Average Time for the Beppu Hells Tour

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Five of the hells are located very close together within the popular Kannawa district. You can easily walk between these five spots in approximately two hours of total time. This area is the most visited part of the entire Beppu geothermal circuit. Most tourists choose to start their morning exploration in this busy central district.

The remaining two hells are located in the separate Shibaseki area a few kilometers away. Reaching these two sites requires a short bus ride or a quick taxi trip. You should budget an extra hour if you plan to visit these final spots. This ensures you have enough time for transportation and entry into each park.

Fast travelers might finish the entire seven-hell circuit in just over two hours. However, this fast pace leaves very little time for relaxing or taking good photos. Taking your time makes the overall experience much more enjoyable for every family member. We recommend planning for at least a half-day excursion to see everything properly.

Timing Your Visit to Kannawa District Hells

The Kannawa district hosts the largest and most diverse group of geothermal pools in Beppu. You will find the famous Umi Jigoku and Oniishibozu Jigoku located in this area. These beautiful sites are situated very close to the main local bus stop. Expect to spend about 45 minutes exploring these two initial steaming attractions.

Spend at least 30 minutes at Umi Jigoku to see the bright cobalt blue water. Check out the Umi Jigoku winter scenery for the best 2026 photography locations. The thick white steam looks absolutely amazing against the cold winter air in Beppu. This is often considered the most beautiful hell in the entire collection.

Kamado Jigoku and Oniyama Jigoku are also located within this convenient walking area. You can see the large crocodiles at Oniyama in about 20 minutes of time. Kamado Jigoku offers several different types of steaming ponds for visitors to enjoy. Allow another 30 minutes to explore the various sections of this unique site.

Shiraike Jigoku features a very calm white pond and a small tropical fish aquarium. This quiet spot takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes to explore fully and enjoy. All five hells in Kannawa are very easy to visit together on foot. This makes the district perfect for travelers who have limited time in Beppu.

Visiting the Shibaseki District Hells

Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku are located about three kilometers from the Kannawa area. You must take a local bus or drive a car to reach them. The bus ride typically takes about five to ten minutes between the districts. Buses run frequently but you should still check the 2026 winter bus schedule.

Chinoike Jigoku is famous for its striking red clay water and ancient history. Read the Chinoike Jigoku winter visiting guide for more specific travel details. Most visitors spend about 20 to 30 minutes looking at the bright red pool. The gift shop here is also quite large and worth a quick look.

Tatsumaki Jigoku features a powerful geyser that erupts at regular intervals throughout the day. The geyser usually goes off every 30 to 40 minutes for several minutes. You might need to wait for the next eruption depending on your arrival time. This wait can add significant time to your overall Shibaseki district visit.

Plan your arrival at Tatsumaki Jigoku based on the current daily geyser eruption schedule. If you just missed the eruption, explore the nearby gardens or the gift shop. This entire area adds about 45 to 60 minutes to your total day. It is a great way to finish your Beppu Hells tour.

Winter Considerations for Your 2026 Trip

Winter is a truly beautiful time to see the rising geothermal steam in Beppu. The cold air makes the volcanic activity look much more dramatic and impressive. You will likely want extra time for photography during your 2026 winter visit. The contrast between the steam and the sky is perfect for high-quality photos.

Many of the hells offer warm and relaxing foot baths for all their guests. These are perfect for warming up your cold toes during the chilly winter months. Check the best foot baths at Beppu Hells before you start your journey. These baths are included in your entry price at several different locations.

Foot baths can easily add 15 to 20 minutes to each stop on your tour. Do not rush these relaxing moments while you explore the different geothermal sites. They are often a highlight of the entire Beppu experience for many international travelers. Bring a small towel with you to dry your feet after the bath.

Daylight hours are much shorter during the winter months in southern Japan. You should start your tour by 10:00 AM to finish well before sunset. This ensures you have plenty of natural light for all your holiday photos. Visit the Japan National Tourism Organization for more regional winter travel tips.