Jingu Shrine & Amazing Hell Springs

Gain insight into the Shinto religion at an 8th-century shrine and observe two of the most spectacular thermal springs around Beppu. Usa Jinga Shrine is one of the oldest in Japan and is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron deity of war. The design of the shrine’s vermilion-lacquered main hall is a prototype of the Hachiman-zukuri style of architecture and is well worth exploring, as are the cultural artifacts in the shrine’s treasure hall. The thermal springs throughout Beppu may be even more visually arresting, especially ones such as Chinoike Jigoku. Also known as Blood Pond Hell, the spring is blood-red, a color that comes from the iron oxide in the water. If you wish, you can take a foot bath in the restorative waters. In contrast, the water in the nearby hot spring Umi Jigoku is colored turquoise blue. While there, you may see vendors selling pudding that was cooked in the boiling water.