What is Bouzu Jigoku?

Bouzu Jigoku, or "Monk Hell", is a natural wonder that appeared more than 500 years ago, in 1498. It is a cultural institution that has been cultivated along with the history of the hot spring resort town of Beppu. As such, Bouzu Jigoku has also been designated as a Natural Monument of Oita Prefecture. Bouzu Jigoku (Monk Hell) received its name because the bubbles of hot mud that well up look just like the shaven head of a monk.

You can see the wondrous sight of thermal mud welling up from deep inside the earth at temperatures greater than 90℃ throughout the garden.
There is a delicateness to the spectacle of the thermal mud bubbling up and then these bubbles popping; and yet, at the same time there is also a strength that is the sensation of the earth breathing. The sound the bubbles of thermal mud make as they pop is considered to be quite soothing.
We hope you will enjoy Bouzu Jigoku as you stroll through its beautiful traditional Japanese garden, and the garden itself offers something new to see with every season.
Please relax and enjoy a quiet moment here apart from everyday life. Let this place bring renewed focus to your eyes, ears and mind.

INFORMATION

LOCATION

Address: 6-kumi, Ogura, Beppu, Oita 874-0842

Telephone: 0977-66-1581

Access:

Car
Exit the Oita Expressway at the Beppu IC and take Prefectural Route 11(Trans-Kyushu Highway) towards Kannawa / Beppu Kankou-kou, continuing ahead for 3 minutes.
Bus
Nearest bus stop: Honbouzu
Approximately 20 minutes by bus from Nishi- Guchi (Western Exit) at Beppu Station.

The thermal mud that wells up from Bouzu Jigoku is called "mineral mud" and the elements it contains have a beneficial effect on the body.
In order to properly manage sanitation for the mud bath, it is open only in the morning. For this reason, it is also known as the "phantom hot spring".

Hours:
approximately 8:15-12:00
Closed:
Every Thursday and January 1
Entry Fee:
Adult 900 yen Child 600 yen

◆ Notes / Cautions

  • Children younger than elementary school age are not permitted to bathe due to the strength of the minerals in the mud bath.
  • Do not use the mineral mud as a face mask. Especially, take care to keep the mud out of your eyes.

How To Take A Mud Bath

  1. Remove your clothes and place them in one of the lockers provided. Lock your locker and, using the wristband, place the key around your arm. Take the small towel and head for the hot spring area.
  2. Place your towel somewhere it won't get wet. Take one of the little tubs and use it to pour water from the hot water bath over yourself, rinsing yourself thoroughly before entering the bath. This is known as "kake-yu" and is the proper etiquette for preparing to enter a hot spring.
  3. Once you have finished rinsing yourself, enter the hot water bath and warm your body.
  4. Once you have warmed yourself, head for the mud bath area. Enter the bath slowly. The place with the handrail is the entry/exit. The mud makes the floor slick, so please grasp the handrail firmly when entering or exiting the bath. (Entering or exiting the bath in places where there is not a handrail is forbidden as it is extremely dangerous.)
  5. Soak yourself in the mud bath up to your shoulders. If you get too hot or don't feel well, exit the bath and take a break on the bench. If you sit on the bench, we recommend that you spread your towel out first and sit on that.
  6. Because the minerals in the bath can have a strong effect on the body, it is important to alternate between bathing in the mud bath and taking a break on the bench. Do this 2-3 times. We also recommend drinking water during this process to remain hydrated.
  7. Once you are done, return back to where you rinsed off with the hot water initially and perform "kake-yu" again, carefully washing away all the mud. In consideration of those who will come after you, please use the hot water to rinse clean the floor and surrounding area. Finally, enter the hot water bath once again and let any remaining mud float out from your pores.
  8. Please wring your towel out well and use it to pat yourself dry before returning to the locker room in order to keep the locker room dry.
  9. Once you have finished changing back into your clothes, please drink plenty of water. The mud bath consumes more energy than you might realize. Please rest a little before continuing on to enjoy your Beppu sightseeing.

Thank you for visiting!