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Japan's Oldest and Most Vivid Natural Hell

About this spot

As its name suggests, this famous site contains strikingly red hot mud and is said to be Japan's oldest natural hell. Historical records in the ancient text 'Bungo no Kuni Fudoki' reportedly describe it as a "red hot spring." The brilliant red color comes from iron oxide and magnesium oxide in the hot mud that continuously seeps from underground, dyeing the entire pool crimson. The dramatic contrast between the white billowing steam and the deep red pool is truly awe-inspiring. At the shop within the grounds, a famous souvenir called "Chi no Ike Nankō" (blood pond salve)—a skin cream made from this location's hot mud—is a beloved keepsake. As a National Scenic Area, this is the star attraction in the latter half of your hell tour.

Tips

It's about a 10-minute drive from the Tetsuwara area. An elevated observation spot within the grounds offers a panoramic view of the vivid red pool. The blood pond salve is popular and sometimes sells out, so purchase it promptly if you spot it. It's most efficient to visit this hell together with neighboring Tatsumaki Jigoku.