The nine hells of beppu

Beppu, located on the Japanese island of Kyushu, is the second largest producer of geothermal water in the world. Located in the same area are the Nine Hells or ponds that each has its own remarkable character and colour thanks to the variety of minerals in the outflows. These Hells are a popular tourist attraction in Japan but are little known outside of the country. Seven of the strange geothermal springs are located in the Kannawa area and are known as: Sea or Ocean Hell (Umi Jigoku), Shaven Head Hell (Oniishibozu Jigoku), Cooking Pot Hell (Kamado Jigoku), Mountain Hell (Yama Jigoku), Devil or Monster Mountain Hell (Oniyama Jigoku,) Golden Dragon Hell (Kinryu Jigoku) and White Pond Hell (Shiraike Jigoku).