay on designated walkways and viewing platforms
• Supervise children carefully near hot spring areas 🔗

Cultural Etiquette:

• Maintain respectful behavior and quiet conversation
• Be considerate when taking photos (don't block others' views)
• Properly dispose of trash in provided receptacles
• Follow any posted signs and staff instructions 🔗

November Visit Preparation:

• Light jacket or sweater for comfortable outdoor viewing
• Comfortable walking shoes for navigating pathways
• Consider bringing towel for foot bath use
• Camera or smartphone for photography opportunities

Visitor Expectations: Some visitors note the color appears more "soft milky orange" than blood-red. The vermilion hue is most vivid on clear, sunny days. Despite the name, the appearance is more rust-orange than blood-like. 🔗

Value Assessment:

• Among the 7 hells, Umi Jigoku is generally considered the must-see
• Chinoike Jigoku ranks as "good to see if you're in the area"
• Most worthwhile if doing comprehensive Hell Tour with combined ticket
• Unique historical significance as Japan's oldest natural hell
• Less crowded and more peaceful than the main Kannawa cluster 🔗

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/beppu/chinoike-jigoku.md