SOCIAL MEDIA

5.20.2014

Japan Adventures // Hells of Beppu


As I am sitting here in Starbucks, willing myself to start studying for my last final tomorrow, I am definitely wishing I were back in Japan right now. I figured what's a few more moments of procrastination to show you another piece of our trip and fuel my nostalgia?

During our first weekend in Japan, we traveled a few hours by train with Dai's parents, sister, and brother to the Kyushu region. The particular city we stayed in, Beppu, was known for having onsen ryokans (Japanese style inns with hot spring baths) and also the "Hells" of Beppu, which are eight different types of hot springs that are meant for viewing rather than relaxing in. These "hells" are named in reflection of their extreme temperatures. We decided to take a guided bus tour that would stop at each hell and let us get off to take a look, because why not?
The little tour guide stood there and talked nonstop in Japanese as we drove from hell to hell, and then also led us around at each stop. The whole thing was such a hilarious and bizarre experience, and I loved it.
Dai's older brother and sister! It was definitely fun to hang out with them and get to know them better :)
Pictured above is the Oniishibozu Jigoku, which is named after the mud bubbles and said to look like the shaved heads of monks (haha).
This one is named Shiraike Jigoku, "White Pond Hell", because of its hot, milky water.

At one of the "hells," you could try a bit of the hot spring water, which is supposed to be good for your health. It smells like rotten eggs, which actually is what most of these hot springs smell like.
Here we have Yama Jigoku, which translates to "Mountain Hell." I bet you can see why!

At a few of the hells, there were animals to be seen in a small sort of zoo. We saw rabbits, miniature horses, peacocks, and tons of crocodiles. The crocodiles were definitely very creepy! They would just lay on the warm pavement, asleep with their mouths wide open. Some of them almost looked like they were dead. One of the stranger aspects of this experience!
Although I did not picture all eight hells here, this was the last one we visited on our tour! This is Chinoike Jigoku, "Blood Pond Hell" and is described on a travel site as "one of the more photogenic hells"(haha).
I may have to agree with them, as I think this was my favorite hell of all the hells! I mean, it definitely is a winner if I can get a photo like this ;)

Last random note: at a few of these hot springs, you can actually buy hard boiled eggs that have been boiled by the hot spring water. Supposedly the best eggs ever or something. What will these Japanese people come up with next?!

Okay, that's the end of my allotted procrastinating time, unfortunately. Hope you enjoyed your tour through hell (I'm really funny, right?).

Wish me luck and I shall be back tomorrow, when my semester will finally be over! Yay summer!


Kirsten Benham said...

I am glad you decided to procrastinate! This is such a cool post. Also that dude has the BEST shirt.

Kirsten | kirstenlearns.com

Z K said...

Hah, this is so cool! I love the tour of all the hells. :]]] Cute pony and peacock!!!

abby - little city adventures said...

Sounds like such a beautiful and strange and interesting place. Ha.
I remember seeing hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, I can still smell that rotten egg smell. It's definitely memorable. Hot springs and boiling mud are borderline ugly (partially from the smell) but somehow still beautiful! Thanks for sharing these lovely photos, I especially love the one of you and Dai ;)

Jess // Foreign Room said...

Hot springs in Iceland sound so wonderful! I would love to swim in some natural ones too that aren't so terrifying haha.

Jess // Foreign Room said...

Thanks, Z! An interesting experience, for sure!

Jess // Foreign Room said...

Thanks Kristen! Hehe I'll have to tell him he has a fan!

Jess // Foreign Room said...

I want to go to Yellowstone some day! I didn't know there were hot springs there. When I go I will definitely have to check it out!