Visiting Beppu in Oita Prefecture is a highlight of any trip to Kyushu. It is the hot spring capital of Japan, famous for the steam rising from vents all across the city. The main attraction here is undoubtedly the “Jigoku Meguri,” or the Hells Tour—a collection of seven spectacular hot springs for viewing rather than bathing.
However, for parents traveling with energetic toddlers or navigating with a stroller, the name “Hell” might sound a bit intimidating! Are these sites safe for little wanderers? Is the ground too uneven for a buggy? Can you actually enjoy the experience without constantly worrying about your child getting too close to boiling water?
The good news is that the Beppu Hells can be a fantastic family experience if you know which ones to prioritize. While visiting all seven might be a marathon for little legs, picking the most accessible and visually stimulating spots makes for a memorable morning.
For a broader overview of why this region is fantastic for families, be sure to read our pillar guide: The Ultimate Guide to Oita with Kids: Hot Springs, Sanrio Characters, and Safari Adventures.
In this guide, we will break down the logistics of the Beppu Hells Tour specifically for parents with toddlers, focusing on stroller accessibility, safety, and the best “Hells” to visit to keep everyone happy.
What is the Beppu Hells Tour (Jigoku Meguri)?
The “Hells” are natural hot springs that are too hot to bathe in. They bubble with mud, turn blood red, or shine a brilliant cobalt blue due to mineral content. The tour generally involves visiting seven different sites.
Five of the Hells are located in the Kannawa district (walkable cluster), and two are located in the Shibaseki district (about 3km away, requiring a bus or taxi).
The Toddler Reality Check
While you can buy a “Common Ticket” (pass) to see all seven, dragging a toddler to all of them can be exhausting. The path involves getting in and out of cars/buses and navigating crowds. For families with children under 5, we highly recommend sticking to the Kannawa district. This allows you to walk between the sites, use your stroller, and see the most impressive Hells without the logistical headache of moving to the second area.
Top Picks: The Most Toddler-Friendly Hells
Not all Hells are created equal when you have a stroller. Here are our top recommendations for safety, accessibility, and visual fun for kids.
1. Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell): The Best All-Rounder
If you only visit one Hell, make it Umi Jigoku. It is the largest and most beautiful of the group.
- Why it’s great for toddlers: The water is a stunning, vibrant blue that looks like the ocean (hence the name). The area is actually a spacious garden with a large pond where giant lily pads grow (in season, they are strong enough to hold a small child!).
- Stroller Access: Excellent. The paths are wide, paved, and mostly flat. You can push a stroller right up to the viewing deck of the hot spring safely behind sturdy fences.
- Facilities: There is a large, modern souvenir shop and proper restrooms with changing tables.
2. Oniishibozu Jigoku (Monk’s Head Hell)
Located right next to Umi Jigoku, this spot features boiling gray mud bubbles.
- Why it’s great for toddlers: The bubbling mud makes a funny “plop” sound and forms shapes that look like shaved heads (monks). It’s mesmerizing for little ones to watch the bubbles grow and pop. It is generally quieter and less crowded than the Sea Hell.
- Stroller Access: Good. The paths are paved and easy to navigate.
- Bonus: There is a very nice foot bath here (Ashiyu) where you can sit with your toddler and soak your feet.
3. Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Hell)
This acts as a “Greatest Hits” of the Hells. It has smaller versions of the blue water and the red mud all in one place.
- Why it’s great for toddlers: This is the most interactive Hell. The staff often perform demonstrations where they blow smoke over the water to make the steam rise dramatically—a magic trick that fascinates kids.
- Food: You can buy “Onsen Tamago” (eggs cooked in the hot spring steam) and steamed buns here. It’s a great snack stop.
- Stroller Access: Moderate. It can get a bit crowded, but it is accessible.
Hells to Consider Skipping
If you are short on time or your child is getting cranky, you might want to skip:
- Oniyama Jigoku (Crocodile Hell): They keep crocodiles here using the heat of the water. While animals are usually a hit, the enclosures can feel a bit cramped, and the smell can be strong.
- Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) & Tatsumaki Jigoku (Geyser): These are the two located 3km away. While the red water is cool, the extra travel time might push a toddler over the edge.
Logistics: Getting Around Beppu with a Stroller
Beppu is a city of slopes. The Hells are located uphill from the main Beppu Station.
Bus vs. Taxi
- Bus: The local “Kamenoi Bus” connects the station to the Hells (Kannawa stop). However, these buses can get very crowded with tourists. Folding up a stroller while holding a toddler on a packed bus is stressful.
- Taxi: From Beppu Station to the Kannawa Hells area is about a 15-20 minute ride and costs roughly 1,500–2,000 JPY. For the sake of sanity, we recommend taking a taxi to the starting point (Umi Jigoku) to save your energy for walking the gardens.
- Rental Car: If you are following a larger route, driving is the easiest option. Most Hells have free parking. If you are planning a wider trip, check out our 7-Day Kyushu Family Itinerary: Fukuoka, Beppu, and Kumamoto by Train to see how Beppu fits into a week-long schedule.
Steam Cooking Lunch (Jigoku Mushi)
A must-do experience in the Kannawa area is “Jigoku Mushi,” where you steam your own food using the hot spring steam. The Jigoku Mushi Kobo Kannawa center is popular.
- Kid Factor: Kids love putting the baskets of corn, sweet potatoes, and eggs into the steam chambers (with help!). It’s healthy, plain food that even picky eaters usually accept.
- Wait Times: It is very popular. Go early (around 11:00 AM) to avoid long waits with hungry children.
Where to Stay: The Ultimate Family Base
After a day of walking around steamy gardens, you want a hotel that caters to children. In Beppu, there is one clear winner for families.
Suginoi Hotel Beppu Review: The Ultimate Family Stay in Kyushu
The Suginoi Hotel is essentially a resort theme park. It features the “Aqua Garden” (an outdoor hot spring where you wear swimsuits—perfect for families to bathe together), a massive buffet that kids adore, and a bowling alley. It creates a perfect balance: you get the cultural experience of the Hells during the day, and the kids get pool time in the evening.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with the Hells
If the Hells Tour only takes up your morning, Oita Prefecture has plenty more to offer energetic toddlers.
African Safari
Located a short bus or drive from the Beppu Hells area is one of Kyushu’s best animal parks. You can feed lions and elephants from a caged “Jungle Bus.” It is a thrilling experience that is completely safe for toddlers. Read our full guide here: African Safari with Kids: Jungle Bus Tips & Discounts
Harmony Land
If your toddler is a fan of Hello Kitty, this outdoor theme park is a must. It is much more relaxed and affordable than Tokyo’s Sanrio Puroland. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Beppu. Check out our comparison to help you decide: Harmony Land vs. African Safari: Which is Better for Your Family Trip to Oita?
Practical Tips for Parents
- Safety First: The water in the Hells is 98°C (208°F). Always hold hands. Most areas are fenced, but keep an eye on curious climbers.
- Bring a Towel: Almost every Hell has a foot bath. Bring a small hand towel for each family member so you can dry off easily after a dip.
- Hydration: It gets hot walking around the steam vents, especially in summer. Vending machines are available, but bring water for the kids.
- Stamps: Each Hell has a souvenir rubber stamp. Buy a small notebook or use the tour map to collect them—it keeps toddlers motivated to move to the next location.
- Shoes: Wear easy-on, easy-off shoes if you plan to use the foot baths.
Summary
The Beppu Hells Tour is absolutely doable with toddlers and strollers, provided you stick to the main Kannawa area (Umi Jigoku, Oniishibozu, Kamado). The paths are generally wide, the sights are colorful, and the availability of steamed snacks and foot baths makes for nice breaks. By combining a morning at the Hells with an afternoon at the Suginoi Hotel pool or African Safari, you have the recipe for a perfect family day in Oita.