Overview
Go far beyond the standard, crowded '7 Hells' bus routes and discover Beppu's secret geothermal underworld. Riding your premium, high-powered e-bikes, you’ll effortlessly glide up the steep mountain slopes to Myoban sweat-free. Led by an expert English-speaking guide, you'll gain exclusive access to forgotten 'ghost hells' hidden inside abandoned temple grounds, and learn the dark, gripping history of Beppu's ancient volcanic explosions. Complete with a famous local hot spring pudding (price not included), entry tickets to the stunning Umi Jigoku, and sweeping panoramic steam views, this experience seamlessly blends local flavours, hidden history, and active adventure away from the tourist crowds.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Use of TB1E e-Bike is included along with a clean helmet, bicycle lock, and fully charged battery.
- Admission fees for Bozu Jigoku and Umi Jigoku included
What's Not Included
- Snacks
- Meals
- Bottled water
- Alcoholic Beverages
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Nestled silently within the eerie, atmospheric grounds of an abandoned temple, this former tourist hotspot is now entirely reclaimed by nature. Despite sitting completely hidden from the public eye, its volcanic heart still beats, with scalding hot spring water visibly gushing and steaming out into the quiet forest air every single second.
Stop 2
A living open-air museum showcasing a fascinating, centuries-old form of volcanic alchemy. These unique, triangular thatched-roof huts utilise a specialised Edo-period technique to cultivate 'yu-no-hana' ('hot spring flowers') - highly prized, therapeutic mineral crystals naturally grown by trapping rising volcanic steam against local clay. Walking among these historic, steaming huts feels like stepping straight back into traditional, rural Japan.
Stop 3
*Food and Drinks not included* The ultimate culinary rest stop for regional foodies. Perched high in the sulphur-scented hills of the Myoban district, this legendary establishment is world-famous for its 'Jigoku-mushi' - ('hell-steamed') puddings. Handcrafted using the intense, natural volcanic steam of the local springs, this rich, velvety caramel custard offers a delightfully bittersweet treat paired with unparalleled panoramic views of the steaming valley below.
Stop 4
The original, historical 'Mud Hell' that tells a gripping and tragic story. Frequently bypassed by mainstream tourists who confuse it with a more commercialised site nearby, this powerful geothermic park marks the exact spot of a catastrophic underground volcanic explosion in 1567. The violent eruption entirely consumed a local Buddhist temple and its monks alive, leaving behind massive, roaring pools of boiling grey mud that still bubble with immense, raw power.
Stop 5
The undisputed, breathtaking crown jewel of Beppu’s modern geothermal wonders. Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, this magnificent 'Sea Hell' features a colossal, boiling pool of mesmerising, cobalt-blue water created by natural iron sulphate minerals deep underground. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped spacious gardens and dramatic plumes of thick white steam, it stands as the ultimate, vivid symbol of the city's volcanic majesty.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers who have difficulties riding or balancing a bicycle